08/25/2026
On Friday, August 14, the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) Northwest hosted its 4th Annual Fish Fry Fundraiser in Newbern, TN, marking another successful community event in support of students and technical education. Thanks to the overwhelming support from our local communities, TCAT Northwest proudly reached its financial goal—selling over 600 fish plates—with all proceeds directly benefiting student programs.
Dr. Youlanda Jones, President of TCAT Northwest, welcomed everyone to the Fish Fry event. TCAT former student Adreana Gammon sang the National Anthem, and Dr. Jamie Frakes, TCAT
Vice President of Academic Affairs, delivered the prayer. During the program, Dr. Jones recognized Ms. Connie Hooper for her outstanding fundraising efforts and presented her with a
corsage as the event's top ticket seller.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Chancellor Award for Excellence in Philanthropy, delivered by Cris Perkins, Executive Director of the Tennessee Board of Regents. The prestigious award was presented to Leeward Renewable Energy in recognition of the company's exceptional commitment to supporting educational initiatives and student success. Matthew Turner, Plant Manager, accepted the award on behalf of Leeward Renewable Energy.
TCAT Northwest extends an enormous thanks to the many sponsors whose generosity made the event a success:
• Diamond Sponsor: Mars Snacking
• Platinum Sponsors: Batten Shaw Construction, Ermco, Hitachi Energy, Leaders Credit Union, Rough Country, and Tencom
• Gold Sponsors: Industrial Controls & Electrical, LLC, RESRG, and Victory Ford Dyersburg
• Silver Sponsors: Mayor Craig Fitzhugh (Ripley), Dyersburg State Community College, Magnum, Security Bank, Tyson Foods-Newbern, U.S. Industrial Machinery, and Vonachen Group
• Bronze Sponsors: Braganza, C&C Pharmacy, Charms, City of Newbern, Danfoss Power Solutions, First Choice Farm & Lawn, First Citizens National Bank, Ford Construction Company, Forked Deer Connect, Komatsu, Learning Labs, Inc., Leeward Renewable
Energy, LLC, Marvin Windows, NSK, Obion County Joint Economic Development Corporation, Reletech, Simmons Bank, Tipton County Government, and Turner Construction Company
• Alumni and Other Sponsors: Chandler Furniture Mart, Color Shop Restoration, First Community Bank, Johnson-Williams Funeral Home, Lannom & Haight, Attorneys at Law, Sinova Silicon LLC, Sleep Inn & Suites, and White & Associates.
We offer a special thank you to our additional donors for their generosity, which was key to the success of this event: Airgas, Burks Beverage & Broadcasting, Corinth Coca-Cola, First Community Bank, Food Rite of Newbern, Magnum, and the Tennessee Department of Correction Northwest Correctional Complex—along with many others who contributed to the silent auction.
Each year, our Fish Fry Fundraiser reminds us how fortunate we are to be surrounded by communities, industry partners, alumni, and friends who believe in the value of technical education,” said Dr. Youlanda Jones, President of TCAT Northwest. “The support shown through this event directly benefits our students and helps create opportunities for them to succeed in the classroom, in training, and ultimately in the workforce. We are deeply grateful to everyone who purchased a plate, sponsored the event, donated items, or volunteered their time to make this year's fundraiser such a tremendous success.
Finally, TCAT Northwest expresses its heartfelt gratitude to its dedicated faculty and staff. Their commitment, hard work, and behind-the-scenes efforts made this event possible and continue to
positively impact students every day. As the college celebrates another successful Fish Fry Fundraiser, it looks forward to continuing this tradition for years to come and welcomes the
community's participation in next year's event.
