​The Mountain Education Foundation is proud to announce the 2026 HHM Educators of the Year, recognizing outstanding teachers and school leaders across Signal Mountain’s schools. This prestigious award celebrates the commitment, creativity, and leadership of educators who make a lasting impact on students, their families, and our community every day.
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The Educators of the Year honorees were celebrated at the recent Too Busy Benefit and received a $1,000 award, courtesy of HHM.

“The MEF Educator of the Year Award honors exceptional educators who go above and beyond to support and inspire their students,” said MEF board chair Catherine Fore. “These individuals embody the dedication and excellence that define Signal Mountain schools, and we’re proud to recognize their impact and thank them for all they do.”

Congratulations and our sincere appreciation to this year’s recipients!

• Jennifer Johnson - Nolan Elementary
• Lauren Bratcher - Thrasher Elementary
• Shannon Roddy - Signal Mountain Middle School
• Anna Cat Shepard - Signal Mountain High School

“Mrs. Jennifer Johnson, affectionately known to her students as JJ, is a dedicated K-5 exceptional education teacher who consistently goes above and beyond for her students.

“Mrs. Johnson serves students with multiple exceptionalities and disabilities, creating an inclusive and engaging learning environment where every child is valued, cared for, and challenged. She holds high expectations for her students while maintaining a joyful classroom filled with project-based and hands-on learning experiences.

“Her commitment to student engagement is evident in activities like her weekly cooking lessons, where students develop life skills in a fun and practical way. She also leads a school-wide research project, Fat Bear Week, where students analyze and predict which bear in Alaska will gain the most weight during salmon season, fostering curiosity and critical thinking.

“Beyond her classroom, Mrs. Johnson partners closely with families, ensuring students receive the support they need to thrive. She is a passionate advocate, cheering on her students during Special Olympics and celebrating ‘Rock Your Socks’ week.

“Mrs. Johnson’s dedication to public education is truly making a difference, enriching the lives of her students and inspiring those around her.” Ashley Wilson, Nolan Elementary principal

“Mrs. Lauren Bratcher is a dedicated educator who exemplifies what it means to serve the whole child at Thrasher Elementary. She is deeply committed to the academic growth of her students while intentionally nurturing their development as kind, respectful, and well-rounded individuals. In her classroom, learning extends beyond content, as students are taught empathy, collaboration, and treating others with dignity.

“Mrs. Bratcher leads by example each day, modeling the values she instills in her students. She creates a classroom environment where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Through consistent encouragement and high expectations, she empowers students to achieve academically and grow into thoughtful members of the school community.

“Her dedication to fostering a positive and inclusive culture is evident in the relationships she builds with her students. She encourages them to see others as equals and celebrate one another’s strengths. This focus on character development, paired with strong instruction, ensures students leave her classroom prepared for success.

“Mrs. Bratcher’s impact extends beyond her classroom, contributing to a school culture rooted in respect, kindness, and excellence.”- Melissa Coffelt, Thrasher Elementary principal.

“Mrs. Shannon Roddy represents all of the best qualities we want for ourselves and our students. She is the epitome of a servant leader, always putting others before herself and leading with humility, grace, and purpose.

“As Mrs. Roddy transitioned to the role of assistant principal after serving as the school media specialist, she took on one of the most challenging responsibilities in a school - developing the master schedule. Through her thoughtful, strategic, and diligent work over the past four years, students now have greater access to courses and programs, dedicated time for their overall well-being, and expanded opportunities for college and career readiness.

“Her work behind the scenes has had a meaningful and lasting impact on both students and staff, ensuring that every decision reflects what is best for the school community as a whole. Beyond the logistics of her role, Mrs. Roddy models what it truly means to care for others. She builds strong relationships, listens with intention, and supports those around her with kindness and consistency.
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“Her thoughtfulness is an essential part of the culture of our school, and her leadership continues to make a difference every single day.” Michael Carson, SMMHS principal

“Ms. Anna Cat Shepard truly puts the word exceptional in Exceptional Education. She gives her all every day to create the best experiences possible for all students in our building, consistently going above and beyond to ensure every child feels supported, valued, and included.

“Through her passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment, Ms. Shepard works tirelessly to meet the diverse needs of her students while also fostering a positive and engaging learning environment. She builds meaningful relationships with her students, encouraging their growth both academically and personally, and helping them develop confidence and independence.

“By working to establish SMMHS as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, Ms. Shepard has helped shape the school’s vision for inclusion and belonging. Her leadership in this effort has created opportunities for students of all abilities to connect, collaborate, and celebrate one another in meaningful ways.

“This vision serves not only the students in Ms. Shepard’s class, but every student at Signal Mountain. Her influence can be seen throughout the school community, as she continues to inspire both students and staff to lead with empathy, kindness, and acceptance each and every day.”  Michael Carson, SMMHS principal
A special thanks to HHM for sponsoring this year’s Educator of The Year Award.

by Emily Harmon

The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) has long played a powerful role in shaping the student experience in Signal Mountain’s public schools. Now, as the organization enters its next chapter, MEF is welcoming new leadership.
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Ashley Hurst has been named Executive Director of the Mountain Education Foundation bringing with her more than two decades of leadership experience in marketing, communications and brand-building, along with a deep personal connection to the Signal Mountain school community.

Founded in 1991, the Mountain Education Foundation was created to help ensure Signal Mountain’s public schools could continue providing exceptional opportunities for students despite the evolving challenges of public education funding. Over the decades, MEF has grown into one of the region’s most impactful education foundations - strengthening classrooms, supporting educators, and expanding opportunities that enrich the educational experience for students across all Signal Mountain schools.

“Serving on the MEF Board gave me a front-row seat to the impact this organization has on our schools, as well as the many exciting opportunities we have to go well beyond where we are today,” said Hurst. “MEF was founded 35 years ago and has flourished through decades of visionary leadership and remarkable generosity. I’m honored to step into a role that helps support the students, teachers, and families of Signal schools while ensuring the entire mountain community continues to thrive.”

Hurst brings extensive global marketing and communications experience to the position. During her career, she has worked with leading agencies including Ogilvy and Golin and most recently served as managing director at Day One, a creative communications firm known for its work with some of the world’s leading consumer brands. She has also held in-house roles at Discovery Channel and Coach, Inc., building a career that blends strategic thinking, innovation, and leadership.

With a passion for creative storytelling, Hurst has led new business initiatives, built and managed global teams, developed strategic partnerships, and created award-winning campaigns that connect brands with audiences around the world. While much of her professional work has been at an international scale, she says the leadership values that guide her - strategic planning, strong relationships, and accountability - translate directly to the work MEF does at the local level.

As executive director, Hurst will work closely with MEF’s board of directors, school leadership, educators, donors, and community partners to support programs and initiatives that enrich the educational experience for students across Signal Mountain’s public schools.

She believes academics are the foundation of a strong education, but many of the experiences that shape students happen both inside and outside the classroom.

“A world-class education for the whole child means creating opportunities that help students grow not only academically, but personally,” she said. “Programs in the arts, athletics, leadership, and community engagement all play a critical role in developing well-rounded young adults who are prepared to thrive in the world.”

MEF’s board of directors expressed enthusiasm about Hurst’s appointment, noting both her familiarity with the organization and her deep personal commitment to the schools it supports.

“Ashley brings a unique combination of strategic leadership and genuine commitment to our schools,” said Catherine Fore, chair of the MEF board of directors. “She understands what makes Signal Mountain special and shares the community’s commitment to providing exceptional opportunities for every student. We’re excited about the future of MEF under her leadership.”

Hurst’s personal connection to education and the Chattanooga area runs deep. The daughter of Karan and Andy Stockett, she grew up on Lookout Mountain and graduated from Baylor School before attending the University of Georgia. After college, she spent years living and working in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City, gaining experience in fast-paced communications and marketing environments.

In 2016, Hurst and her husband, Zach, returned to Chattanooga with their oldest son, Jackson. The family ultimately made their way to Signal Mountain in 2020 as a family of five after welcoming two more children, Beckham and Hannah.

For Hurst, raising her children in the community where she now works has made the mission of MEF deeply personal.

“I loved everything about my education experience growing up,” Hurst said. “I took advantage of every opportunity and left nothing on the table, and it prepared me for so many incredible experiences. If I could do it all again, I would. Now, after many years away and finding myself in this special community with everything Signal Mountain offers, I know I can give my own children the same kind of foundation - supported by a community that truly invests in its schools.”

As MEF enters its next chapter, the foundation remains focused on strengthening partnerships, supporting educators, and investing in students at every stage of their educational journey. With Hurst at the helm, MEF aims to continue serving as a steady, community-driven force behind Signal Mountain’s public schools and the students they serve.

For more on MEF, including upcoming events and ways to support, visit www.meftoday.org.

The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) announced a historic achievement in its ongoing mission to support education excellence within the Signal community. Thanks to continued donor support, MEF will grant a record-breaking $625,000 to Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary, and Signal Mountain Middle/High School for the upcoming 2025-26 school year. This allocation marks a 7.11% increase from last year and equates to $230 per student.

Over the past seven years, MEF has made key strategic decisions for sustainability and growth, leading to greater investments in our schools. Annual grants to Signal Mountain schools have increased two and a half times, reaching this record-setting $625,000. Additionally, average annual fundraising has tripled, and the MEF endowment balance has grown sixfold.

