Published on November 9, 2017 at 8:48 a.m.

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – Dobyns-Bennett High School senior Karli Ailshie has been named the statewide winner of the 2017 TSBA Student Recognition Award. As one of nine district award winners, Karli submitted a written essay and was interviewed by TSBA members during the selection process to determine an overall state winner. Karli is the daughter of Dr. Lyle and Vanessa Ailshie of Kingsport.

“Karli is a leader who excels both in and out of the classroom.” said Dobyns-Bennett Principal Dr. Chris Hampton. “I can’t think of a better representative for Dobyns-Bennett High School, Kingsport City Schools and the state as a whole than this incredible young lady.  I have no doubt that she will do great things in the world and hope our school system and community have contributed positively to her passions and skills.”

Currently, Karli has maintained a 4.0 grade point average while actively participating in numerous volunteer endeavors. She serves as a member of the Junior Volunteer Program at Indian Path Medical Center, where she works in the family birthing center, gift shop and waiting areas. She also serves as a mentor and tutor within Kingsport City Schools. Karli actively volunteers with the Women’s Symphony Committee to benefit the Symphony of the Mountains, and she also assisted with their fashion show fundraiser. She has volunteered at the Child Advocacy Center of the Third Judicial District and has taught Vacation Bible School since her eighth grade year.

Karli has been an avid leader throughout her community. She has been selected to be part of the Students Helping Others Understand Tomorrow, a leadership program hosted by the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, and serves as a member of the Youth Advisory and Church Activities Committees at her church. Karli served as the Secretary/Treasurer for Dobyns-Bennett’s Health Occupation Students of America club, is class representative for D-B’s Natural Helpers service group, and serves as Co-President of D-B’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Karli received a plaque, a $2,000 scholarship from TSBA and a $2,000 scholarship from Education Networks of America in recognition of her outstanding achievements.

Kingsport City Schools (KCS) is a public school district located in Kingsport, Tenn., serving students in Sullivan and Hawkins county. The district is comprised of 13 schools, including a Pre-K, eight elementary schools, two middle schools, one high school, a high school program of choice and an alternative learning program; with total enrollment over 7,700 students. The vision of Kingsport City Schools is to be, Student Focused … World Class.

KCS has been named the top school district in Tennessee as winner of the 2014 SCORE Prize District Award by the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) and has earned the 2014 Achievement Award in the annual Excellence in Tennessee Recognition Program by the Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence (TNCPE).

For more information on KCS, visit k12k.com, listen live on WCSK 90.3 FM, The Voice of KCS, read our blog, We Are KCS, download our mobile app for Apple / Android devices or call (423) 378.2100. We’re social too; follow us on Facebook (Kingsport City Schools), Twitter (@KCS_District), LinkedIn (Kingsport City Schools) and check out our YouTube Channel (KPTSchools).

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