Sumner County Schools

Knox Doss SRO Lifts Student to State Title

Knox Doss Middle School Resource Officer, Darren Rager, not only keeps kids safe, but he helps them achieve their goals.

"When I was younger, weightlifting was a big part of my life. It was something I was passionate about."

Rager brought that passion into the halls of KDDC last school year when he started a weightlifting club for the students.

"I love it here. This is the community that I live in. Everywhere I go, whether that's Walmart or the movie theater, I see our kids. My kids attend these schools, and I thought starting the club was a cool way to give back to the community."

Knox Doss Seventh Grader, Emerson Tice, didn't hesitate to sign up for the weightlifting club after hearing about it from his friends.

"I didn't have anything else to do after football. I tried out for the basketball team and didn't make it, so I thought this would be fun."

That fun paid off when 13-year-old Tice qualified for the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) state competition and brought home three state medals. He competed in the 13–15-year-old category in the 148 pounds or below weight class. Tice finished first in squat and set a state record for his age and weight, squatting 303.5 pounds. He also tied for first place in the deadlift category and set another state record with a 341.5 pound deadlift. Tice came in second place for his bench press of 187.5 pounds. In total, Emerson lifted 832.5 pounds.

"He started lifting with me in sixth grade, and really gives it his all," Rager said. "I'm proud of what Emerson has accomplished."

Tice says he's enjoyed the experience because he's built more than muscle. He's learned life skills that will stay with him for a lifetime.

"If you want something you have to work for it," Tice said. "He pushes me during the workouts and helps me to achieve my goals."

The club works out after school in the weight room at Knox Doss Middle. Just like safety is an integral part of being a police officer, Rager said it's also a top priority in the classroom and the weightlifting club.

"A lot of kids want to go in there and see how heavy they can lift and that's not what we're doing here. You're going to get hurt doing that, so we keep the club small because we want to be safe."

Rager says he focuses on proper form and technique first and everything else falls into place. Demand for the club is strong, but due to the size of the weight room, the club is limited to a handful of students.

Knox Doss Principal, Dr. Mitch Flood said Deputy Rager goes above and beyond the call of duty at the school. He has revolutionized the weight room at KDDC, assists the football team with weightlifting and conditioning, and is never shy about pitching in when needed. In addition, he takes his job as a school resource officer seriously.

"I couldn't imagine Knox Doss without him. It's great to see the rapport he has with students and the difference he is making here. He does a tremendous job, and we are lucky to have him."

Before joining the Sumner County Sheriff's Office as a School Resource Officer, Rager spent a decade as a patrol officer and worked in specialized units including narcotics, vice and the bike unit with Gallatin Police Department.

"Police officers can make such an impact on kids and it's something I've really enjoyed. My main focus is bridging the gap between law enforcement and athletics," Rager said. "I enjoy my time at KDDC; I love it here. The administration is great, the kids are great, and the staff is great. It's the place to be."

SCS Students Selected for MTVA's Freshman Honors Choir

Fifteen Sumner County students earned a spot on the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association (MTVA) Freshman Honors Choir. The students secured their spot after auditioning against peers from across the mid-state. On January 19th, students came together for a day of rehearsals with guest clinicians and concluded with an evening performance for their parents and directors. Schools represented include Beech High School (Lucy Alegria); Hendersonville High School (Dr. Gary Wilson); Liberty Creek High School (Pam Andrews); Portland High School (Tara Carrick); and White House High School (Bethany Stepleton).

*Dr. Gary Wilson of Hendersonville High School served as chair of the SATB Ensemble

*Lucy Alegria of Beech High School served as chair of the SSA Ensemble

Sumner County Directors that serve on the MTVA Executive board:

• Megan Hester of SCMS Middle School Honors Choir Chair
• Lucy Alegria of BHS Solo and Ensemble Chair
• TJ McLaughlin of GHS President Elect

SCS Announces Employees of the Year

Sumner County Schools Director, Dr. Del Phillips, and other district leaders surprised employees who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Please join us in congratulating the 2022-2023 Employees of the Year:

Nannie Berry Elementary Attendance Clerk, Peggy Gigax

Portland High School Custodian, Bill Anglemyer

 Lead Educator, Heidi Sons

Support Services Head Custodian, Chuck Jones

Bus Driver, Rosy Anderson

 Supervisor of Federal Accounts, Rhonda Jernigan

SCS Students Selected for MTVA's Honor Choir

Sumner County students took center stage in the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association (MTVA) Middle School Honor Choir.

Students from six middle schools secured their spot after auditioning against peers from across the mid-state. Students spent the first semester of school practicing for auditions and prepared for the event by learning the selected repertoire with their teachers. Station Camp, Rucker Stewart, Portland West, Shafer, Liberty Creek and Ellis Middle Schools are represented. On January 17th, students came together for a day of rehearsals with guest clinicians. The event concluded with an evening performance.

Station Camp Middle School Teacher, Megan Hester, is the Middle School Honors Choir Event Chair.

Beech High School's Lucy Alegria is the MTVA Solo and Ensemble Event Chair.

Gallatin High School Teacher, TJ McLaughlin, is the president elect for MTVA.