farragutpress

Mechelke named new SJNCC principal; Derbyshire on campus

March 15, 2023 by Tammy Cheek

St. John Neumann Catholic School search committee recently chose Dr. Kelly Mechelke as its new principal.

She replaces longtime principal Bill Derbyshire, who last year stepped into a new role leading a strategic planning process for the parish and school and assisting with special projects.

“Bill, our loving principal of 14 years, will remain on campus serving both the church and the school with his many gifts,” SJN Church and School pastor, the Rev. Joe Reed, stated in an e-mail to parishioners.

“Our new principal, Kelly, brings her own gifts to help us grow for the next several years,” he further stated.

“I feel blessed that I will be a part of St. John Neumann’s team,” Mechelke stated in Reed’s e-mail. “I am looking forward to adding to St. John Neumann’s positive, faith-filled culture.”

“I know that she is eager to meet everyone,” Reed stated about the new principal. “Dr. Mechelke will be visiting SJNCS sometime in April and May. We will arrange an opportunity for the community to welcome her.

New date set for FHS ‘Decision Height’

March 15, 2023 by Michelle Hollenhead

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Farragut High School’s Admiral Performing Arts Company Lab had to reschedule its first spring performance of the World War II drama “Decision Height.”

The show will now be presented starting at 7 p.m. each evening, Tuesday through Thursday, March 21-23, in the school’s Vickie B. Wells Auditorium.

It features an all-female cast telling the fictional story of nine women who trained as fighter pilots in World War II.

The show is directed by senior Jasmyne Baker, and performers include Addison Garrett, Sheala Miller, Olivia Gnoth, Tiffany Guo, Ella Gruhn, Nika Ray, Jaclynn Robinson, Emily Maguire and Madelyn Henrie.

“This is the first year this class has been offered,” a school press release stated, describing APAC Lab. “It is an audition class. It is also student-run, with the help of (theater teacher) Dr. Anthony Wooley.”

Additionally, the class “is responsible for putting on three productions per semester,” but is only offered in the spring.