People who had a way with words in the news last week:
“In two seconds, the whole classroom evacuated. … I mean, it was just hectic. It’s crazy.”
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga senior Luke Robbins on the report of an active shooter on campus Thursday. The call proved to be a hoax.
“Y’all gonna get paid. … Obviously, they’re gonna get their money, but the question is, ‘How are we gonna pay for it?'”
— Resident Blake Wright about Chattanooga police and firefighters, who packed a public hearing Tuesday about the mayor’s supplemental budget.
“We call ourselves a 14-year overnight success because now the industry’s really starting to recognize our product in the clinical space for physical therapists and trainers.”
Juvent CEO Rush Simonson, on the Ooltewah company’s rapid revenue growth from its platform that sends vibrations through the body to promote health.
“If we can’t trust you, you can’t work here.”
— Sequatchie County Director of Schools Sarai Pierce’s message to teachers following the arrest of a Griffith Elementary School teacher for allegedly striking a student with her hand.
“We are not the enemy. We’re not special interest. … Homeownership is important.”
— Jason Farmer, a home builder and developer, during a meeting of the Hamilton County Commission, which approved housing industry-back amendments to the county growth plan.
“The deliberate concealment of activities by fraternity leadership highlights the persistent nature of these behaviors.”
— From investigative documents on hazing in UTC’s Alpha Iota chapter of Kappa Sigma that left two pledges with burns. The investigation resulted in no criminal charges.
“So, when you look at the values of citizenship, courage, commitment, integrity, sacrifice and patriotism, all of those things to me are values that actually our country is founded upon.”
— Tom Mundell, new president and CEO of the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
“That is an opportunity that we haven’t been able to create in other Hamilton County schools that we really have an opportunity for here.”
— Hamilton County Schools Superintendent Justin Robertson on the new elementary school in Hixson. The school will partner with the North River Family YMCA to create a community hub.
“We teach students a lot about advocating for themselves, how they can use their voice for the positive. To see students actually take the lessons learned and use them, it’s very rewarding.”
— Principal Rashaad Williams on the opening of the new Tyner Middle High Academy four years after students walked out to protest the conditions at the old Tyner Academy.
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