ETSU Upward Bound

Last night on the campus of ETSU, the ETSU Upward Bound program celebrated the accomplishments of our 2026 graduating class at our Sash Ceremony. We are excited to see what the future holds for each of these young, amazing, and talented students. We are proud of each of you and we wish only the best for each of you. A shoutout to our bridge supervisor Amanda Worley for her leadership with this group this year.

Congratulations to the ETSU Academic Team for their runner-up finish in the regional competition held in Atlanta, GA. The entire team did an outstanding job and worked hard throughout the year to get to this point. We would like to give a special shoutout and thanks to our three seniors (Shaylee Mathes, Cooper Curtis, and Abby Bucknell) for the time and commitment that each of you has invested into the team throughout the years. We are proud of each member of the team. We also would like to thank Jessi Nicely for her time coaching the team and Emily Grater for helping to chaperone the state and regional tournaments and for being the best navigator around.

The ETSU Upward Bound program can’t wait to see our new students and their parents, guardians, and families for the new student parent meeting tomorrow evening Tuesday, April 21. We hope that parents/guardians will leave with a better understanding of the program and their questions answered. If you have any questions please call 423-439-5619. We look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

ETSU Upward Bound students spent the day volunteering at three different locations across the area. Bays Mountain in Kingsport, Habitat for Humanity in Johnson City, and Helping Others in Mountain City. Thank you to all the students and staff who gave a Saturday to assist these organizations. Also, a huge thank you to these organizations for what they do for our communities. ETSU Upward Bound giving back! Always great to see young people giving back to their community.

Saturday, Tusculum University hosted the celebration of National Trio day on their campus. As part of the celebration, they hosted the annual student academic competitions. For the second consecutive year, the ETSU Upward Bound program is the Scholar’s Bowl champion!!! Team members include Shaylee Mathes, Cooper Curtis, Sebastian Morgan, and Abby Bucknell. Cooper also was recognized as the most outstanding individual player of the tournament. Four other UB students participated in Trio Day by attending workshops and taking a campus tour. Those participating were Ally Disoso, September Dejoode, Savanna Dejoode, and Shay Simerly. Congratulations to the scholar’s bowl team on their championship and we wish them luck as they prepare for regionals. Special thanks to the Tusculum Trio staff for hosting an exceptional day of activities and Jessi Nicely for coaching the scholar’s bowl team and Emily Grater for assisting.

Late posting but ETSU Upward Bound students at Happy Valley took first place in their robotics competition back in October. Pictured: Arwen Ganious, Tyler Bailey, and Hayden Decker. Not pictured Donley Malone. I personally know that this group puts in tireless hours preparing for competition. Good luck to them as they prepare for state competition. UB students continue to thrive and excel inside and outside the classroom. We are very proud of you all and keep up the great work!

ETSU Upward Bound is represented this week in Gatlinburg by Aiden Danner (Hampton) and Jaxson Law’s (Happy Valley). They were selected as All-East in band and will be performing this weekend at the Park Vista and Glenstone Lodge in Gatlinburg. Congratulations Aiden and Jaxson! Outstanding students in the classroom and taking their talents outside the classroom and being recognized for their excellence and hard work. We are proud of you guys and wish you and everyone performing this weekend sweet and melodious sounds.

ETSU Upward Bound is proud to announce Dani Lingerfelt as the recipient of the SAEOPP Scholarship that she can use towards her cost of attendance at Lipscomb University next fall. Congratulations Dani! We are all so very proud of you and know you are destined for greatness!

The ETSU Upward Bound SGA held their annual holiday party last night at Golden Corral in Johnson City. Fun and laughter filled the night and all had a great time. Much appreciation to Golden Corral for being such hospitable and amazing host and providing an excellent venue for the celebration. Thank you for the time and effort that each of you put in being a part of SGA. Also, thank you to the staff sponsor, Ms. Emily Grater, for the exceptional leadership and guidance that she provides.

This week the ETSU Senior Spotlight is Ms. Dani Lingerfelt from Happy Valley High School. Dani is very involved in her school, community, and Upward Bound. Let’s get to know Dani a little better.

Name: Dani Lingerfelt
School: Happy Valley High School
Career: Elementary Education
College Planning to attend: Lipscomb University or UTK
Extracurricular Activities: Volleyball, Key Club (President), SGA, leader of FCA, Sororal Sisterhood, CSI team, NHS, Upward Bound, and Upward Bound SGA
Hobbies: I love to read and cross stitch
Favorite UB Memory: Going to my job shadow site and getting to interact with the children there.
One piece of advice for a new UB student: To put yourself out there and make new friends.
Senior Quote: “Sometimes you gotta deal with the rain to get the rainbow.” Dolly Parton

The UB staff is so proud of Dani and will miss her and her involvement with the program. She is going to make an outstanding teacher one day and we can’t wait to see the excellent future UB students that we get from her class. Good luck Dani! We know you are going to do awesome!