The 2026 Career and Technical Education Ambassadors from Grainger and Washburn high schools gather with members of the Grainger County Board of Education following their recognition Tuesday evening, February 17, at the Grainger High School library. Photo by Austin Dalton.
RUTLEDGE – Before the regular meeting of the Grainger County Board of Education on Tuesday, February 17, the spotlight in the Grainger High School library turned to 28 students whose work often happens behind the scenes but whose impact reaches across campuses and into the community.
During a special recognition held at 6 p.m., Career and Technical Education ambassadors from Grainger and Washburn high schools were honored for their leadership, professionalism and service. Board members were in attendance as the students were applauded by school officials, staff and family members. The upperclassmen were selected by their program teachers to represent each CTE program of study. Throughout the year, they serve as ambassadors to students, faculty, industry partners and the broader community. They assist with middle school outreach, CTE Showcase days, eighth grade night, freshman night, mock interviews, advisory council meetings and campus tours, while also taking on leadership roles within their schools.
“These students are the best example of what CTE embodies, skilled, professional and committed to serving others,” officials said during the recognition.
Grainger County CTE Supervisor Chad Tate delivered heartfelt remarks, emphasizing the importance of the students’ contributions.
“February is CTE Month, and that’s why we want to recognize this group of students,” Tate said. “But these ambassadors, I call them Amanda Johnson and Jill Denton’s crew, but really they do a fantastic job. It’s unbelievable what they do. We couldn’t do what we do in CTE without them.”
Grainger County CTE Supervisor Chad Tate delivers heartfelt remarks honoring student ambassadors during the CTE Recognition Night held prior to the Board of Education meeting Tuesday, February 17, at Grainger High School. Photo by Austin Dalton.
Tate reflected on observing the students in action during recent events. “If you could have seen what I watched many of these students go through last week, it was quite impressive with what they’re able to do, not only for themselves but for the school system and for CTE,” he said.
He also noted their outreach efforts and their role in promoting programs across the district. “One thing about CTE, this is what it’s all about. Every decision that you guys make, every decision that we make, it’s about the students. And these students have excelled tremendously,” Tate said. “I appreciate your support of CTE. We’re the fun side of school. Everybody wants to be in CTE. I say all the time. Thank you for all your support, and I appreciate these students that are here tonight and what they do.”
The recognition concluded with a round of applause and a group photo with board members before the official board meeting began. The following students were recognized as 2026 CTE Ambassadors: Blake Bishop, Marketing, Grainger; Nolan Wallace, Marketing, Grainger; Om Patel, Business, Grainger; Addalyn Larmer, Business, Grainger; Noah Johnson, CAD, Grainger; Colin Stout, CAD, Grainger; Ayla Grace Christian, Cosmetology, Grainger; Rosalyn Ramirez, Cosmetology, Grainger; Pyper Justice, Carpentry, Grainger; Clay Seals, Carpentry, Grainger; Meg Tanner, Health Science, Grainger; Katy Tate, Health Science, Grainger; Abby Sutton, Human Studies, Grainger; Tori Hazelwood, Human Studies, Grainger; Eli Morgan, Agriculture, Grainger; Destiny Davis, Agriculture, Grainger; Chloe Thompson, Automotive, Grainger; Hayden Long, Automotive, Grainger; Tanner Davis, Welding, Grainger; Joseph Lajuness, Welding, Grainger; Caleigh Cameron, Social Media, Grainger; Adylea Wallace, Social Media, Grainger; Colton Tora, Business, Washburn; Brenton Emory, Business, Washburn; Taylie Proffitt, Human Studies, Washburn; Madison Cupp, Human Studies, Washburn; Skylar Noah, Welding, Washburn; Levi Collins, Welding, Washburn.