Importantly, MEF operates with 0% overhead, ensuring that every dollar donated directly benefits students.
“We are thrilled to announce another increase in grants to Signal schools, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth! This is possible thanks to several milestone achievements in recent years, along with continued donor support from our community,” shared MEF Executive Director Hilarie Robison.

This year, MEF will implement a new three-part grant funding structure, designed to provide more targeted, equitable, and responsive support to the three Signal Mountain schools. The new process offers a balanced approach, supporting both school-level priorities and parent-identified needs, while also encouraging innovation through competitive opportunities.

School grants include two layers of funding, both allocated directly to school principals to support key school-level priorities:

Core/Salary Grant: A fixed amount of $155 per student, committed each spring. This funding provides dependable support for essential teaching positions and academic programming. These funds are not variable year to year and allow principals to plan staffing and resources with confidence.

Discretionary Grant: MEF’s remaining grant funds vary annually depending on contributions received during the year. Like Core grants, discretionary funds are also distributed per pupil and used at each principal’s discretion to meet additional school-specific needs. This flexible funding can support a wide range of programs and resources based on evolving school priorities.

In recent years, MEF school grants have been used to support staff and curriculum in areas such as STEM, Spanish, technology, tutoring, and academic intervention, resources not covered by public funding alone.
Additionally, MEF grants funds to PTA and PTSA organizations.

PTA/PTSA Grant: These discretionary grants, distributed per pupil, are used to support initiatives identified by parent organizations, in collaboration with school leadership.

This shared decision-making process ensures that MEF funding reflects the values and goals of the broader school community, including parents and donors.

Each school determines their own priorities and needs for MEF funding, submitting requests for how they intend to utilize their MEF grant funding to benefit students in our community’s aim for education excellence beyond what public funding provides. MEF does not dictate how schools should use the funding, and hence there are differences in what is funded at each school.

With a total funding of $625,000, Signal Mountain reaffirms its commitment to supporting the growth and success of our students. The MEF Board and staff extend a special thank you to our entire community for their dedication, which directly impacts our children’s lives every day. This funding helps further MEF’s mission to elevate minds, empower futures, and cultivate a thriving Signal Mountain community through education and resources that inspire whole-life success.

“We are honored to provide these resources to our Signal Mountain schools, thanks to the generosity of our donors,” said MEF Board Chair Doug Griswold. “The 150% growth in MEF grants since 2018-19 is truly remarkable and a testament to the strength of our community’s support. We are grateful for this continued investment in our students and look forward to expanding opportunities for them in the years ahead.”

by Emily Odeh

The Mountain Education Foundation’s highly anticipated 10th Annual Dash & Bash is fast approaching, and this year’s event promises to be the most exciting yet! Join us in celebrating a decade of community fun and support for our schools on Friday, April 11, 5-8 p.m., at the Signal Mountain Middle/High School (SMMHS).
This milestone year will feature new attractions, an expanded setup, and even more activities. Returning by popular demand, the event will include the Mountain Mile, a one-mile fun run through the SMMHS campus. The Bash community party will be bigger and better than ever, with new inflatables, a brand-new Bash Alley featuring over 20 exciting games and challenges, and a lineup of food trucks offering a variety of delicious options. Whether a returning participant or a first-time attendee, this year’s Dash & Bash is not to be missed.
Over the past decade, Dash & Bash has brought Signal Mountain families together. Casey Robertson, a local parent, shared how the event strengthened their connection to the community: “We moved having this vision of what Signal would be, a close-knit small town. One spring, MEF brought us together as a community through Dash & Bash. We went to the event, I volunteered, my family ran around with friends, and I left saying, ‘This is it. This is exactly what I expected Signal to feel like.’ MEF really builds our community through these events to support our schools.”

This year’s event will feature over 20 new interactive activities and experiences, student-hosted booths, and an expanded selection of larger and more exciting inflatables. Among the highlights, guests can enjoy balloon art, face painting, a thrilling bungee trampoline, inflatable axe throwing, obstacle course inflatables, bounce houses, and even a stilt walker to amaze and entertain! SMMHS’s theater group will also be bringing back the fan-favorite “Lockup,” where you can put someone in jail. Additionally, a petting zoo and various activities designed for younger guests will ensure there’s fun for everyone.

Attendees will be delighted by an increased number of food truck vendors, offering a wide variety of options, including burgers, barbecue, burritos, and desserts. Guests who wish to enjoy dinner with the community are welcome to attend without purchasing an activity wristband. Food vendors will accept both cash and credit card payments, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit MEF.

