Chattanooga area students thankful for Tennessee’s Promise

Mackenzie Marr, right, and Lydia Brink take notes from a powerpoint presentation during an Anatomy and Physiology 2 class at Chattanooga State Technical Community College on Friday, July 31, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn. Mackenzie Marr, right, and Lydia Brink take notes from a powerpoint presentation during an Anatomy and Physiology 2 class at Chattanooga State Technical Community College on Friday, July 31, 2015, in Chattanooga, Tenn.

By Kendi A. Rainwater August 2, 2015 6 min read

Tekesha Thomas remembers the moment she first heard Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s promise.

“I heard it and cried. I literally cried,” Thomas said as she sat with her son at Chattanooga State Community College on Friday.

Thomas, a single mother, said she always wanted her son to attend college. She knew the doors it would open for him. The future he could have. And she worried for years that her limited income would bar him from the opportunity.

“Once I heard about the governor’s promise, I told my son, ‘all you have to do is graduate.'” Thomas said. “‘College is paid for.'”

Thomas’ 18-year-old son, William T. Williams, is one of more than 920 Hamilton County high school graduates eligible to enroll in college courses this fall with the Tennessee Promise.