Central High School took center stage at Fountain City Town Hall Feb. 12, as students and educators showed what it means to be “Central Proud” and “Fountain City Strong.”
The evening was highlighted by Central’s Acapella Choir performing several tunes complete with choreography. The choir, directed by Matt Parks, is one of five choirs at Central.
Central media specialist Sarah Ramsey spoke about the school’s focus on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math), saying that a diversity of activities and academics leads to well-rounded students. She introduced several students who excel in those areas, and each spoke about their experiences at Central.
“From these science classes, I’ve learned diligence, patience and problem-solving. I’ve learned how to fail, how to crash and burn and pick up the pieces of my pride and my sanity and try again,” senior Elizabeth Mitchell said.
Isaiah Carter, a student theatre technical director at Central, said his experiences have helped him land a real-world job in the field, and junior Abby White said dual-enrollment math classes have helped her better plan for her future.
Principal Michael Reynolds praised the work taking place at Central.
“Our kids have a tenacity, and if you take that tenacity and you point it in the right direction, amazing things can happen,” he said. “I want you to be the best, and I want Fountain City to be the best.”
Reynolds said Central doesn’t just worry about statistics, but opens its doors to all kinds of students, which is why Central has “the best (English Language Learners) program in Tennessee.
“Our best-kept secret is our great kids that nobody hears about,” he said. “The pride and tradition is here to stay because I want these people to come back and teach right here in Fountain City.”