The MEF fundraising event lives up to its name, truly being a bash in every sense, with an estimated 2,500 attendees and 600 runners expected to register and participate. Dash & Bash welcomes all ages, skill levels, and abilities.

The generous support of sponsors plays a vital role in ensuring the event’s success. MEF actively seeks event-specific sponsors to cover event costs, allowing all funds raised to directly benefit our schools. In addition to event sponsors, MEF Annual Sponsors are essential to this support.

Since its creation, Dash & Bash has raised nearly $400,000 for Signal schools, with a net average of about $40,000 annually. Funds raised through the event contribute to the annual MEF grant allocations for Nolan, Thrasher and SMMHS. Each school determines how they will use its funding each year. Traditionally they have prioritized hiring staff for classes and needs not covered by public funding, including STEM, Spanish, tech/computers, tutoring, intervention, and more. A complete list of what is funded this year by donations to MEF is at https://meftoday.org/.

“The DAB is a wonderful event for the community to come together to have fun while supporting our public schools on Signal Mountain,” said Emily Cooper, one of the original organizers of the inaugural Dash and Bash in 2015. “It is like a big block party that brings us together as a community to celebrate our wonderful schools, amazing students and dedicated teachers. It is events like the DAB that make Signal Mountain such a great place to live and raise a family!”

Advance race registration and discount tickets and wristbands are available through April 6. The link for registration is found on the MEF website, https://meftoday.org. Early registration is $25 for the fun run. There is no entry fee for the Bash, though there are costs associated with activities. Wristbands for unlimited Bash activities can be purchased in advance for $30. Day-of prices at the event are higher.

Pre-registered runners can pick up packets at the SMMHS on Thursday, April 10, 5-7 pm. Race day registration is available with pricing increasing to $40 for all runners and wristbands. There are no refunds, and the event will be held rain or shine.

“We want everyone to come out, have fun and feel the spirit of our community. There is no entry fee to just come enjoy the huge block party atmosphere and have fun with friends. Running in the Mountain Mile, participating in the booth activities with a wristband or tickets, and buying food, all contribute to funds raised for our schools. Net proceeds from the event will directly impact the funding available for Signal schools next year, so we hope for a phenomenal turnout! If you’re not able to attend at all, you can always make a contribution at MEFtoday.org. An investment of any amount makes a difference for our nearly 2,800 children,” said MEF executive director Hilarie Robison.
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This 10th-anniversary event is a unique opportunity to celebrate and support Signal Mountain’s schools while enjoying an evening of community fun. Whether participating in the run, enjoying the festivities, or simply gathering with friends and neighbors, all are encouraged to attend.

by Emily Odeh

​The Mountain Education Foundation is excited to announce a new initiative in partnership with the PTA/PTSAs of Thrasher Elementary, Nolan Elementary and Signal Mountain Middle/High School. Our combined efforts are directed at a singular, powerful goal: to have every student sponsored. This initiative will significantly boost our support for students by streamlining contributions and reducing the frequency of asks for school needs, allowing us to focus time, money, and efforts on what matters most - our students.
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By “sponsoring a student” with a $50 monthly donation per student, we have the potential to unlock over $1.5 million for our schools. Our target is to reach 500 new monthly donors by December 31, 2024. As a thank you for helping us achieve this milestone, each school will receive $30,000 in bonus grants, in addition to $583,000 already granted to Signal schools for 2024-25, once the goal is met.

“There is a reason Signal Mountain has one of the most impressive school systems in Tennessee, and arguably in the U.S. - our community’s engagement and willingness to give our time, money, and energy. MEF is the cornerstone of what we experience here on Signal Mountain,” says James Story, an MEF board member and parent. “I believe it’s our duty as community members - whether parents, grandparents, or even those not directly affiliated with our schools - to support what makes this community great, which is deeply rooted in education. Sponsoring a student is just the beginning of how we can make a greater impact.”

Since its inception, MEF has granted more than $10 million, funded over 200 teacher salaries, and impacted more than 11,000 students. For this school year, MEF granted a record $583,510 to our schools, equating to $215 per student. These milestones only scratch the surface of what could be accomplished. Imagine the impact if all 2,800 students in our community were sponsored with a $50 monthly donation ($600 per year). We could raise $1.6 million for our schools, unlocking unprecedented resources and opportunities that will significantly enhance the education for every student.

Anna Branam, co-president of the Thrasher Elementary PTA, shares the substantial effects of MEF funding on her son’s educational journey and on the broader community. “Our son has benefited from MEF in many ways. He loves the project-based learning opportunities each year where they engage in special projects at the E-lab. For example, last year in fourth grade, they created a taco truck small business as part of their learning module. It was an incredible hands-on experience that made learning fun and practical. This year, thanks to MEF, students will get to spend even more time in the E-lab during related arts,” Anna said.

