WTCI Gives GoPro Camera And Training To Life Academy Students

  • Tuesday, September 9, 2014

The new class of the 100 Black Men of Chattanooga’s LIFE (Living in Full Expectation) Academy received a GoPro camera last Saturday, as a part of a PBS community engagement grant from WTCI. At the hour-long event, the class heard from Mayor Andy Berke on the importance of community service. In addition, the program welcomed twelve new members.

WTCI donated a GoPro camera and training to this year’s class. Antonio McMath, the LIFE Academy coach, has coordinated with several local high schools to allow the students to document a “day in the life” segment for a group project using the camera.

Paul Grove, president and CEO of WTCI, said, "As part of a station grant WTCI received for promoting the Ken Burns film, The Address, WTCI staff filmed people in the community reciting the Gettysburg Address. This grant funding allowed us to purchase a GoPro camera that we donated to the 100 Black Men's LIFE Academy for the students to use as they learn how to produce a film. We are thrilled to support the efforts of this organization to help strengthen positive academic learning, strong character and civic engagement." 

Erskine Oglesby, president of the 100 Black Men of Chattanooga and board member at WTCI, worked with Ann Cater and Jennifer Crutchfield at WTCI, to create this relationship and said, “I am proud of these young men and can’t wait to see what they create with our PBS station this year.”

Chattanooga's LIFE Academy began in August 2010 designed to build future leaders through academic and cultural activities and workshops. This program is supported by the100 Black Men of Chattanooga as a part of the "Mentoring the 100 Way…Across A Lifetime" philosophy.  The LIFE Academy coordinates a focused curriculum and controlled learning environment to build academic excellence, strong character and positive social skills through community service and team building.  

For information or to nominate a new member, contact Antonio McMath at 423 227-7152 or amcmath2376@gmail.com.

The LIFE Academy collaborates with businesses and civic organizations to teach topics emphasizing successful academic performance, character development, responsible decision making skills and community service to build a foundation for positive social behavior.  The program includes parent participation in the Saturday workshops to help enhance family values and strengthen the parent child relationship.

Past participants in the LIFE Academy experienced improved grades (they require quarterly grades report from the school) and improved social and responsible decision making skills according to their teachers, parents and family members. Five students graduated from the program, and high school, this year and all five are currently enrolled in college. This year the program includes students from Tyner Middle, Brown Middle, Tyner High, Central High, CSAS, CCA, STEM and Ridgeland High School.

WTCI supports education with free online resources via PBSLearningMedia.org, in the classroom, through professional development opportunities and with partnerships that emphasize exploration through the quality, trusted content created through the national PBS network.

Student Scene
GNTC Basic POST Certification Class Graduation Held March 26
  • 3/28/2024

Friends, family and the community gathered in the Conference Center at Georgia Northwestern Technical College’s Gordon County Campus in Calhoun on Tuesday to honor 13 students graduating from ... more

UTC Recognized As Military Friendly School
  • 3/28/2024

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has been designated a military-friendly and military spouse-friendly school by Military Friendly, a national veterans organization. UTC received ... more

Tyner High Class Of 1964 Planning 60th Reunion
  • 3/26/2024

The Tyner High School Class of 1964 is planning its 60th Reunion. The planning committee includes Margaret Inglis Officer, Jody Weller Brooks, Shirley Smith Richardson, Janice Ray White, Elaine ... more