Tennessee State Parks to Swear In 116 Junior Rangers on Friday, May 17 at Johnsonville State Historic Park

Rangers Represent the Entire Second Grade Class at Waverly Elementary School; Celebration Will Commemorate Largest Junior Ranger Class in State Park History

NEW JOHNSONVILLE, Tenn. – History will be made once again on Friday, May 17, at Johnsonville State Historic Park when Tennessee State Parks officials will swear in 116 Junior Rangers from Waverly Elementary School.  Representing Waverly Elementary School’s entire second grade, the event will commemorate the largest Junior Ranger Class ever to be inducted in state park history.

As part of the Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger curriculum, these students have been studying topics such as safety, wildlife, plants, water, history and astronomy. 

“Tennessee State Parks’ Junior Ranger Program provides unique opportunities for children to learn about the great outdoors in a fun environment,” said Mike Robertson, director of Tennessee State Parks.  “I am honored to be presiding over the actual induction ceremony on Friday and look forward to meeting all of these wonderful students.” 

WHO:

Mike Robertson, Director of Tennessee State Parks

Park Manager Jerry Wooten, Johnsonville State Historic Park

Waverly Elementary School's Second Grade Class

Local elected officials and community members

WHAT:

Junior Ranger Swearing In Ceremony

WHEN:

Friday, May  17, 2013

• 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. - Students will arrive and groups will rotate between various stations and programs. Activities will be followed by lunch, free time and games.
• 1 p.m. - Graduation ceremonies will commence in the picnic area at 90 Redoubt Lane. This location is three miles from the park's Welcome Center (down Nell Beard Road).

WHERE:

Johnsonville State Historic Park

90 Nell Beard Road

New Johnsonville, Tennessee 37134

Located off U.S. Highway 70, Johnsonville State Historic Park is named for Military Governor Andrew Johnson. This 600-acre park, on the eastern side of Kentucky Lake, encompasses and overlooks the site of the Battle of Johnsonville. On November 4, 1864, Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalry took up artillery positions on the west bank of the Tennessee River. Calvary forces under Forrest who had already sunk four Union gunboats downstream, opened fire on the depot from across the river and proceeded to set fire to and sink numerous Federal riverboats in their moorings. Confederate gunfire resulted in the burning of the supply depot, destroying millions of dollars’ worth of Union Army stores.  Two large artillery redoubts and other surviving fortifications can be visited at the park.  For additional information about the park, please visit www.tnstateparks.com/Johnsonville.

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