Chattanooga, TN - Tyner Academy and Tyner Middle Academy, in collaboration with their student councils, came together to create a community service project in the spirit of the holiday season. The project aimed at providing Christmas meal bags to community members in need, an effort that exemplifies the schools' commitment to service and giving back.
“This project was handled by our students,” said Dr. Tiffany Earvin, Tyner Academy Principal. “I tasked them to come up with a service project and this is what they chose. I want them to appreciate all our community does for us and recognize that it is important for them to give back to those who give us so much. I am extremely proud of the work they’ve done and those we have helped this holiday season.”
Over 250 bags were assembled by the students and distributed to families in need at various locations around the community, including the students' selected elementary school, the Salvation Army, Partnership for Families, Children and Adults, and a women's shelter. The students' initiative was met with enthusiasm from their peers and community members, who were grateful for the generous contributions.
“It was exciting to be surprised every day by what people were bringing in support of this project, but also to see the faces of those receiving the bags,” said Chari Ryan, Tyner Academy Student Council President.
Students were responsible for the work of advertising the project through flyers and phone calls, garnering student body support, calling community partners, packing the bags, and finding families in need and distributing the meals.
“I appreciate our students and our community for stepping up and helping us accomplish our goals,” said Mariah Caldwell, member of the Tyner Academy Student Council. “I loved seeing our students and community work together for a common goal and good of others.”
The project also served as an opportunity for students to come together and to begin building their culture of One Tyner, as the schools prepare to merge upon the completion of the new Tyner Middle High Academy. The students were excited to see their peers and community come together for the good of others, and they hope to continue this tradition of service in the future.
“I think this project opened our eyes to what we can do when we work together. This is just the start to what we can do for our community in coming together as One Tyner,” Jamaree Jenkins, member of the Tyner Academy Student Council.
Tyner represents the spirit of true community schools where all students, families, educators, and community partners play a significant role in the overall success of the students and school. Projects like this create pathways for students to connect to each other, their families, their school, and the larger community. The students expressed their gratitude for the support their community has given them in support of their education. They look forward to continuing their efforts to make Tyner a school of service for all.