The Holston Section has been fortunate to once again sponsor an Educational Initiatives Program in our region. It is the Holston Section’s goal to support and promote technical training for students, K-12, so that they may be inspired to pursue a career in a technical field. The issuing of grants to schools in the East Tennessee/Southwest Virginia region is an important part of the program. Grants are awarded to provide additional funding for math and science focused education. As in years past, these grants are being made available to fund or supplement projects that provide further student exposure to scientific and mathematical studies in the classroom where they would not otherwise be provided by the school system. This year, we were able to fully fund five grants. Winning applicants were:

• Karen Blevins of Lebanon High School
• Kimberly Hoffman of New Horizons Alternative School
• Darla Long of Thomas Walker High School
• Kathleen Osborne of Richlands Elementary School
• Natalie Pickett of Dobyns Bennett High  School

Congratulations to all our 2009 winners and many thanks to all who submitted proposals this year!