Carter High School has a new principal – Brad Corum – and an active parent support group. It also has some distinguished alumni, like Alpesh Patel, owner and general manager of the Embassy Suites hotel at 507 S. Gay Street.
Carter High School, circa 1940. (from school website)
“We met to launch the foundation and Alpesh was there,” said Conley Underwood, who is serving as president of the group. “He offered to let us use the bar of its Radius Rooftop Lounge for a gala.”
Conley and Gina Underwood (Photo provided)
The immediate need for funds is campus upgrades including landscaping, he said. “There is a 50/50 matching grant available for up to $62,000,” said Underwood. “This campus needs a huge facelift. It looks like it did when I graduated.”
Gala tickets are $50 each with music, heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Ticket sales started this week and the gala is planned for Thursday, March 9, from 7-9 p.m. Info and ticket purchases here.
Underwood has been involved with schools since his daughters were in grade school. Both graduated from Carter High School. He pushed hard for construction of the new Carter Elementary School and was quick to say that it is now at capacity – 600 students.
“Mr. Corum has a vision for Carter High School and we need to help him,” Underwood said. Parents have disbanded the Carter High Alumni fund, and the golf tournament will be sponsored by the foundation.
Knox TN Today will help promote the foundation and the gala. Carter High School was founded in 1915 and hundreds of people have graduated over 100-plus years. We just need to find those folks and sell them a ticket. Stay tuned.
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today Inc.