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FHS teams head to National Science Bowl competition

March 18, 2026 by Tammy Cheek

After winning first place in the 36th annual Tennessee Science Bowl, a Farragut High School team will be heading to Washington, D.C., this spring to compete in the National Science Bowl competition.

“It’s awesome,” said their Science Bowl coach, Matthew Milligan, a FHS physics and astronomy teacher. “It’s great. It always feels good when they win.

“It was an exciting day,” he said. “They had several come-from-behind wins.”

Team 1, consisting of Sophia Chen, Ruhaan Singh, Nathaniel Williamson, Jared Li and Ethan Guo, won first place in the state Science Bowl, held Feb. 20-21, at Pellissippi State Community College’s Blount County campus.

“They beat out 59 other teams to take the trophy,” according to a press release. The team will advance to the National Science Bowl, which will take place from April 30 through May 4, in Washington, D.C.

Additionally, Team 2, consisting of Frank Yang, Roshan Ramanan, Arman Oguz, Stephen Xiao and Jason Jiang, won third place in the regionals while Knoxville Catholic High School received the Civility Award for “modeling sportsmanlike conduct,” the press release stated.

At one point in the state competition, “the two teams [from FHS] had to face each other, which was kind of bittersweet,” Milligan said. “In a way, it was kind of neat that they had competed with each other, but Team 1 eliminated Team 2 and [Team 2] got third place, so it couldn’t really have been much better than it turned out. I’m just happy for the kids … both teams played great all day.”

CAK announces top of 2026 class

March 18, 2026 by Staff Reports

Christian Academy of Knoxville recently announced the Class of 2026 valedictorians, Michael Bonanno and Cole Piers, and salutatorian, Brooke Atkins.

Valedictorian

Michael Bonanno

“Bonanno has distinguished himself through exceptional academic achievement, dedicated leadership and Christ-centered service throughout his high school career,” stated Christa Margene, CAK director of marketing and communications in a press release.

A National Merit Scholarship finalist, Bonanno has “maintained an almost-perfect overall average of greater than 99 percent throughout his high school tenure,” Margene stated. “He is an [Advanced Placement] Scholar with Distinction, a recipient of the College Board National Recognition Program Academic Achievement Award and has earned the Global Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish.

“During his time at CAK, Michael has received more than 20 Academic Achievement awards across a rigorous course load that includes advanced placement and honors coursework in every core subject,” she stated. “In addition, he has been awarded CAK’s Excellence in Character award for three consecutive years.”

Beyond the classroom, Bonanno serves as president of the National English Honor Society and captain of the Scholars Bowl team. He also is a member of National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Society and has served as a Student Government senator and a member of the CAK Chapel Leadership Team.

“Further, Michael will portray Caleb in this year’s spring musical production of ‘Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,’” Margene stated.

“An accomplished musician, Michael is a concert pianist who has earned superior ratings each year from the National Federation of Junior Festivals in the most advanced categories,” she stated.

KCS honors Teachers, Principals of the Year

March 18, 2026 by Staff Reports

Nearly 200 teachers and principals from across Knox County Schools recently were honored at the annual KCS Teacher of the Year banquet, held at the Knoxville Convention Center.

Recipients were nominated by their peers and selected using Tennessee Department of Education’s guidelines for Teacher of the Year. Teachers from every school and principals from every region were represented.

Among the 200, the following principal and three educators from West Knoxville’s Region 1 area were recognized: