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.
Eric Certain, Vonore High School Class of 1985
Eric “Chief” Certain, a 1989 graduate of Vonore High School, grew up on Mount Pleasant 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 Lenoir 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. Her educational journey continued at Hiwassee College, where professors and advisors supported her not only as a student-athlete 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 unshakable 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.
Larry Lay, Madisonville High School Class of 1981
Larry Lay is a proud graduate of Madisonville High School, Class of 1981, and a shining example of what it means to be Monroe Made. Today, Larry is a 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.
