25 years of YSI

By Margaret Hobbs

YSI student Hayden Carter takes a rather unorthodox swing at a croquet ball as Braden Fariss looks on, during this group’s trip to the croquet court behind the Blue Building. The kids had a blast playing the game on a beautiful summer afternoon.

‘Decades, Warren County and Beyond’ was an appropriate theme for the 25th anniversary of the Young Scholar’s Institute held the first two weeks of June at Bobby Ray Memorial Elementary.
A range of activities from the 1860s through the 1960s both delighted and educated approximately 350 youngsters attending the event. Outstanding students starting second grade through eighth grades are invited to participate.
YSI teacher and organizer Carol Neal said, ‘With YSI being a quarter of a century old, we continued the Warren County Bicentennial theme for the institute. We made a strong curriculum connection with the exciting hands-on activities and meaningful travel. Everything we did, had a association with the curriculum.’
The 1860s brought a visit back to Civil War soldier and cowboy times with a visit to a Warren County stable to learn the importance of horses during that time. Some students visited Cumberland Caverns, and learned the important role caves played for the Confederate Army during the war. Many also got to visit the Sam Davis home in Smyrna, learning about the southern legend and his family.
Thanks to Louis Tiffany, stained glass was very popular in the early 20th century. YSI students were able to feast their eyes on examples in the ‘Tiffany by Design’ exhibit at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts in Nashville. Other classes experienced the changes in America and Warren County through interactive activities and field trips to historic areas in the county.
The 1930s was a time to travel by train, with a group of students traveling from Chattanooga’s Grand Junction to the East Chattanooga Depot. A visit to McMinnville’s depot area included a visit with a conductor, tour of a train engine and a restored caboose.
It’s a relatively unknown fact that McMinnville had not one, but two bowling alleys during the 1940s. A trip to McMinnville Lanes proved to students just how much fun bowling can be.
The fabulous ’50s era of studies included a sock hop showcasing rock n’ roll music, and a trip to the Hot Wheels Skating Rink, blending the old and new together for a fun event. Students enjoyed ice cream sodas and experienced the tremendous patriotism of the generation.
The final day of the educational experience brought on a groovy, good time planned by the YSI staff in tribute of the ’60s. Students wore tie-dyed garments, flowers in their hair and love beads to help get into the spirit. Activities included face painting, bead stringing, period games, snow cones, ’60s cartoons and a rock n’ roll concert by Carrisia and Company. The concert was part of the Main Street LIVE! summer concert series supported by local sponsors and a Main Street grant.
‘What a great way to end the sessions,’ said Neal. ‘Carissia and Company were wonderful. The kids were down dancing and having the best time.’