SoFi Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SOFI) has teamed up with five-time GRAMMY® Award nominated, multiple ACM and CMA Award winning, multiplatinum songwriter, producer, and author Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to college access and success, to launch the Rising Stars Program. This $2 million initiative is aimed at helping the next generation of Tennessee students achieve financial independence. SoFi will provide tnAchieves with over
$500,000 in grants to expand its COMPLETE program. SoFi’s contributions will fund students’ 1:1 coaching and financial support as they prepare for a high-skill, high-wage career, as well as a specialized financial readiness curriculum for the 60,000 students across their programs. In addition, to help people start investing early, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between 18-24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in stock of their choosing, at no cost, with a chance to receive up to $1,000 in stock – all with no minimum deposit or fees required.
“It has taken me years of hard work to reach my ambitions, and I’ve been lucky to have the support of so many people along the way,” said Kelsea Ballerini. “I’m incredibly proud to be working with SoFi to give students in Tennessee the financial tools and education they need to succeed. Investing even small amounts of money in your 20s will go further than larger amounts invested later in life. Building true financial independence starts by investing in your future early…in all the ways!”
The Rising Stars Program will enable tnAchieves’s COMPLETE to expand its support for students across Tennessee to help them meet college enrollment requirements and successfully earn a college credential, from 1:1 coaching to financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency funds. SoFi will also equip all tnAchieves students with a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing, and saving for future life milestones. The organization’s impact is significant: students who participate in the COMPLETE program are six times more likely to graduate than their
peers. “tnAchieves could not be more excited to partner with SoFi to bring financial literacy resources to our students and families, helping more Tennesseans achieve their ambitions of going to college and earning a high-quality degree,” said Krissy DeAlejandro, President/CEO of tnAchieves. “The Rising Stars Program will provide our students with the critical support and mentorship they need to get into college, pursue meaningful careers, and build generational wealth. We are grateful for their support as tnAchieves executes programs designed to build Tennessee’s future workforce by meeting each student where
they are—at scale.”
“At SoFi, we’re committed to helping people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. And we know access to financial education, coaching, and investment tools can drive generational wealth and long-term success,” said Lauren Stafford Webb, CMO at SoFi. “This partnership is about creating real opportunity for young people to get their money right and build the foundation for their financial future. As a mother and a Tennessean, I care deeply about investing in the state’s next generation, and SoFi is honored to work alongside Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves to make an impact.”

SoFi is also making it easier for people to get started with investing and on the path to financial independence. To participate, students can register for an Active SoFi Invest brokerage account, with no minimum deposit required. Once their account is set up, they will be directed to a promotion where they can select stock values ranging from $5, $10, $50, $100, or $1,000. This offer is available to Tennessee residents between the ages of 18-24 who do not have an Active Investing brokerage account with SoFi. Registration is open from June 6 until July 31, 2025. Visit sofi.com/RisingStars to learn more.
The Rising Stars Program is part of the SoFi Generational Wealth Fund, which has contributed millions of dollars across multiple initiatives to help underserved communities build wealth for the next generation. These programs have made a meaningful impact by helping low-income families purchase their first home, funding high school athletic programs, providing financial aid for family planning, and empowering women’s financial independence. Kelsea Ballerini joins SoFi’s inspiring roster of Generational Wealth Fund partners, which includes NBA All-Star and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, tennis champion
and best-selling author Venus Williams, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, and Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBA star Cameron Brink.
About SoFi
SoFi Technologies (NASDAQ: SOFI) is a one-stop shop for digital financial services on a mission to help people achieve financial independence to realize their ambitions. Over 10.9 million members trust SoFi to borrow, save, spend, invest, and protect their money – all in one app – and get access to financial planners, exclusive experiences, and a thriving community. Fintechs, financial institutions, and brands use SoFi’s technology platform Galileo to build and manage innovative financial solutions across 158.4 million global accounts. For more information, visit www.sofi.com or download our iOS and Android apps.

This May, Highpoint Health Senior Life Solutions – Riverview with Ascension Saint Thomas recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month by embracing the theme, “Turn Awareness into Action.” Mental well-being is a cornerstone of a fulfilling life, no matter your age. Senior Life Solutions is especially dedicated to supporting the incredible older adults and their caregivers right here in Smith County as they navigate the ups and downs of mental health.

