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By Angela Cutrer

Star Correspondent

When the waters receded from Hurricane Helene, much of what was left was destruction, tragedy and mud. Even schools were affected, including Hampton High School, which lost an estimated $100,000 worth of resources for one of its popular programs.

However, one thing that remained in the area once the rains stopped was hope. After all, without hope, how will anyone find the strength to move forward? And when it comes to resilience and do-it-ourselves mentality, there’s nothing to compare it to the toughness, compassion and strength of those living in the east hills of Tennessee.

Officials, employees and customers of Citizens Bank of Elizabethton know that first hand, so it’s no surprise Citizens Bank reacted to a call for action to help local students.

It all led to a check for $50,000 to help Hampton High’s SkillsUSA and Technology Student Association replace some of what was lost to the waters.

Citizens Bank’s donation all began with a simple conversation. “[The board and other bank officials were discussing] efforts to help drive the rehabilitation of the Hampton community and the school due to the devastation of Hurricane Helene,” said Citizens Bank’s vice president of marketing, David Lane. “We knew we wanted to step up and help rebuild. We’ve been here for 90 years – through both the good times and the tough ones – so supporting this cause is our way of bringing hope, strength and lasting memories back to our neighbors, especially for the kids who deserve an opportunity to learn and develop the skills necessary to be successful.

“We want the community to know that this donation comes from the heart. At Citizens Bank, we’ve been part of this community for generations, and we’re committed to helping it rebuild and thrive. [But t]his is more than just a donation – it’s a promise to stand by our neighbors, support the recovery and invest in the future of our hometown.

“This community always comes together, and we’re proud to stand with Hampton. Together, we’ll make this community stronger than ever.”

In an initial fundraising letter asking for help, supporters noted that “SkillsUSA and TSA … are student organizations focusing on career and technical education, helping students develop the skills needed for successful careers in various technical fields. SkillsUSA prepares students for careers in industries like engineering, healthcare, manufacturing, and IT by offering competitions that emphasize both technical expertise and soft skills such as leadership and communication. TSA focuses on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), providing students with opportunities to participate in projects and competitions that promote innovation, problem-solving, and teamwork. Both organizations offer students valuable experiences that enhance their technical abilities and prepare them for future careers in their chosen fields.”

These two entities are student organizations with a proud history of competition success and a dedication to traditional neighborly relations. In the letter, officials said students and leaders “worked tirelessly from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day [after the hurricane], helping with cleanup efforts, distributing supplies, and providing assistance to families who had lost everything,” the letter stated. “Despite the challenging conditions, our team remained dedicated, knowing that our efforts were making a real difference in the lives of our neighbors. The experience not only strengthened our bond as a club, but also taught us the true value of service and resilience in the face of adversity.”

The students’ adviser, Philip Arrington, said the “…donation after such a devastating event will not only make a significant impact on the students in our program now, but will be a major benefit moving forward. I know these kids have been out during the devastation, working in this community, and it has been amazing to see how many members of the community have come to help our small school.

“Jason Lilley donated a fleet of DEWALT tools, JTB Construction donated money, numerous people have reached out trying to help,” he added. “The $50,000 from Citizens Bank will change this program for the better. We will be able to buy the much needed equipment we lost due to the flood, and even some equipment we did not think was possible to obtain.

“I’m so glad to see smiles back on these kids’ faces, knowing we will be able to attend our competitions. And I know we will continue to have success. I am so proud of all of my students and can’t wait to see how the year goes.”

The waters took away many of their groups’ resources and the following list highlights their losses:

• Alienware laptops: These laptops, used extensively in state and national competitions, were valued at approximately $4,500 each, resulting in a total loss of $36,000. They were instrumental in supporting students’ technical skills development and competition success.
• Workshop tools and supplies: The flood claimed a wide range of tools, including the following:

○  cordless drill sets – used for assembly and construction projects

○  digital/dial calipers – essential for precise measurements in engineering and drafting

○  table saw – vital for cutting and shaping prototype materials

○  mitre saw and stand – Used in electronics and robotic assembly

○  clamps, skill saw, jig saw, hand tools (e.g., wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers)

• Reference materials and curriculum resources: textbooks, rulers and scales, compasses, drafting paper, other consumables
• Completed projects and awards
• Battle of the Builds progress: Each year, students compete in the Johnson City Area Home Builders Association’s Battle of the Builds. This year the team had been working tirelessly for months on the design and the project for this year‘s competition. All progress on this project was lost due to the flood.

Because so much financial services were needed by the county after the flood, the financial uncertainty could have jeopardized opportunities for the students and could have hindered their ability to showcase their skills on larger platforms.

And it’s not just because of the loss of material items that these students asked for help. The camaraderie among the students is due to learning to work together on something bigger than themselves.

Wyatt Robinson, president of Hampton’s SkillsUSA and TSA club, said the program and these clubs have been an integral part of his high school experience. “Though my personal property wasn’t damaged by the flood, seeing all the hard work we poured into our program washed away was heartbreaking,” he said in the letter. “It’s a reminder of how much these clubs have shaped my life and the resilience we need to keep moving forward.”

Senior Will Cable feels the tragedy during his last year at the school has cast a long shadow. “The losses we’ve suffered as a chapter have left me worried about whether I will be able to make the most of this crucial final year,” he said in the letter. “Despite this uncertainty, I am incredibly grateful to [chapter adviser] Mr. Arrington. His unwavering support and steadfast leadership have been a source of strength for all of us, guiding us through these challenging times and inspiring us to keep moving forward.”

Senior Bryson Laws added that “being a part of these teams has taught me how to overcome challenges, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene,” he said. “My family’s home sustained only minor damage, but many of my friends and neighbors lost everything during this disaster.

“We will be using these funds for me and my fellow students to be able to go to state and national contests at no cost. We are all extremely thankful for all of the support from the community, especially Citizens Bank.

“Our club came together to volunteer and support our community. Yes, competing is great and we truly enjoy it, but I know now that we can come together and make a difference when it truly matters.”

 

NW1220 Citizens Bank donation

Photo Contributed
Representatives from Citizens Bank presented a $50,000 check to a group of students and faculty at Hampton High School in support of the SkillsUSA program. Citizens Bank employees Michele Williams (left), Drew LaPorte, and David Oiler (far right) participated in the presentation.