Anna’s appreciation for MEF’s impact extends beyond her own child. “Through my church’s youth group, I’ve seen the impact of MEF on young women in our community. Many of these girls were part of the IB Programme at Signal Mountain High School, a program supported by MEF, which challenged them academically and prepared them for future success. Many also benefited from the ACT Prep Support provided by MEF. The level of involvement our community shows to these students truly prepares them to thrive beyond the four walls of the building,” she said.

The unified effort between MEF and the PTA/PTSA showcases our commitment to being better together. MEF has the capacity to unlock funds at greater levels than PTAs alone, and this collaboration allows PTAs to focus on fostering community and engagement within their respective schools, with fewer requests to parents for small needs traditionally funded by PTAs. Each school’s PTA champions the priorities for their campus, including Teacher Appreciation Week, spirit and field days, sportswear design and sales, annual marquee fundraising events, and other school-specific needs/events. School principals and their PTA teams work together to determine priorities for their MEF grants. In the past, these grants have covered related arts teachers, tutoring/RTI/learning center, IB Programme support, technology, professional development, and grounds beautification and maintenance.

Tricia Henderson, PTA president at Nolan Elementary, underscores the importance of education in the community, saying, “Signal Mountain is great for many reasons, but the educational foundation it provides our children is paramount. The Mountain Education Foundation is instrumental in supporting and enhancing this essential part of the Signal Mountain experience, ensuring that our students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.”

Signal schools envision a future where every student is sponsored, and every Signal Mountain resident sponsors one or more students. This vision isn’t just about education, it’s about fostering a thriving, safe community that benefits everyone, whether or not they have children in the schools. Higher home values, a stronger sense of community, and overall improved quality of life are just a few of the benefits that come from investing in our schools. With no state income tax and some of the lowest property taxes in the country, Signal Mountain is an ideal place to make such an investment.

Hannah Silverman, MEF business sponsor and parent, shared, “MEF has significantly enriched my children’s education by providing advanced technology, essential supplies, and access to specialized programs that support their intellectual and personal growth. I’ve witnessed firsthand how MEF’s support positively impacts Signal Mountain students, creating a nurturing and stimulating educational environment. This support not only helps students excel academically but also fosters strong social connections and encourages them to become well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to our community.”

We invite every member of the community to participate in this investment in our future by sponsoring a student. Your contribution not only benefits individual students but also supports the collective success of our schools and community.

To sponsor a student and make a significant impact, visit MEFtoday.org or call MEF at (423) 517-0772 for more details.

Thank you to all our generous supporters who have made and continue to make a difference for every student on Signal Mountain.

By Emily Odeh

The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) announced an historic achievement in its ongoing mission to support educational excellence within the Signal community. With gratitude for donor support, MEF will be granting an all-time high of funding to Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary and Signal Mountain Middle/High School for the upcoming 2024-25 school year. Totaling $583,510, this allocation represents a 10 percent increase from the previous year’s funding.
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Of particular note is the remarkable growth in MEF grants to Signal schools. Since the 2016-17 academic year, MEF funding to these institutions has doubled, marking a monumental 100 percent increase. Additionally, the annual average fundraising efforts have nearly tripled during this period including the MEF Endowment funding, underscoring a profound commitment to education within the Signal Mountain community.

“We are thrilled that grants to Signal schools have doubled in the last few years - a 100 percent increase! This is possible thanks to several milestone achievements in recent years, along with continued donor support from our community,” announced MEF executive director Hilarie Robison.

MEF implements a two-part grant funding structure, aimed at maximizing impact and flexibility in addressing the diverse needs of our schools. Part 1 grants, totaling $420,670 ($155/student), form the bulk of MEF funding annually, and are designed to be non-variable, maintained at a constant level each year. Part 1 is not expected to increase (or decrease) annually and is committed to Signal schools in early spring so that principals can determine how to best use these funds at each school.

The principals prepare staffing plans and budgets each year, filling in gaps with their Part 1 grants from MEF. In the past, Part 1 MEF funds have been used to support various teaching positions and  curricula in STEM, Spanish, Tech/Computers, Tutoring, Intervention, and much more.

Part 2 grants, totaling $162,840 ($60/student for the 2024-25 school year), are granted for PTA/PTSA organizations to work in collaboration with principals to meet specific needs at each school. This second wave of school grants is variable and entirely dependent on the amount of funding contributed to MEF during the school year. In the coming weeks, school principals and PTA/PTSA organizations will determine how to best utilize this additional funding from MEF.

