TRI-CITIES, Tenn. (WJHL) – Over a year has passed since Hurricane Helene swept through the Tri-Cities, but its effects are still being felt across the community.

On Thursday, Hampton High School and Temple Hill Elementary received much-needed relief funding from the Tennessee Education Association (TEA).

Each school was granted $10,000, a gesture aimed at fostering a sense of hope and renewal among those affected.

After Hurricane Helene left Hampton High School in ruins, students were temporarily relocated to the former Keenburg Elementary School. However, they are eagerly anticipating a return to their original campus in January. Baileigh Mathews, a junior, expressed her excitement about spending her remaining high school years at the place she considers her true home.

“I’m thrilled to return to Hampton, to see the gym, play basketball there, and ultimately graduate from a place that means so much to me,” Mathews shared. “Last year, everyone was disappointed about not being able to graduate there, so being able to walk the stage at Hampton is incredibly meaningful to me.”

Mathews also mentioned her enthusiasm for witnessing the reconstruction of her school and the promise it holds for the future.

“It’s just really exciting because every day you go through there and you see something new is being done,” said Mathews.

Although Hampton is still on the road to recovery a year later, the grant is expected to help speed up that process. Brandon Young, the public relations Coordinator for Carter County Schools, said receiving the funds is a thrilling moment for the school.

“$10,000 is a lot of money that we can put toward our school and toward the renovations that we are making there, so we can get our students back in there in January,” said Young.

The energy from Thursday was also shared over at Temple Hill Elementary.

Temple Hill also felt the effects of Helene. Unicoi County Director of Schools John English said that for a period of time, the elementary students had to continue their education over at the middle school building. The kids were able to return to their building in August, but English said he’s grateful for the funds and seeing the kids back in their building.

“Just as we continue to build back and move forward, this will be a tremendous, it is a tremendous blessing,” said English.

Tanya Coats, the president of TEA, presented the checks to both schools Thursday. Coats said Helene’s effects were devastating and disheartening, but she was grateful to bring something positive to those who were affected by the hurricane.

“We wanted to make sure that we not only contribute a monetary donation – because it’s not about just a monetary donation – it’s about showing solidarity and support for a community. It’s students and educators that are still recovering from a devastating act. And we know that these funds are just a snippet of how to improve the community, but it’s also just uplift, giving them a spiritual uplift to actually bring some resources,” said Coats.

The funds were made possible through a partnership of TEA and NEA, and a grant from NEA Member Benefits.