‘From Here to Career Academy’ dedicated to 2 school leaders

RINGGOLD, Ga. (WDEF) – Catoosa County Schools leaders came together for the building dedication of their Career Academy. 

“Tuesday was an incredible day. It’s a day that we dedicate the Careers Building to two of our incredible leaders and who have meant so much to our community, and particularly to our school system,” said Catoosa County Public Schools Superintendent, Chance Nix. “That is our former superintendent Denia Reese, and our former assistant superintendent, Mr. Jack Sims.”

The From Here to Career Academy opened its doors in 2023. 

Catoosa County Public Schools Superintendent Chance Nix considers the career academy as the pathway to college for students.

“The Career Academy gives so many opportunities to our kids. I wish I would have had something like this when I was in school, because it is going to give kids who may necessarily not want to go to college a path forward in a good paying job right here in our community,” said Nix.

Former Superintendent Denia Reese served Catoosa County Public Schools for more than 17 years. 

She says having the academy named in her honor is a dream come true. 

“We started collaborating about a career initiative in 2017 and here we are in 2024, celebrating the dedication of this building to the community,” said Reese. “So, it has been a journey, and a collaboration of this community. It is an exciting day not only for our community members, but especially for our students.”

Reese even hopes to continue serving students by running for the Catoosa County School Board. 

“Now that I’m retired, it’s time for me to give back to this community that has given so much to me, and I’m running for school board so that I can still participate in a leadership role in the school system in our community,” Reese explained.