For Immediate Release
July 1, 2010
Contact: Julie Brewer
931-372-6383
www.seatbeltvolunteer.org
Photo (from left to right): Brian Collins, Director TTC Ripley-Newbern; James King, TTC Vice Chancellor; Carol Coleman, Ollie Otter program Founder; Ollie Otter; Lynn Elkins, TTC Morristown Director; Julie Brewer, Ollie Otter program Manager; Jeff Davis, TTC Knoxville Director.
Tennessee Technology Centers Recognized for Volunteer Work
Three Tennessee Technology centers (TTCs) were acknowledged in their outstanding work as volunteers for the Ollie Otter program at the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) board meeting held on June 25, 2010.
TTCs Morristown, Ripley-Newbern, and Knoxville were highlighted for their substantial contributions. All three centers have been active participants in the program since it started in 2006.
Morristown TTC won the inaugural Ollie award, an annual award initiated this year that honors vital work on behalf of the Ollie Otter program. Morristown made presentations in all 11 counties in their service area and over 40 presentations just this past spring.
TTC Morristown Director Lynn Elkins facilitates the program through Michelle Davenport, Student Services Coordinator. TTC Morristown was recognized for the following accomplishments:
TTC Ripley-Newbern Director Brian Collins facilitates the program through Cori Sutton, Dual Enrollment Recruiter. TTC Ripley-Newbern was recognized for the following accomplishments:
TTC Knoxville Director Jeff Davis facilitates the program through Kasey Draney, Student Services Coordinator along with Boyd Hestand and Judith Walker. TTC Knoxville was recognized for the following accomplishments:
The Ollie Otter program is implemented by a network of statewide volunteers who work through the Tennessee Technological University BusinessMedia Center in Cookeville to coordinate the presentations. All of the volunteers are trained through a free public service course that is housed through the Regents Online Continuing Education Program. The unprecedented educational safety campaign has reached 744 schools, 11,900 classrooms, and 223,000 children.
"This remarkable growth since the program's start in 2006 can be directly attributed to the large volunteer base the Ollie Otter program has and those individuals who take time out of their day to help educate," said Julie Brewer, program manager.
"That's what it's all about, if we can save just one life it will be all worth it. I know many hundreds of lives will be saved because of the work that all of us are doing," said Carol Coleman, former chairperson of the TTDF and founder of the Ollie Otter program.
To learn more about Tennessee's booster seat and seat belt safety campaign, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit www.seatbeltvolunteer.org.