This month, Senior Life Solutions is on a mission to highlight the unique mental health needs of our senior neighbors. We believe it’s time to:

Challenge Misconceptions: Mental health struggles are not a normal part of aging. They’re treatable, and with the right support, older adults can thrive.

Share Stories: By sharing personal experiences, we can break down stigma and inspire others to seek help. Stories of resilience and recovery create a powerful ripple effect.

Support Caregivers: Caregivers are essential to older adults’ well-being. This month, we’re highlighting tips and resources to help caregivers prioritize their own mental health.

Foster Connection: Small actions, like checking in with a loved one or initiating a simple conversation, can make a big difference in someone’s day.

“Mental health awareness is just the beginning,” said Sharon Jendras, MSN, RN, Program Director at Highpoint Health – Riverview Senior Life Solutions. “Turning awareness into action means recognizing the signs of mental health challenges, supporting caregivers, and ensuring older adults in our rural communities feel valued and connected. Together, we can build stronger, more supportive environments for everyone.”

Senior Life Solutions invites you to join us in honoring Mental Health Awareness Month by taking action:

Learn about the signs of depression and anxiety in older adults.

Reach out to a caregiver or older adult in your life.

Explore the resources we offer to support mental well-being in our community.

Taking steps for your mental health is commendable. If you’re still finding things tough or aren’t sure where to begin your journey, please don’t hesitate to connect with your healthcare provider or reach out to Senior Life Solutions today. Want to learn more or know someone who could benefit from this program? Call today at 615-735-5310 or visit https://www.highpointhealthsystem.com/behavioral-health/senior-life-solutions.

About Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas Highpoint Health with Ascension Saint Thomas, part of Lifepoint Health, is a regional health system dedicated to making communities healthier in northern Middle Tennessee. It is composed of Highpoint Health – Sumner, the 167-bed flagship hospital, and Highpoint Health – Sumner Station located in Gallatin; Highpoint Health – Riverview, a 35-bed critical access hospital in Carthage, and Highpoint Health – Trousdale, a 25-bed critical access hospital in Hartsville. The system’s innovative partnership with Ascension Saint Thomas brings together the organizations’ clinical excellence, best practices, and talented caregivers to collaborate in new ways that improve access to high quality clinical programs and specialty care for patients and communities. To learn more, visit HighpointHealthSystem.com

The Spot Community Action Team with the help of Thrive Youth Prevention Coalition have developed a project to promote awareness for Mental Health Resources, especially for youth. The project is called “RAISING HOPE” After attending Tennessee Teen Institute for prevention training, in June, 2024, the students agreed that there has been a rise in mental health issues among adolescents. Their observation is that it can be difficult to ask for help or know where to start for mental health resources. This often leads to substance abuse by self-medicating or unhealthy coping skills. Both Gordonsville and Smith County high school students have planned and developed this project to help their peers. Their idea is that we can reduce substance abuse by increasing access to mental health resources. In the plan they developed, the students suggested that initially they would like to place a plant stand with plants they have grown, at each high school, and one at each walking track. These plant stands would also contain positive messages of encouragement and posted signs containing mental health resources such as the 988, Suicide Prevention Line, and the Tennessee Redline number: 1-800-889-9789. They have joined with many community partners to include the Smith County School system and Local Master Gardeners and have met monthly to plan and develop this community project. Guidance Counselors and the SADD clubs at both high schools were consulted and felt this would be a project to bring awareness to mental health needs for teens. The Master Gardeners designed the plant carts and provided the materials for the students to build the stands. They also researched the types of plants and provided the seeds and containers for the students to plant. By May 1, the plants were beautiful and thriving and the carts just needing a few last details. Many of these plants are Native to Tennessee. All plants were started/planted by the Student Prevention team at the Spot.

Youth and Family Resource Network, “The Spot,” supports mental health in the community by providing a social/emotional curriculum to Smith County Schools, and in our After School Program. It is our goal to offer youth and families mentoring and support, to build stronger families and a healthy community.

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the students have been working hard to get these into place as soon as possible. We met with the SADD club students and Sponsor, on, May 13 to place the very first “Raising Hope” stand at SCHS. We are so thankful for the community support as our youth use their skills to offer compassion and empathy to their peers and connect to our community.

