YSI makes memories

‘Enriching lives through a hands-on learning experience ‘ creating memories that last a lifetime’ is the goal of the Young Scholar’s Institute. This years’ slate of activities certainly made memories for the 464 children attending the sessions.

Warren County is 200 years old this year, and YSI celebrated with two weeks of summer fun. Discovery teams traveled back in time and back to the future, digging up the past and retracing the footsteps of yesteryear.

Each morning started with guest speakers and performers. They included James Dillon, Royce Davenport, Andy Gay, John Pelham, Kevin Lawrence, Charlie Sewell, Kelly Walker, and the Barbersharps.

Areas of studies included health and physical fitness, communication and community workers, Native and African Americans, pioneer days, culture and industry, church and education, food, families and farming; rivers and wildlife and the Civil War.

Exciting field trips were incorporated in the learning process, with travels taken to the battlefields of Chattanooga, Gilley Pool, Pioneer Village, area historic churches, Cumberland Caverns, and other interesting sites.

A huge Bicentennial Birthday Bash was held the last day at Bobby Ray Elementary, with a birthday cake holding 200 candles, and a concert from the Silver and Gold Band. Students enjoyed educational rotations throughout the morning, with a tree-planting dedication ceremony held to honor Warren Countain and country music legend Dottie West. The entire group sang her hit ‘Country Sunshine.’

The afternoon activities included a concert by the Jim Wood Band, before being dismissed, after two weeks of fun-filled and educational activities. The Young Scholar’s Institute is directed by Carol Neal and Jimmy Haley.