Nearly 40 elected officials, businesspeople, higher education representatives and leaders in the faith community toured the Academies at Whites Creek High School Nov. 10. After an overview of the academies from Dr. Jesse Register, Jay Steele and principal Karl Lang, the large delegation split into three touring groups led by the school’s outstanding student ambassadors.
The groups visited an impressive laboratory in the Academy of Community Health, where students demonstrated projects and exercises at six different stations around the room. From veterinary science to phlebotomy to sports injuries, students demonstrated hands-on learning in the health science curriculum.
We also toured the Academy of Public Service and witnessed a mock trial, with students serving as the prosecution, defense, bailiff and accused. This academy also includes an innovative alternative energy pathway, in which students are learning how to make biofuel from plants.
After the tour, there were some excellent further questions from the group about how the Academies work. State Representative Gary Moore asked whether students could attend an academy out of zone (in most cases, yes, if they have transportation) and whether a student could switch academies (yes—once, after the sophomore year). Reverend “Tex” Thomas, pastor of Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church, praised what he had seen on the tour, and encouraged students to share their academy experiences out in the community. State Representative Brenda Gilmore appreciated the strong business community involvement and encouraged parents and the faith community to get more involved also.
We’d like to thank our elected officials who took the time from their busy schedule to see the transformation of Whites Creek High School firsthand:
State Representative Brenda Gilmore
State Representative Gary Moore
Metro Council member Frank Harrison
Metro Council member Walter Hunt
Metro Council member Lonnell Matthews Jr.
School Board member Sharon Gentry
School Board member Gracie Porter
Former Mayor Bill Purcell
The next Academy VIP tour is later this month at Hillsboro High School. For additional pictures from the Whites Creek tour,
click here. 
Student ambassadors lead a touring group that includes school board member Sharon Gentry, Chamber board member Ron Corbin, Bishop Joseph Walker III of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Councilman Walter Hunt and Councilman Frank Harrison. 
A student shows Teresa Broyles-Aplin, a Chamber board member and executive with NES, a biofuel sample made from plants in the renewable energy classroom. 
Student ambassadors lead members of the Chamber’s Education Report Card Committee and other community leaders on the academy tour.