Each school determines their own priorities and needs for MEF funding, submitting requests for how they intend to utilize their MEF grant amount to benefit students in our community’s aim for education excellence beyond what public funding provides. MEF does not dictate how schools should use the funding, and hence there are differences in what is funded at each school. Both Part 1 and Part 2 funding is distributed evenly per pupil across all three schools.

With a total funding of $583,510, Signal Mountain reaffirms its support to educational excellence. The MEF board and staff extend a special thank you to our entire community for such stalwart commitment that makes a difference for our children every day.

“We are humbled and grateful to be able to pass on these resources from our donors to our Signal Mountain schools,” shared MEF board chair Dr. Cara Hennings. “The growth of MEF grant dollars to Signal schools in recent years is thanks to our remarkable community. Now that our endowment allows us to self-fund expenses, and every dime that donors contribute is passed on to benefit students, we hope for even greater growth and impact.”

by Emily Odeh

The Mountain Education Foundation (MEF) hosted its highly anticipated Celebration for Education (CFE) fundraiser and gala on February 3 at the Signal Mountain Golf and Country Club. The sold-out event at 250 tickets not only showcased the community’s commitment to Signal schools but also broke previous fundraising records with dollars raised and pledged that night. The online auction helped reach these new heights of success with a gross amount exceeding $41,000.
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Parents, grandparents, community leaders and friends gathered to celebrate the future of Signal schools, embracing the Sky’s the Limit theme. From the harmonious blend of futuristic and elegant decor to the diverse menu of delectable dishes, the event was thoughtfully orchestrated for an unforgettable evening. Guests were treated to the talents of live music performances by Moon Slew and Supreme Cutlass, providing an experience that complemented the evening’s celebration of education an d community unity.

The heart of the celebration lay in the program from MEF executive director, Hilarie Robison. Guests gained deeper insights into the mission and impact of MEF’s endeavors, and it was during this time that an announcement of a groundbreaking milestone achievement was made. Robison revealed that the MEF Endowment has surpassed the crucial threshold, allowing the organization to initiate an annual draw of earned revenue beginning this school year. This draw is poised to cover all operating costs for MEF, ensuring that every donated penny to the annual fund directly impacts Signal students and schools!

Established in 1991, MEF has continually played a pivotal role in enhancing educational opportunities for the Signal Mountain community. The lifetime impact of MEF includes an impressive array of achievements, from providing $10 million to Signal schools to supporting more than 200 teacher salaries. MEF has not only been a financial supporter but has also served as a thought leader and model, showcasing best practices that are often scaled and replicated at other schools after being proven with MEF funding.

Over the past five years, MEF has showcased its commitment to forward-thinking and strategic planning, resulting in remarkable growth and impact. It has achieved forward funding to raise funds in advance of promising them, as expected by grantmaking organizations. Grants to schools have doubled, and average fundraising has nearly tripled while the MEF Endowment has more than quadrupled. Also, assets have increased by more than 400 percent. This extraordinary trajectory has led to the milestone announcement.
“This draw will cover all operating costs, ensuring that every dollar donated to the annual fund directly benefits Signal students and schools,” shared Hilarie Robison. “This milestone achievement places MEF in the enviable and rare position among nonprofits, where every penny raised goes directly to impact students and schools.”

As the announcement echoes, “Every dollar. Every year. Every student. Forever. This is Signal!” The achievement proudly signifies 0 percent overhead and 100 percent impact, showcasing the unity and strength of the Signal Mountain community. Together, the community is achieving something truly remarkable: building a legacy of education excellence with MEF as the driving force behind expanded opportunities for Signal students.

by Emily Odeh

There’s much to celebrate as another school year closes for Signal students. Fourteen million dollars. That’s the amount of scholarship money (from many different sources) awarded to SMMHS graduating seniors.

Fifty-one. That’s the number of different universities those students will attend in the coming year.

Two thousand six hundred and sixty. That’s the number of students attending Signal’s public schools. Specifically 2,600 different personalities, needs, abilities and potential, all of which can be seen when reviewing the great things happening at Signal schools.

By the time they complete their journey through Signal schools, local students have had many years of unique, additional support and resources to help them succeed, thanks to donations to the Mountain Education Foundation (MEF). At this time of another school year drawing to a close, we celebrate the achievements of our children and all that is provided with private financial support.

