Today, we are excited to introduce the fifth and final member of the Henderson County Schools Student Advisory Committee to the Henderson County Board of Education.
Ella Rhodes — Lexington High School
“Hi! My name is Ella Rhodes, and I am a senior at Lexington High School. I am a member of the Lexington Lady Tigers Softball team. I am Student Body President and a part of Student Ambassadors, Best Buddies, and HOSA. I am also a graduate of the Henderson County Youth Leadership Program. I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I am very passionate about anything I take part in and am very excited to be a part of this committee.”
We are proud to have Ella represent Lexington High School and Henderson County Schools!
Learning science takes on a whole new meaning when you can see it, touch it, and experience it firsthand! 🔬🌿
Mrs. Karissa White’s STEM classes have some very special new additions — class pets! Students riding the STEM bus and learning in our new outdoor classrooms have the opportunity to get up close with animals like Sable, a crested gecko, and Syth Erin, a rosy boa. 🦎🐍
And, as you can imagine, the students have been SO excited! From observing their behaviors and learning how to care for them to simply getting the chance to interact with these animals, the class pets are creating some unforgettable learning experiences.
These hands-on opportunities allow students to:
🌱 Explore ecosystems and the natural world
🔎 Develop observation skills
🐾 Learn responsibility and animal care
🧪 Practice scientific inquiry
👀 Experience science using all of their senses
Our STEM bus and new outdoor classrooms are designed to give students opportunities to learn beyond the traditional classroom—and Mrs. White’s class pets are a perfect example of that in action!
There’s something pretty special about watching a student’s face light up when they get to hold, observe, and learn about an animal for the first time.
We love seeing our students so excited to learn!
Today, we are excited to introduce the fourth member of the Henderson County Schools Student Advisory Committee to the Henderson County Board of Education.
Brady McEarl — Lexington High School
“My name is Brady McEarl, and my parents are Brandon and Reahnna McEarl. I enjoy playing football and being involved in Student Council. I also play baseball and am a member of Student Ambassadors and Beta. I have enjoyed being involved in different things during my time at LHS, and I look forward to serving on the Student Advisory Committee.”
We are proud to have Brady represent Lexington High School and Henderson County Schools!
Today, Henderson County Schools is proud to recognize the incredible technology professionals who work behind the scenes every day to keep our schools connected and our technology running.
From networks and devices to software, security, troubleshooting, and everything in between, our IT team provides the support that allows students and staff to do what they do best — teach, learn, and succeed.
We appreciate all you do for Henderson County Schools! Thank you for keeping us connected!
Today, we are excited to introduce the next member of the Henderson County Schools Student Advisory Committee to the Henderson County Board of Education.
Bella Jones — Scotts Hill High School
“Hey y’all! My name is Bella Jones, and I am a senior at Scotts Hill High School. I am someone who loves being involved, trying new things, and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. I’m passionate about serving my school and community and enjoy being part of organizations that allow me to grow, lead, and connect with others. I’m involved in FFA, including serving in a regional office, as well as Beta, FBLA, 4-H, Teen Health Council, Mu Alpha Theta, and Student Council. Outside of academics and leadership, I love staying active through soccer and tennis. Being involved in so many different activities has taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and stepping up when I see an opportunity to make a difference. More than anything, I love meeting new people, being part of a team, and making memories along the way!”
We are proud to have Bella represent Scotts Hill High School and Henderson County Schools!
Today, we are excited to introduce the second member of the Henderson County Schools Student Advisory Committee to the Henderson County Board of Education.
“Hello! My name is Martha Ann Evans, and I am currently a senior at Lexington High School. I am heavily involved in FFA, and I serve as LHS FFA President and West TN FFA Vice President. I am also involved in the Henderson County 4-H club and the LHS Marketing program. I have recently started tutoring third graders in the Henderson County Roar and Soar Tutoring Program. I also attend Union Grove Baptist Church with my two parents, Lane & Christy Evans, and two siblings, Wylie & Mary Lou Evans. I am grateful for this opportunity to serve on the Henderson County Student Advisory Board!”
We are proud to have Martha Ann represent Lexington High School and Henderson County Schools!
Henderson County Schools is proud to introduce our Student Advisory Committee to the Henderson County Board of Education!
Tennessee law requires local boards of education with at least one high school to adopt policies allowing a high school student to serve as a non-voting, advisory representative. This opportunity gives students a direct voice in conversations about school culture, policies, programs, and initiatives that impact them every day.
We are excited to have five outstanding students representing our two high schools:
Mayce Hughes — Scotts Hill High School
Bella Jones — Scotts Hill High School
Brady McEarl — Lexington High School
Martha Evans — Lexington High School
Ella Rhodes — Lexington High School
These students will have the opportunity to bring the perspectives, ideas, and experiences of their fellow students to the Henderson County Board of Education.
