A graduating Howard School senior is realizing her college dreams, thanks in part to Rock City.
Ashly Paiz Rafael is the winner of this year’s Larry Ammons Memorial Scholarship, an academic award created in memory of longtime Rock City partner (employee) and Howard alumnus Larry Ammons, who died in 2020. The graduating senior was presented with the scholarship at Howard’s Senior Awards Day on May 9.
As a first-generation student from Guatemala, Ashly came to the United States at an early age, determined to make the most of the opportunities available to her. Ashly has a heart for helping others; as an active member of the National Honor Society and Howard’s leadership team, she has helped raise money to aid and feed the homeless as well as for families who have recently lost their loved ones, providing donations for burial and meals. Ashly’s passion for service is calling her to study nursing at Chattanooga State. With the support of Rock City’s memorial scholarship, she can pursue her academic goals with greater financial assurance.
Ashly is the third recipient of the Larry Ammons Memorial Scholarship, which honors longtime Rock City employee – and Howard alumnus – Larry Ammons. His 40-year career at Rock City began at 14 years old, when Ammons hitchhiked up Lookout Mountain to apply for a job. Known for his friendliness and work ethic, Ammons was beloved by all who worked with him. President and CEO Doug Chapin, who grew up at Rock City and had known Ammons since childhood, regarded Ammons as one of the Operations Teams’ standout leaders.
Rock City’s memorial scholarship is given annually to a promising Howard High School senior enrolled in any of Hamilton County Schools’ Future Ready Institutes. FRIs offer project-based and works-based learning pathways for students in the Hamilton County school system. Of the 28 FRIs offered, Howard proudly hosts The See Rock City Institute of Hospitality and Tourism Management Culinary Arts. The area’s first-of-its-kind program features a state-of-the-art culinary kitchen at the school that immerses students in commercial kitchen roles. One such project-based opportunity pairs students with Clumpies Ice Cream Co., a Rock City Enterprises brand, providing an inside scoop in ice cream manufacturing.
Often a first job for local high school students, hospitality roles at Rock City help build skills that translate across countless careers. Rock City congratulates Ashly on her selflessness and dedication to service and wishes her all the best as she begins her journey into nursing.
Rock City also congratulates its partners (employees) graduating from high school and college this spring. We’re incredibly proud of their commitment to work and education this year!
- Grace Burnette-Vice (Clumpies) – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Bachelor’s in Early Childhood & Special Education
- Lacey Cushen (Rock City) – Dalton State College – Bachelor’s in Elementary Education
- Jackson Gordon (Clumpies) – McCallie School – High School Diploma
- Zane Guess (Rock City) – East Tennessee State University – Bachelor’s in Business w/ Marketing Focus
- Peyton Keef (Clumpies) – Lafayette High School – High School Diploma
- Stephen Langston (Rock City) – Dalton State College – Bachelor’s in Information Technology
- Katie Sonddgeroth (Chanticleer) – Chattanooga State – Associate’s in Hospitality & Tourism
- Eli Stafford (Rock City) – University of Tennessee at Chattanooga – Bachelor’s in Psychology
- Lyle Vaughn (CDM) – Home School Co-Op – High School Diploma
- Chloe Veal (Rock City) – Ridgeland High School – High School Diploma
- Elizabeth Weidmer (Chanticleer) – Girls Preparatory School – High School Diploma
- Zachary Williams (Clumpies) – High School Diploma
- Jackson York (Rock City) – Dade County High School – High School Diploma
- Ainsley Young (CDM) – Chattanooga Christian – High School Diploma