Monroe Made!
Monroe County Schools is excited to introduce Monroe Made, a new program celebrating the success stories of our graduates and their incredible accomplishments!
From local leaders to innovators, educators, entrepreneurs, and beyond, Monroe Made will spotlight outstanding individuals of all ages who began their journey right here in Monroe County Schools. Their stories remind us that with a Monroe County education, you can go anywhere and become anything you dream of.
Leah Spradlin, Sequoyah High School Class of 2017
Leah Spradlin, a proud 2017 graduate of Sequoyah High School, is living proof of the power of a strong educational foundation and a deep commitment to community. Today, she serves as an Assistant District Attorney General in the 10th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, a role that allows her to protect and serve the same community she has always called home
Allan Benton, Madisonville High School Class of 1965
For Allan Benton, Monroe County isn't just where he went to school; it is home.
A proud graduate of Madisonville High School's Class of 1965, Benton carries with him not only the lessons he learned in the classroom but also the friendships and memories that helped shaped his life's journey.
Grant Franklin, Vonore High School Class of 1990
For Grant Franklin, a 1990 graduate of Vonore High School, the lessons learned in Monroe County have served as the foundation for a life defined by service.Today, Grant serves as a Program Manager with the F-35 Joint Program Office in Springfield, Virginia, supporting the largest Department of Defense acquisition program to date.
Randall Kizer, Sweetwater High School Class of 1984
Randall Kizer's journey began in Sweetwater, where a Monroe County education helped shape the values that would guide him for nearly four decades in law enforcement and beyond. A 1984 graduate of Sweetwater High School, Randall went on to build a remarkable 39-year career, starting at the local level and rising to federal leadership.
Daniel Harms, Tellico Plains High School Class of 1995
From the halls of Tellico Plains High School to leading a global company, Daniel Harms is proof that a Monroe County education can take you anywhere, especially when it’s paired with hard work, strong values, and a commitment to people.
Chase Summey, Sequoyah High School Class of 2017
Chase Summey, a 2017 graduate of Sequoyah High School, is a proud example of what it means to be Monroe Made. Deeply rooted in Monroe County, Chase has taken the values he learned growingup and turned them into a a succesful, family-operated business that serves the local community every day.
Doug Patterson, Madisonville High School Class of 1985
For Doug Patterson, Monroe County isn’t just whether he grew up; it is where he learned the value of hard work, high expectations, and showing up every day to do the job right. A 1985 graduate of Madisonville High School, Doug credits his Monroe County education with giving him knowledge and confidence to pursue his goals. Those lessons didn’t stop at textbooks; they showed up in the form of people who believed in him and pushed him to be better.
Eric Certain, Vonore High School Class of 1985
Eric “Chief” Certain, a 1989 graduate of Vonore High School, grew up on Mount Pleasont before beginning a distinguished military career. He credits his Monroe County education, especially the small, family-like environment of Vonore High School, for giving him confidence, personalized support, and a strong foundation for life and service.
Heather Lenoir Ervin, Sweetwater High School Class of 1995
Heather Lenior Ervin is a proud product of Monroe County Schools. She graduated from Sweetwater High School in 1995. She credits her teachers, coaches, and support staff with encouraging her to dream big and seize every opportunity. Growing up in a small town taught her that one’s beginnings do not determine one’s potential. thlete but as a person. Growing up in a small town taught her that one’s beginnings do not determine one’s potential.Angie Chapman Kyle, Tellico Plains High School Class of 1994
Angie Chapman Kyle is a proud member of the Tellico Plains High School Class of 1994 and is a shining example of what it means to be Monroe Made. As the owner of A Lot Less Factory Outlets, Angie’s story is one of faith, grit, community, and an unshakeable belief that dreams, when paired with hard work, can become reality. Kristen Hunt, Sequoyah High School Class of 2006
Kristen Hunt, a 2006 graduate of Sequoyah High School, has built an impressive career serving with the Department of Defense in the United States Air Force. Now living in San Antonio, Texas, she has dedicated nearly 13 years to military service, earning the rank of Master Sergeant and deploying around the world, including upcoming service in the Middle East. ast.
Larry Lay, Madisonville High School Class of 1981
Larry Lay is a proud graudate of Madisonville High School, Class of 1981, and a shining example of means to be Monroe Made. Today, Larry is self-employed farmer, growing soybeans, corn, and wheat, while also managing a cow-calf herd.
Dr. Terry Adams, Vonore High School Class of 1973
Dr. Terry Adams of Vonore, Tennessee, is a proud graduate of Vonore High School class of 1973 and a retired general and vascular surgeon with Tennessee Surgical Specialists. He credits his Monroe County education with giving him the strong foundation he needed for college, medical school, and more than 15 years of formal education.
Kippy Brown, Sweetwater High School Class of 1973
Sweetwater High School graduate Kippy Brown, Class of 1973, has lived a life shaped by hard work, gratitude, and deep Tennessee roots. A standout athlete during his high school years, Brown helped lead the Sweetwater Wildcats to back-to-back state football championships in 1971 and 1972, an accomplishment he still considers one of his proudest moments.
Nora Cole, Tellico Plains High School Class of 2006
Monroe County Schools is proud to highlight Nora Ann Cole, a Tellico Plains native whose dreams have truly taken flight. Coming from a long line of educators, Nora grew up understanding the value of a strong education—so much so that her mom was her 4th grade teacher and her dad served as principal at Tellico Elementary.
Justin Moses, Sequoyah High School Class of 1999
From the halls of Monroe County Schools to stages around the world, Justin Moses’s journey is a true testament to what it means to be Monroe Made. Now living in Nashville and working as a professional musician, Justin has built a remarkable career grounded in the strong educational foundation he received right here in Monroe County Schools.
To recommend a Monroe County Graduate for Monroe Made, email Jennifer Webb at [email protected].