Thanks to community investment in MEF, we celebrate these highlights for our students during 2022-23:

• 1,300 students in K-5 receiving Spanish instruction
• Technology support for 1,300 students and 250 teachers
• Technology capital investments at Nolan, Thrasher and SMMHS
• 362 students in grades 9-10 taking practice ACT exams and receiving individual feedback
• 500-plus students in K-12 receiving targeted, individualized intervention and tutoring
• 1,300 students in K-5 receiving STEM instruction
• Reading curriculum for K-5 students
• Scholarships for IB exams, technology student conference Girls/Boys State, and governor’s schools
• Professional development for K-12 administrators and teachers (coding classes and cool real-world skills!)
• Clubs, activities and classroom enrichment for K-12 students
• Materials and supplies for art, media and more for grades K-12
• Teacher appreciation activities for 250 K-12 teachers
• Consumables for eLab and robotics students grades 6-12
• 2,800-plus sessions of tutoring and related services for grades 6-12
• 20-30 volunteer hours donated monthly by students to tutor peers
• Three targeted classes offered for students grades 6-12: Academic Strategies, Organizational Skills, and Social Skills

Truly making a difference for Signal Mountain students, MEF shares two examples:
Carrie wasn’t sure about her future until she found support from “all the amazing people in the Learning Center. Thank you for helping me graduate! I never believed I could but you all stuck it out with me and I’m forever grateful!”

Gus was a new student in Signal schools and struggling to transition until he started working with the MEF-funded reading interventionist. “She helped me so much! She helped me feel comfortable and confident and find my place. I’m really thankful for how she prepared me for middle school!”
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Donations to MEF make a difference for children every day. Thank you for helping our Signal students soar!
by Hilarie Robison

What do the terms blockchain analyst, social media manager, content producer, user experience designer, telemedicine physician, cloud architect and chief listening officer have in common? According to Forbes, these are all highly-sought, in-demand jobs that are integral to the modern private and public sector landscapes that did not exist 15 or even 10 years ago. 

It isn’t any wonder that technology-based roles have grown into prominence, with technology - and more specifically, the internet - integrating into every aspect of our lives. The majority of these integrations have added positive value to our daily experiences, and so it follows for our children. If one of the purposes of childhood education is to expand the learning experience in a way that prepares our children to make the most of their futures, technology and STEM programs are critical components of the school day. 

And, according to the students attending the MEF-funded STEM, eLab, Literacy Lab and Robotics in the mountain’s three schools, they are also a whole lot of fun. 

Investing in these programs and educators benefits students today by increasing engagement with the traditional core curriculum, in addition to preparing them for the skillsets that colleges, universities and the workforce are expecting.

Through community donations to the Mountain Education Foundation, Signal Mountain can boast being one of the few communities in the county with a K-12 Tech and STEM continuation. Providing insights into a student’s typical tech-at-school day are Kellie Robison, Chase Woods, Ricky McEvoy and Rob Dodson - four local educators supporting our children in their explorations of tech-academic integration.

Chase Woods  |  STEM Lab - Nolan Elementary School
“What I do here is either go into more depth on what they are learning in their science block or I actually have the opportunity to show them. For instance, third-graders have the opportunity to conceptualize, build and test rockets. For several weeks they will be engaged with engineering, problem-solving, critical thinking and collaborating. In here, they have the opportunity to test out what is being taught. They can see science become real.

Fifth-graders have the opportunity to build circuit systems from scratch. They can try and fail and try again until they get it. That hands-on-learning is really important, as is seeing why something doesn’t work. Observing why something doesn’t work, brainstorming with others to test and re-test the solution is a vital skill. They are recognizing patterns, learning how to incorporate suggestions, and building confidence by applying what they learned.

Universities and employers are placing greater and greater emphasis on collaboration. With STEM Lab in these early years, students are introduced to the thought-processes that make collaborative projects successful - like active listening. You don’t have to agree, but if you don’t listen to your teammate, you might miss out on a perspective or insight that can lead the group to a solution. Knowing when to listen and when to speak up, how to test your ideas and see results in real time is valuable.”


Kellie Robison  |  Literacy Computer Lab - Nolan Elementary School
“I have been with Nolan 20 years and have seen an evolution of technology instruction over that time. When I began, the computer lab focused on things like typing, Excel programs, etc. We have since evolved into a literacy lab, with the emphasis on introducing our students to programs that will reinforce the Language Arts instruction they receive in their classrooms. One of my major roles is to help students, especially in kindergarten and first grade, navigate their Chromebooks and the installed programs. Reading Eggs and iReady are just two of the literacy programs that have been definite boosts in helping students increase literacy skills and concepts. The programs make these skills fun while also helping teachers identify each student’s strengths and areas where extra instruction might be necessary.”


Ricky McEvoy  |  eLab - Thrasher Elementary School
“I have been with MEF for 16 years and in that time have continued to support both Thrasher and Nolan with IT to their student technology and computer equipment. These past few years, I have also been using my time to secure grants that develop STEM and tech instruction and help outfit our eLab that opened in 2021. 

