Perma-Fix awards scholarships from Roane Chamber high school career day

The third annual Perma-Fix Career Day Scholarships have been awarded to a graduate from each of the five Roane County high schools. The students receiving the $250 scholarships applied for them during their junior year while participating in the High School Career Day, sponsored by the Roane County Chamber of Commerce.

The five graduating students receiving the Perma-Fix Scholarships this year are David “Tre” Pack, Harriman High; Patricia Howe, Midway High; Charlee Lee Roberts, Oliver Springs High, Eric Luffman, Roane-Kingston County High; and Kelsey Legg, Rockwood High. They all attended the Chamber’s 2011 Career Day.

“We want to encourage and help students to continue their education after high school,” said Kenyon Mee, facility manager for Diversified Scientific Services Inc., a subsidiary of Perma-Fix Environmental Services in Kingston. “To have a chance of winning the scholarship, a student at the career day has to visit the Perma-Fix table and complete an entry form. They must indicate on the entry form that they plan to seek postsecondary education by attending college, a technical center or taking workforce training courses.

“We have another five seniors who will receive Perma-Fix Scholarships next year as a result of their participation in this year’s career day. The names will be announced next year when the students are graduating,” said Mee.

“Companies like Perma-Fix support the career fair because they know how important it is for students to continue their education after high school,” said Allen Lutz, education and workforce development specialist for the Roane Alliance. “Our graduating students need additional education and skills necessary for them to be employable and competitive in the global economy. Either a two- or four-year college degree, or vocational training that earns a marketable skill or certification is needed in today’s labor market.”

Each year, more than 500 Roane County juniors attend the Chamber’s Career Day.

The career fair is possible because of the combined support of The Roane Alliance, Roane County Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, Roane County Schools, Roane State Community College, the Tennessee Technology Center at Harriman, and the many businesses that participate. The career day is a part of the Alliance’s Education Matters! Initiative.

The Chamber is a partner in The Roane Alliance—Roane County’s economic development organization. The partners who operate under the Alliance umbrella along with the Chamber include the Industrial Development Board and Visitors Bureau.