Up for 'Adoption'

Bringing schools and businesses together is a partnership where everyone wins. Such is the philosophy of the Adopt-A-School program, which began in 1988. The purpose of the program is "to utilize the resources of the Blount County business community to strengthen and enhance the quality of education in the local school system."

Cindy Karnoupakis of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce helps coordinate the program and Dwain Pesterfield is the business coordinator. The opening meeting for school representatives and business sponsors was held Sept. 26 at the Blount County Chamber of Commerce.

Special speakers at the meeting included Doris Brown of Alcoa Tenn Federal Credit Union, Fred Goins of Carpenters Middle School and Robin Spears of Alcoa Middle Schools. Several other school and business representatives shared ideas and thoughts on programs and sponsorships.

Karnoupakis has a few schools that are in need of a sponsor and others that could use a second sponsor. To sign up or ask for additional information on the program, call or email Cindy Karnoupakis at 865-273-1207 or
ckarnoupakis@blountchamber.com.