MEF supports me in my role of eLab instructor. The main purpose of the eLab is to build solutions and support learning that is happening in the classroom. The state and county have standards that all our students and teachers work hard to meet. In the eLab, I help the school stay ahead of the curve with various technology-integrated learning opportunities. The goal is not to just meet the standard, but level it up.”


Rob Dodson  |  eLab/Robotics - SMMHS
“I have been teaching STEM [eLab] here about six years. The role of this lab is for students to work through the engineering design cycle, which is really product-based problem solving. 

The biggest take-away that they can apply to other classes is the ability to work with other students. In traditional classroom settings, there is a lot of individualized learning. Certainly they have group work, where students might work on a math problem or history project together. But here it’s a little bit different when you are dealing with a product - what are you designing, how’s it going to work, how are we actually going to construct this thing in order to make it work in the way that we want it to? In eLab, or even on the Robotics team, they take the information or knowledge-base they acquire in the classroom and apply it. They also see how it is applied in the very technologies they are using to work through the design cycle.

In regards to the STEM or eLab, the county has funded the equipment. However, as part of our agreement with the county, MEF fully funds our consumables and other materials. We could have the best machinery and equipment in the world - and they are quality - but we wouldn’t be able to do much without these materials that allow us to put the equipment to use. The Robotics program is completely MEF-dependent. They fully fund the program, insofar as registration fees, etc … as well as materials.”
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by Corina Lopes

February is here - the month of love - and on Signal Mountain, we sure love our schools! We also love to see our money doubled, and that is the case for all donations to the Mountain Education Foundation MEF during the Love Our Schools $50K Match Challenge, which runs February 1 through 15, 2023.

Initiated in 2019, the Love Our Schools Match Challenge has become a highly successful component of MEF’s fundraising efforts to support Nolan Elementary, Thrasher Elementary, and Signal Mountain Middle/High School. In 2020, the campaign grew with the addition of effective volunteer-led efforts, including the popular “Love Your Pet? Love Our Schools!” pet photo contest and, separately, crowdfunding teams that engaged in friendly competition to raise funds for MEF, as well as outreach to grandparents. The 2022 campaign exceeded the goals of the match, raising a total of $60,000 for the MEF Annual Fund and $52,000 for the MEF Endowment, including the matching funds.

“By giving to both the annual fund and the endowment fund, we feel like we get the best of both worlds,” shared local parents Emily and Philip Lehman. “Our kids who attend Signal schools receive an immediate benefit, but we also like paying it forward for future generations. We give monthly to show our sustained support of MEF, and all that it does for Signal Mountain.”

Right now is an ideal time to give to MEF because ALL donations are doubled through the Love Our Schools $50K Match Challenge. From February 1-15, the community is invited to give to the annual fund to meet school and student needs now … or give to the endowment to bless our children later … or give to BOTH! All gifts will be matched: up to $25,000 for the annual fund AND up to $25,000 for the endowment. These matching funds are made possible by generous anonymous donors to each fund, with the goal to raise a total of $100,000 ($50,000 each for the annual fund and the endowment) in February through the Love Our Schools campaign.

“Clearly our donor base loves to have someone else match their contribution and double their money. We are very grateful that the match challenge is a successful motivator, resulting in so much generosity that benefits our children!” shared MEF Executive Director Hilarie Robison. “Donating to both the immediate, yearly needs through an annual fund and to the long-term sustainability of the organization through an endowment fund are equally valued and important to every nonprofit.”

Donations to the MEF Endowment are separate from gifts to the MEF Annual Fund. Annual fund donations are used to meet current needs and annual grants for Signal Mountain’s three public schools, including funding 15 teacher salaries and more not covered by public dollars. Funds raised during the 2022-23 school year determine the funding available for Nolan, Thrasher and SMMHS for the 2023-24 school year.

The MEF Endowment is an investment fund designed for long-term sustainability of MEF’s mission in support of Signal schools. Gifts to the endowment are not used for current school needs, but are invested for long-term impact and support. An endowment typically includes funds given to a nonprofit by donors who have stipulated as a condition of the gift that its principal may not be spent, and who expect that its value will increase over time. Hence, the MEF Endowment is invested for long-term benefits, with the earned interest income eventually used for the Foundation’s mission of strategic investment in educational excellence at Signal Mountain public schools. The MEF Endowment Fund has grown by more than 200 percent in the last four years, thanks to generous contributions. A growing endowment is one of the signatures of a strong and sustainable nonprofit.
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“I believe in Signal Mountain schools and the Mountain Education Foundation. MEF provides tremendous, valuable resources that are key to helping students succeed. Investing in the MEF Endowment means those resources will be available for generations to come,” shared the anonymous endowment donor.