ETSU Upward Bound

The ETSU Upward Bound bridge students concluded their summer 26 program with a trip to New Orleans. While in New Orleans, the students had an opportunity to experience the culture and food of the region. Some of the sights and places that were visited included the French Quarter, Armstrong Park, the Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral, The Presbytere, Mardi Gras World, WW2 Museum, an airboat tour, plus much more. It was a great way to end their last summer as UB students. The UB staff would like to thank each of them for their time and effort while in the program and we wish you the very best as you begin your next journey. We will miss you and are still around if you need anything or just to drop to say hello.
Two of our students, Tyler Jordan and Jaileny Vasquez-Lopez will be featured on the NBC nightly news tonight at 6:30. Everyone make sure that you tune in and support them.

The ETSU Upward Bound program finished the summer 26 residential program with a trip to Chattanooga and Huntsville, AL. Students had the opportunity to enjoy, learn and explore the aquarium in Chattanooga including a catered dinner, the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville, AL, the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Lake Winnepesaukah, and a night at the movies watching Toy Story 5. It was a great way to end a fantastic summer. The perm staff would like to thank the summer staff and students for an amazing and wonderful summer. We hope that you enjoy the rest of your summer and stay safe. We can’t wait to see you in the fall!

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!