We are proud of these young leaders for stepping forward to serve, listen, and help make a difference in Henderson County Schools. We look forward to hearing their voices and seeing the impact they will make! Today, we introduce you to Mayce Hughes…
“My name is Mayce Hughes, and I am a senior at Scotts Hill High School! I am a part of the golf team there. I am also the Class of 2027 President, the President of HOSA, the President of FBLA, and I am also active in our school's Beta club! I am also a part of the Roar and Soar Tutoring Program where I tutor 3rd graders at Beaver Elementary School! Outside of school I am very involved in the community and I have over 400 community service hours.”
Here’s a look at a few important dates coming up this month for Henderson County Schools!
Be sure to mark your calendars and plan accordingly! We hope everyone has a wonderful September! 💙
Principal Pam Ujcich and Henderson County Schools are pleased to announce Madison Blankenship as the new Assistant Principal at South Haven Elementary School.
A lifelong Henderson County resident, Blankenship is excited to take on this new leadership role in the community he has always called home. He brings experience as an educator and coach, along with a strong commitment to working with students, families, and fellow educators.
Before joining South Haven Elementary, Blankenship taught at Scotts Hill High School, where he developed strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. He has also spent the past seven years coaching, an experience that has shaped his approach to leadership. He values teamwork, accountability, communication, and, above all, strong relationships.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to serve South Haven and look forward to getting to know the students, staff, families, and community,” Blankenship said. “I believe that strong schools are built on strong relationships, and I am excited to listen, learn, and work alongside everyone at South Haven to help our students succeed.”
For Blankenship, the opportunity to join South Haven is especially meaningful because it allows him to continue serving the community that has always been home.
“I am excited for what the future holds and grateful for the opportunity to serve the students and families of South Haven Elementary,” he said.
Henderson County Schools is proud to welcome Blankenship to this new role and looks forward to the leadership, experience, and dedication he will bring to South Haven Elementary.
Henderson County Schools Announces Dr. Lawanda B. Staten as Director of VPK
Henderson County Schools is proud to announce Dr. Lawanda B. Staten as the district’s new Director of VPK, Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten, a state-funded early childhood education program designed to prepare four-year-old children for kindergarten.
Dr. Staten brings 24 years of experience as an educator in the Henderson County School System, along with extensive experience in teaching, instructional leadership, school administration, and early childhood education. Her teaching background includes working with students in grades K–5, and throughout her career with Henderson County Schools, she has served in several leadership roles, including Academic Coach at Westover Elementary School, Assistant Principal at Beaver Elementary School, and Interim Principal at Scotts Hill High School. She also serves the district as an Early Childhood Instructional Coach, a role that allows her to focus directly on supporting early childhood educators and young learners.
Dr. Staten earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin, a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning from Bethel College, and an Education Specialist degree with an Administration Leadership certification from Freed-Hardeman University. She received her Doctorate in Education Leadership from Freed-Hardeman University in December 2023.
Whether leading early childhood initiatives, supporting professional learning, mentoring educators, or advocating for student success, Dr. Lawanda B. Staten exemplifies servant leadership and remains dedicated to transforming lives through the power of education.
Dr. Staten is incredibly excited and honored to begin a new chapter in her career as the Director of VPK for Henderson County Schools. This opportunity is especially meaningful because early childhood education has always held a special place in her heart. As a former early childhood teacher, she has experienced firsthand the tremendous impact that quality early learning can have on a child’s future.
She is excited to return to her roots in early childhood and use her experience, passion, and leadership to support young learners, empower teachers, and partner with families and the community to build a strong foundation for every child.
Dr. Staten and her husband, Eric, have been married for 28 years and are the proud parents of two accomplished daughters, Amber and Ashley. Their family’s commitment to education, faith, and service continues to inspire her personally and professionally.
Dr. Staten shared:
“I believe that the early years are the beginning of every child’s story, and I am honored to help make those beginnings meaningful, joyful, and full of possibility. As I begin this new chapter as Pre-K Director, I am excited to serve Henderson County’s youngest learners, support and empower educators, strengthen partnerships with families, and advocate for high-quality early childhood experiences that prepare every child for lifelong success.”
Please join Henderson County Schools in congratulating Dr. Lawanda B. Staten on her new role as Pre-K Director. Her extensive experience within our district, her passion for early childhood education, and her commitment to students, educators, and families make her a wonderful addition to this important leadership role.
Thank you to the Lexington Rotary Club for the invitation and for your continued support of public education and the Henderson County community. We appreciate the opportunity to share the great things happening in Henderson County Schools!
