May 15, 2015
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2015
For more information, contact:
Amanda Shell Jennings
Moxley Carmichael
865-255-0661
West Greene High School students Erica Reynolds (left) and Devan Johnson (right) accept $1,000 college scholarships from US Nitrogen Human Resources Administrator Erin Chandler (center) at a ceremony at Brown Springs Church on May 14. As a “Partner in Education” with West Greene High School through the Greene LEAF (Local Educational Advancement Foundation) program, US Nitrogen sponsors an annual scholarship program that targets students interested in pursuing careers in science, math or environment studies.
Two graduating seniors at West Greene High School each received a $1,000 college scholarship through US Nitrogen’s annual scholarship program at a ceremony on Thursday, May 14.
“The recipients of this year’s scholarships are academically strong, as well as leaders in their school and as community volunteers,” said Erin Chandler, human resources administrator at US Nitrogen. “US Nitrogen is pleased to be able to assist two deserving seniors as they enter college in the fall. US Nitrogen believes in investing in the community and helping to prepare the next generation of our workforce.”
US Nitrogen began the program in 2014 and plans to offer scholarships to two high school seniors each year. The scholarship prioritizes students who are interested in pursuing a career in science, math or environment studies, but considers all applicants who meet the academic criteria. This year’s recipients are Erica Reynolds and Devan Johnson.
Reynolds is the valedictorian of the graduating senior class at West Greene with a 4.0 grade point average.
“She is the type of student that teachers love to have in class because of her sense of responsibility and maturity level,” said Richard Ripley, school guidance counselor. “Her academic preparation and ability will help her achieve any goal that she sets for herself.”
In addition to her stellar academic achievement, Reynolds participated on several athletic teams, including volleyball, basketball, tennis and track. She also was involved in various clubs, including serving as the secretary of the National Honor Society, the Tennessee Tomorrow Club and Student Council. She is a senior class officer and reporter for the National English Honor Society, as well as a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, First Priority and the yearbook staff.
Reynolds will attend East Tennessee State University to pursue a bachelor’s degree and seek enrollment in the pre-pharmacy program. She plans to apply to the Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy.=
Devan Johnson is ranked 10th in the class at West Greene with a 3.96 grade point average. Johnson received awards for his outstanding academic performance, while participating in extracurricular sports and clubs, including cross country, track and the Tennessee Tomorrow Club. As part of the track and field team, Johnson set a school record in the pole vault event.
He is a member of the National Honor Society and volunteers at Takoma Regional Hospital. Johnson is an active member of Bibles Chapel Baptist Church, where he serves in a leadership role as the discipleship training director.
“Devan is a young man who is thoughtful and considerate of other people and it shows in the way people around him respond to him,” said Judy Bible, assistant guidance counselor. “He is one of the most responsible young people I have ever worked with.”
Johnson plans to attend Walters State Community College to study business and pursue a career as a pilot for emergency medical air transport.
West Greene High School and Mosheim Elementary-Middle School are US Nitrogen’s “Partners in Education” through the Greene LEAF (Local Educational Advancement Foundation) program. In addition to the company scholarships, US Nitrogen employees have volunteered more than 50 classroom hours in STEM education and professional training.
About US Nitrogen
Located in Greene County, Tenn., US Nitrogen is a state-of-the-art facility that will produce ammonium nitrate for industrial purposes. US Nitrogen’s facility represents a more than $200 million investment in the Greene County community – the largest capital investment in county history. The company will provide more than 80 technical, high-paying jobs to the region. US Nitrogen LLC, is a subsidiary of Cleveland, Ohio-based Austin Powder Company, a global leader in industrial explosives used in mining operations around the world.
