Rising Rock is excited to partner with Scenic Roots at WUTC again this semester to showcase some of our top audio stories. To listen to Scenic Roots, visit https://www.wutc.org/scenic-roots.

Here, you can listen to all of the audio pieces written and recorded by UTC students in Rising Rock during the Fall 2023 semester. 

---

Welcome Home

During Larry Taylor’s Welcome Home Parade recognizing his receiving of the Medal of Honor, Lillian Simcox performs street interviews with spectators including Veterans and active military members.

The Letter

David Harman reads the letter that Dave Hill sent to the Army Board for Correction of Military Records (ABCMR) to upgrade Larry Taylor’s Silver Star to the Medal of Honor. Narrated by Taylor McKinley.

Honored Heritage

Steven Thomas enjoys his position as Director of Operations at the Heritage Center, but the lively historian has deeper motivations. Thomas sat down with Eli Rushing to discuss why this specific opportunity called to him.

Uncle Doss’ Legacy

Katie Stephens spoke with Desmond Doss Jr. regarding his mother and her impact on the Rising Fawn community as well as on her husband, Desmond Doss.

Flying Behind a Hometown Hero

Madeline Charnes sat down with Donald Smith to explain the intricacies of the benefits program and how difficult it is for veterans to receive the assistance they may not even know they need.

Rocking the Rodeo Scene

Bethany Cothran spoke with Stetson Bierman, good friend of West Mitchell, over Zoom about Bierman’s bareback bronc riding experience.

Creativity Behind Bars

Caleb McCool spoke with Francis McDonald about the power of poetry for inmates in her program.

A Game of Miracles

Elizabeth Wynne sat down with Alex Tainch, the main announcer of the Miracle League to discuss the importance the league has on those involved beyond only the athletes.

---

Individual Stories

At the end of the semester, each student completed their own individual stories. With a wide range of topics, every student branched out to find a story on their own and brought unique perspective to the story told.

Made for Lovin’ Kiss

In the suburbs of East Ridge, Mason Edwards visited the home of Daniel Sneed–Chattanooga’s KISS tribute guitarist. Sneed’s mother, Beth Staten, shares the inspiring story of Sneed teaching himself guitar, creating his own costume and makeup, and meeting his hero, Ace Frehley of KISS.

A Special Education

Bethany Cothran spoke with Hannah Wilson about her challenges as a high school teacher with autism and a service dog. Wilson discussed her relationship with Vienna, her service dog, and how she helps Wilson in her everyday life.

Undercover Mrs. Claus

On a busy backroad in Chickamauga, Georgia, lives Lynda Cooper, also known as “Mrs. Claus.” Supporting her husband, Jack, in his role as the community’s Santa Claus, Cooper works with Jack to spread Christmas cheer. On October 21, 2023, Bethany Cothran spoke with Cooper about her experiences as undercover Mrs. Claus.

Un Viaje de Oportunidades (A Journey of Opportunities)

Victoria Morgan is not certified to teach English as a New Language students, but her passion for teaching them goes above any certification. She has been at Howard High School for eight years and last year began teaching ENL classes. She shares with Cassandra Castillo how her students have impacted her and how she has adjusted to this new form of teaching.  

Let’s Go Shopping

Bill Rush is the president and CEO of Metropolitan Ministries, a local nonprofit organization that provides a wide variety of resources for those in need in the Chattanooga area. Caroline Colvin met with Rush who spoke on his experiences working at MetMin and how he tries to help others with his work.

3D Printing Protection

Katie Stephens spoke with Dan Wykoff, Chief Financial & Operating Officer of Branch Technology, to discuss their 3D technology used to create temporary housing structures. An 8×8 foot shelter helps restore hope to individuals in the community, offering them a second chance.

Face Value

Medical artist Mckenzie Bergenback discusses the significance of anaplastology and its impact on individuals with craniofacial differences. Taylor McKinley met with Bergenback where she discussed that this meeting serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about anaplastology and craniofacial equality within the community and the media. 

Responsible Recreation

Benny Braden, founder of Responsible Stewardship, and Sunshine Loveless founder of Outshine Adventures spoke with Maleah Holder on their motives for creating their organizations. Both founders sought community and healing in nature and hope to instill the same values in those that share in their community. 

Fermentation Master

Taylor Carmody sat down with Matt Cone, owner and founder of Chattanooga Culture, to talk about the health benefits of kombucha, a fizzy and fermented tea. 

Wong Family Kung-Fu

Caleb McCool met with Steven Lawhorne, a 20 year student and instructor at Dr. Wong’s Kung Fu. Lawhorne describes the importance the martial arts school holds in his life. He emphasizes the community built behind the doors, and the powerful impact on his personal wellbeing. 

Rosie Mae’s Farm

Sammy Mckenzie visited Wildwood, Georgia, to meet the Lewis Family, owners of Rosie Mae’s Alpaca Farm, boutique and coffee shop. In this piece, the family shares their love for their alpacas, some personal memories, and how the animals came to join their family. 

Chatt Town Skate Clinic

Noah Camacho met with local Chattanooga skateboarder Ryan West who describes the impact skateboarding has had on his own life, mentioning how it helps him manage his ADHD. The Chatt Town skate community is extremely welcoming to new faces and will always encourage and support beginners.

From Fracture to Finish

Dawson Lytle is a 21-year-old college student who took on the challenge of completing the 144.6-mile Panama City Beach IRONMAN on November 4, 2023. In this piece, Noah Keur met with Lytle who touches on the lifestyle changes IRONMAN required, the training regimen he used to prepare and much more.

Building Broads

William Chen met with Suzannah Bozzone and Christine Smith who operate True Health Journey, offering their expertise to those that seek to improve their nutritional intake. Their practice teaches others about the integration of a plant-based diet, especially beans, and how making a change can benefit your overall health.  

Universal Language

Lillian Simcox spoke with Todd Mayo, owner of The Caverns where local artists come to share their music with visitors.

Between the Cones

David Harman met with Lauren Uga, regional executive of the SCCA, where Uga discussed what autocross racing is and its significance in Chattanooga.

Notable Noodles

Eli Rushing met with Daniel Starkey, one of the owners of Attack of the Tatsu, who spoke on the trip he took to Japan with his business partner James Heeley where they found inspiration for their local ramen restaurant.

Generational Gardens

Andrea Zoppo, also known as Ms. Ladybug, helps run Walden Peak Farms with her husband. Madeline Charnes spoke with Zoppo about her work educating children on the importance of insects and how they help farms like her own thrive.

Esthetics by Zoey

Haylee Bowerman spoke with Zoey McConaha about her journey through esthetician school while running her own business.