Ayers Foundation hosts inaugural Signing Day in Johnson County

In a Thursday, May 7, morning ceremony in front of underclassmen and families, the 139 members of the Johnson County High School Class of 2026 were honored by the Ayers Foundation Trust. It was a first for Johnson County, as the foundation had expanded into Johnson County this school year. "No matter what path you are taking, you are about to start doing exciting things," Johnson County Director of Schools Mischelle Simcox stated. After a presentation of colors by the Johnson County Honor Guard with Elsie Clifton, Abel Johnson and Makenzie Dickens singing the National Anthem, those in attendance learned about the history of the Ayers Foundation Trust. This is the first year the program has expanded into Johnson County, which aims to give opportunities for students in rural Tennessee. Makayla Phillippi, current Mrs. Mountain City and Class of 2018 graduate, spoke to the students about the opportunities ahead and offered encouragement. Phillippii spoke about the value of four-year colleges, trade schools and community colleges. She spoke on the value of having a post-secondary education, giving statistics on how it can lead to being more employable in the future. "This is your life, you get to decide for yourself, Phillippi said. JCHS Principal Dr. Stephen Long said the Ayers Program has made a difference for the seniors in a short time and will benefit the underclassmen before they know it. "To our seniors, congratulations," Long said. "You have embodied our core values of respect, growth, community, teamwork and perseverance." Each present student was honored on stage and signed where they will be next year. Along with those who choose to enter the workforce after graduation, schools that the Class of 2026 will attend are as follows: Northeast State Community College, ETSU, TCAT Elizabethton, Walters State, Emory and Henry College, King College, Austin Peay State, South Dakota State, University of Pikeville, the Jenny Lea Academy of Cosmetology, Lincoln Memorial University, Waldorf University, BYU, Appalachian State, University of Tennessee and Knoxville, Palm Beach Atlantic, North American Lineman Training Center, the Tennessee Army National Guard, Milligan, the United States Air Force and the United States Marine Corp. Some of the Class of 2026's accomplishments under the Ayers Program are having four college and career exploration opportunities, completing 97% of senior meetings, submitting 95% of Tennessee Promise Scholarship applications (100% of eligible seniors), and completed 100% of FAFSA applications, a 30.1% increase from last year.