Jane Davanzo knows where she’s going. Well, following graduation from Farragut High School this spring, she headed to East Tennessee State University (ETSU) where she will major in construction management. But afterwards, look for Jane to head a major construction firm in Tennessee. Watch her reel here.

“Now don’t write that I’m going into interior design,” she said, eyeing my reporter’s notebook. “I’m going to build things. There’s something so cool about seeing (projects) rise up.” Jane has known her career path since seventh grade, making her a perfect match for the 865 Academies, an initiative by KCS Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk.

Now in her third year, Davanzo is the project manager for building two tiny houses that will be part of Hero’s Hill, an initiative by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs that will see up to 20 tiny houses with a community center constructed for unhoused local military veterans. Read about it here.

Richie Patton

Richie Patton, construction trades teacher at Farragut High, said, “Welcome to Farragut Construction.” He is proud of the work of his students, especially Jane. “She’s working nights and weekends to meet deadline.” Each student who worked on the houses signed a board or insulation with a signature, motto or favorite Bible verse, Patton said.

Each home is 240 square feet with living room/kitchen/dining room and a separate bedroom with a bathroom and storage. Think RV living for one. Appliances will include a small refrigerator. A computer lab, laundry facilities and meeting rooms will be located in the community center. The homes will require soft goods and utensils, donated by volunteers. Opportunities to donate are on the website above.

You are invited to come see these homes at a Farragut High open house from 4-5:30 p.m. Sunday, April 26. Use this link to register.

Dr. Edsell

Pulling this together is Amanda Edsell Ed.D., the academies coach. Farragut has four academies, each with four pathways. While there is some overlap, each high school’s academies are unique. At Farragut, each has a principal, all under executive principal Dr. John Bartlett.

Dr. Edsell was recruited by Bartlett for this position. She is certified as an English teacher and an administrator. As academies coach, she works with students, teachers, facilities and business partners.

Edsell writes: “I believe the pathway for student success looks different for each student. I pride myself on supporting students’ needs by utilizing all resources available. I believe my role is to guide students as they continue their journey to understanding the larger purpose of their lives.”

So, these are Farragut’s academies:

Freshman Academy – All first-year students are enrolled in an overview class so they understand the choices ahead. Also, freshman classes are held in one wing.

Health & Human Services – The four pathways are nursing services, therapeutic/ sport performance, dietetics & nutrition, and human & social science.

Agriculture, Construction, Leadership – The ACL Academy. Pathways are veterinary & animal science, horticulture science (there’s a plant sale underway), Navy JROTC (Admiral Farragut, get it?), and residential & commercial construction.

Business – with pathways business management, marketing management, accounting, and supply chain management.

STEM & Design – pathways are engineering, digital arts, cybersecurity, and advanced math & science.

Farragut High is an academic school with robust programs in band, choral music, athletics and more. So how do students juggle their schedule to add these academy courses?

Farragut students take four 90-minute courses per semester – eight each year. Students must take a minimum one class per year on their pathway – three total classes of the 24 slots available. Edsell explained that there is “an experience” attached to each pathway. Sophomores do a college visit; juniors have a work experience such as job shadowing; seniors produce a capstone project which could include work for pay.

Jane Davanzo, our senior project manager, said she went on-site during construction of the Smokies stadium where she met and talked with various professionals involved with the project.

“How nice to graduate from high school with a professional network,” said Edsell.

And Davanzo, captain of the lacrosse team, dashed off to catch a bus for an away game. Just another day at Farragut High School.

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