MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Republic Services is partnering with the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation to jumpstart STEAM learning at Walter Hill Elementary School in Rutherford County in memory of a beloved school teacher who passed away in 2020. Last year, Republic Services announced a $120,000 National Neighborhood Promise® grant from the company’s Charitable Foundation to the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation. This grant has funded the creation of an outdoor classroom designed to support STEAM-focused education at Walter Hill Elementary.

The official ribbon-cutting for the new outdoor STEAM classroom is set for Saturday, August 17, at 9 a.m. This event will be followed by a Day of Service dedicated to enhancing the school's grounds. Walter Hill Elementary, a cornerstone of the community, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary on August 10. Attendees will include Katie Woodie’s parents and family friends, Republic Services team members, Rutherford County Commissioners, and Walter Hill staff.

“This year is Walter Hill’s 100th anniversary, and we can think of no better way to celebrate it than with a partnership that underscores this community’s commitment to its teachers and students,” said Mike Classen, general manager at Middle Point Landfill in Walter Hill. “This learning center will have generational impact, much like the life of the teacher it honors. We, as a company and business in this area, are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to partner with the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation and make this vision a reality.”

Photo of Katie Woodie can be seen below by scrolling down.

“We are grateful for the generosity of Republic Services and their collective mission with the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation to empower our teachers and students and enhance our STEAM learning programs,” said Laura Heath, Principal of Walter Hill Elementary School. “This is a milestone year for our school, and we recognize the businesses in our community, including Middle Point Landfill, that continue to support us year after year, and remain valuable partners and neighbors.”

“To those who knew Katie, she was a tremendously caring and gifted teacher who wanted nothing more than to serve her students and her community,” said Michelle Lovely, senior vice president of Development and Donor Services at The Dayton Foundation. “Losing a loved one is an unimaginable tragedy. Thanks to her family, who established the Miss Katie Woodie Foundation through The Dayton Foundation, and this generous gift from Republic Services, her legacy will live on and help realize the dream to create an outdoor reading environment for students and staff at Walter Hill Elementary. On behalf of Katie’s family and The Dayton Foundation, we sincerely thank Republic Services for this wonderful gift.”

• Walter Hill Elementary School Celebrates 100th Anniversary – See News Story HERE.