Warren County High School has been recognized by the state for its partnerships aimed at providing students with a path to success.

Tennessee Pathways creates alignment between K-12, postsecondary education, and employers so students have a guided path to move into the workforce. The program is offered through the Tennessee Department of Education.

Warren County High School’s culinary arts and machine tool technology programs were both awarded Tennessee Pathway certification on Tuesday.

“It’s wonderful that the state is recognizing us, because these students really do work hard in both the classroom and outside the classroom,” said Megan Sager, who, along with Frank Horton, is an instructor over culinary arts. “They also offer a teacher coffee shop and we do catering when possible. They work really hard. In the lab, it’s a go, go, go class.”

The high school has agreements with Nashville State Community College and Sullivan University to recognize hands-on experience. Graduating seniors who opt to attend either of those schools will receive credit for having a certification in culinary arts.

“I’m trying to get these students ready for the workforce as soon as possible,” said Duane Dishman, instructor of the high school’s machine tool technology course. “Taking this course is a step that could get them into different careers. It’s a pathway to engineering, if a student wants to pursue it. They could be employed by a machine shop or machine repair business, or they could open their own shop. There are many possibilities.”

The high school entered into an agreement with Tennessee College of Applied Technology in August 2019 to offer the course as a dual enrollment partnership. Dishman is an employee of TCAT. If students complete two years at the high school level, they earn credit when they enroll at TCAT. 

All schools serving grades 9-12 in Tennessee were eligible to apply for certification and schools were evaluated through a rigorous application process.