The Shadow
Alleghany High School student Mackenzie Hepler recently presented the staff at Tractor Supply in Covington with the Region 6 2020 Creating Excellence Program Award.
These awards are presented annually by the Virginia Department of Education to recognize exemplary programs and partnerships that promote excellence in career and technical education.
Kelly Huff, director of Secondary Instruction for Alleghany County Public Schools, was on hand for the presentation.
“This award would not have been possible were it not for the hard work and diligence of the staff at the Covington Tractor Supply as they went above and beyond what could have been asked of them,” said Huff. “I cannot thank them enough as these partnerships are essential if we are to fully prepare our students for life after high school.”
“I cannot stress enough just how grateful we are to the staff at Tractor Supply, and in particular Kevin Johnson and Athena Chittum,” said Jackie Almarode, New Tech coach at Alleghany High School. “I cannot tell you how many times I sought them out only to have the first thing they asked being what could they do to help us. They were always there to make product recommendations, give us technical assistance and discuss ways the projects could be expanded.
“Whenever we had a question that they could not answer due to its complexity, they put us in contact with someone who could. This award is validation that education is rooted in the community,” Almarode added.
Three key students at Alleghany High School assisted with fostering the partnership with Tractor Supply.
Mackenzie Hepler, Alivia Hoover and Gabe Miller spent countless hours working with the staff at Tractor Supply to enhance their research and projects.
“We are so grateful to have the support of the Tractor Supply,” said Hepler. “They provided me with everything I requested from materials to suggestions to guidance to contacts.”
The Alleghany County School Board will recognize these students and the Tractor Supply of Covington during its monthly meeting in August.
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Alleghany High School student Mackenzie Hepler recently presented the staff at Tractor Supply in Covington with the Region 6 2020 Creating Excellence Program Award. In front, displaying the award, is Hepler. In back, from left, are Angel White, Athena Chittum, Jessica Dimaano, Abby Lodge, Ally Lodge and Kevin Johnson. (AHS Photo)
