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HC*Excell Executive Director Stan Harville Thursday night challenged parents and students to explore all of their options regarding future education and leadership opportunities.

Harville, who has been executive director since 2017, was the guest speaker at the Hamblen County Department of Education Middle School Academic Banquet held in the fellowship hall of First Baptist Church of Morristown.

“I’ve sat right where you are as a parent with a child being honored as a middle school scholar,” Harville said. “I’ve seen all of the time and effort and everything that goes into it. I’ve seen over 42 years of education some do’s and don’ts as a teacher, coach, administrator, education non-profit executive director. I’m now looking at issues through the lens of an elected official (county commissioner).”

Harville offered some tips and truths for the eighth-graders as they enter high school, “four of the fastest years of your life,” he said. He said that students will be faced with many changes, decisions and opportunities.

Harville said to ask questions.

“Talk to those you trust, especially your parents,” he said. “Parents, I urge you to take the time to listen. Know what your children are going through.”

Next, Harville told students to be intentional in their decision-making, including what they want to do, what they think they want to do, what they like to do and what a student is good at.

“It’s not all about academics,” Harville said. “Yes, take the honors AP and dual enrollment courses. Take the CTE course. Test drive some of these curriculums that are out here. There’s a lot of different paths to success.

“Find your path. Make sure you’re the one who’s driving it.”

Harville also told the audience not to be afraid to fail. He cited Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, Thomas Edison and Abraham Lincoln as examples of those who suffered many failures but went on to be successful.

“It’s going to happen at some point,” he said. “If it doesn’t, you’re not challenging yourself. How do you handle setbacks? They’re going to come.”

Students should be prepared to step out of their comfort zone, Harville said.

“Be prepared when an opportunity presents itself,” he said.

Harville also suggested that students find ways to be involved in other activities besides the classroom.

“High school can become boring just going to class,” he said. “There’s sports, whether you play or spectate and you support your classmates; music, drama, art, clubs, JROTC and many other activities.

“Have fun, enjoy because it will be over before you know it.”

Harville closed his remarks by urging students to begin now to be a leader.

“Whether you know it or not, you already are (a leader),” Harville said. “Your classmates look up to you, your teachers lift you up. Begin now to learn about leadership styles and servant leadership.”

Harville told students that at the end of their sophomore years, they will have the opportunity to apply to HC*Excell for the youth leadership program.

“I hope each one of you takes that opportunity and participates in the program,” he said. “(Superintendent of Schools Arnold) Bunch, Chris Cates and myself really work hard to make HC*Excell a great program. You’ll learn a great deal about Morristown and Hamblen County, city and county government, the school board, economic development and much more.”

Following Harville’s speech the middle school scholars were recognized. They received an eagle trophy from the Board of Education, a certificate of recognition from State Sen. Steve Southerland and State Representatives Rick Eldridge and Jeremy Faison, plus a certificate of congressional recognition from First District Congresswoman Diana Harshbarger (R-Kingsport).

The students had their picture made with Superintendent of Schools Arnold Bunch and the school board member representing the school the students attended. A framed photo of the students were printed for the parents to keep.

Among the students recognized Thursday were:

East Ridge Middle School: Genesis Aurora Cruz Moreno, Alyssa Natalya Diaz-Johnson, Joshua Grant Seal, James Hayden Sharp, Sophie Araya Shelley, Kishi Ngoc Truong, Kaelin Marie Turner, Adisson Grace Watkins, Grant Wilder and Landry Jace Winstead.

Lincoln Heights Middle School: Kylee Miranda Bailey, Payton Lynette Barnes, Dalton Parker Bond, London Isabella Dorton, Carlos Edzyel Esquilin Santiago, Sherlin Flores Hernandez, Morgan Paige Harris, Anely Sanchez Gonzalez, Cora Marie Sanders and Megan Whaley.

Meadowview Middle School: Joshua De Leon Marquez, Harold Enrigue Diaz-Artica, Peyton Gabriel Edwards, Madison Grace Ferguson, Hunter Lynn Guesno, Alexander Islas Angel, Myana Raquelle Roseberry, Nestor Sanchez Murillo, Hailyn Elaine Sinard and Thomas Chance Stokely.

West View Middle School: Kiara “Kiki” Almonte, BaiLee Ann Carlyle, Averie Alexis Collins, Logan Reid Hull, Caroline Elizabeth Massa, Natalie Jade Nelson, Elizabeth Lauren Smith, Rory Annabelle Stapleton, Emily Jackie Yang and Zoey Dawn Zazueta.