Ten varsity rowers from Girls Preparatory School have been selected to compete at an international event, the 2018 X in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The team includes: (from left) Molly Ballenger, Olivia Evans, Lizzy Walley, Ellie Swann and (back row) Corley Compton, Allison Smith, Larkin Brown, Katie Nash, Ashlen Carroll and Rebecca Guhde. Photo courtesy of GPS. Contributed photo / Times Free Press.Later this month, the Girls Preparatory School varsity rowing team will compete at an international event, the Head of the Charles Regatta, in Cambridge Massachusetts.
The only school in Chattanooga to enter the competition, the girls will compete in the Women's Youth Eights on Oct. 21.
"Our girls will be racing crews from every corner of the United States - California to New England, Florida to Seattle, and everywhere in between," said David Hall, head varsity rowing coach. "Our athletes have been working extremely hard this season, with their eyes set on this opportunity since this time last year. The girls know the expectations that naturally come with a regatta like the Head of the Charles. I'm excited to see what they can do with their combined experience in one shell on an international stage like this one."
The school previously sent teams to the event, which began in 1965 in 2000 and 2015.
This year's team includes: Larkin Brown, Ashlen Carroll, Corley Compton, Olivia Evans, Rebecca Guhde, Katie Nash, Allison Smith, Ellie Swann, Lizzy Walley and Molly Ballenger.
CCA among state's top high schools
Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts has ranked the top 20th public high schools in Tennessee by Niche, a group that ranks public and private schools and places to live.
Out of 347 schools, CCA ranked in the top 20 across the state.
Niche's data scientists ranks schools according to grades data and neighborhood analysis, according to its website.
The top 5 public high schools in the region, according to Niche are: 1. Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, 2. Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences (CSAS)-Upper School, 3. Signal Mountain Middle/High School, 4. Walker Valley High School and 5. STEM School Chattanooga.
Bryan College ranked fourth in Tennessee
Bryan College recently ranked fourth in Tennessee for 2018 by College Consensus. The college came in fourth behind Vanderbilt, Sewanee and Rhodes College.
"This honor is very humbling for us," said Stephen Livesay, president of Bryan College, in a statement. "This is not only a testament to the hard work of so many, but also shows the relevance of our graduates as they begin their careers. They leave us ready for work."
College Consensus rankings are determined by averaging results from respected college ranking systems with thousands of student review scores from to produce a unique ranking for each school in Tennessee. Bryan College scored a 53.5 publisher score and 77 student score for a 65.3 College Consensus score.
"The blessings we are receiving come at a pivotal time for Bryan College. God has given us the means to provide new programs, infrastructure and equipment that will further our mission of educating students to become servants of Christ to make a difference in today's world. This is an exciting time for all of us at Bryan College," Livesay added.
National Blue Ribbon Schools announced
U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos recognized high-achieving schools across the nation as National Blue Ribbon Schools for 2018 last week.
Six schools in Tennessee were named "Blue Ribbon Schools" - Discovery School in Murfreesboro, Donelson Elementary School in Arlington, Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville, Lakeland Elementary School in Lakeland, Merrol Hyde Magnet School in Hendersonville and Scales Elementary School in Brentwood.
Eight Georgia schools were also received the honor - Austin Elementary School in DeKalb County, Britt David Elementary Computer Magnet Academy in Muscogee County, Heards Ferry Elementary School in Fulton County, Kittredge Magnet School in DeKalb County, Lake Windward Elementary School in Fulton County, Settles Bridge Elementary School in Forsyth County, Shakerag Elementary School in Fulton County Schools, and Simpson Elementary School in Gwinnett County.
The recognition is based on a school's overall academic performance or progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
"I'm pleased to celebrate with you as your school is named a National Blue Ribbon School," said U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos in a video message to the honorees. "We recognize and honor your important work in preparing students for successful careers and meaningful lives. Congratulations on your students' accomplishments and for your extraordinary commitment to meeting their unique needs."
Now in its 36th year, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has recognized more than 8,800 schools. Only up to 420 schools can be nominated each year.