For more information about being involved with this or other “SPOT” projects, you can check out our website (youthandfamilyresources.org); find us on facebook for upcoming events; or stop by to see what we do. Parents are always welcome. Middle and High School students meet at the Spot on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings. The Spot will be open throughout the summer with positive youth events that include free music and art workshops and always lots of food! Adult Recovery Meetings are held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday to strengthen families! There is always something positive happening at “The Spot.”

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency will participant in the 2025 National Safe Boating Week, May 17-23, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating safety skills and prepare for the summer boating season. This observance week is the annual kick-off of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the most of their boating adventure by being responsible.

National Safe Boating Week is held each year on the week prior to Memorial Day weekend. Boating partners across the United States and Canada are teaming up to emphasize safe boating practices, including wearing life jackets for National Safe Boating Week and throughout the 2025 boating season. The TWRA and partner organizations continue to prioritize educating the boating community about the importance of wearing life jackets and available options that are more lightweight and comfortable.

“We want to encourage everyone to always boat responsibly,” said Lt. Col. Matt Majors of TWRA’s Boating and Law Enforcement Division. “Our waterways are enjoyed by all types of vessels, both small and large. Please maintain a proper lookout at all times and ensure alcohol and drugs are not part of your float plan.”

Tennessee offers boating enthusiasts an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the resources across the state. Memorial Day weekend is May 24-26 and viewed as the unofficial start to the summer boating season.

Recommended tips for boaters:

· Take a boating safety course. Gain valuable knowledge and on-water experience in a boating safety course with many options for novice to experienced boaters.

· Check equipment. Schedule a free vessel safety check with local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons to make sure all essential equipment is present, working and in good condition.

· Make a float plan. Always let someone on shore know the trip itinerary, including operator and passenger information, boat type and registration, and communication equipment on board.

· Wear a life jacket. Make sure everyone wears a life jacket – every time. A stowed life jacket is no use in an emergency.

· Use an engine cut-off device. An engine cut-off device, or engine cut-off switch, is a proven safety device to stop the boat’s engine should the operator unexpectedly fall overboard.

· Watch the weather. Always check the forecast before departing on the water and frequently during the excursion.

· Know what’s going on around you at all times. Nearly a quarter of all reported boating accidents last year were caused by operator inattention or improper lookout.

· Know where you’re going and travel at safe speeds. Be familiar with the area, local boating speed zones and always travel at a safe speed.

· Never boat under the influence. A BUI is involved in one-third of all recreational boating fatalities. Always designate a sober skipper.

· Keep in touch. Have more than one communication device that works when wet. VHF radios, emergency locator beacons, satellite phones, and cell phones can all be important devices in an emergency.

There have been four incidents resulting in five fatalities in 2025. One of the fatalities involved a paddle craft. Last year, there was one fatality over the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Check out the May 2025 edition of the Smith County Chamber Corner Show!

This month’s show features local businesses, community organization and events going on in and around Smith County.

If you would like to promote your event or local business on the Smith County Chamber Corner Show, contact the Smith County Chamber of Commerce by calling 615-735-2093 today. 

Watch the full show below, or catch it on DTC3 TV.

Smith County Board of Education will host a graduation ceremony for the Gordonsville High School Class of 2025 on Saturday May 17, 2025, at 10am at GHS.

Below are pictures of the graduating seniors in the GHS Class of 2025.

From Smith County Insider and all of our advertisers, congratulations and best of luck, graduates! We have every confidence that you will continue to succeed and do remarkable things in the future.

Smith County Board of Education will host a graduation ceremony for the Smith County High School Class of 2025 on Friday, May 16 2025, at 7:00 p.m. at SCHS.

Below are pictures of the graduating seniors in the SCHS Class of 2025.

From Smith County Insider and all of our advertisers, congratulations and best of luck, graduates! We have every confidence that you will continue to succeed and do remarkable things in the future.

An investigation by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department and special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation into a Saturday night shooting at the Midnight Express Gentlemen’s Club on Sparta Highway has resulted in an arrest.

According to Sheriff Patrick Ray, 40-year-old James Barsotti of Davis Road Pleasant Shade, believed to have been responsible for shooting an employee of the Gentlemen’s Club, is charged with one count of attempted second degree murder. He was booked into the DeKalb County jail Saturday night on a $300,000 bond and his court date is set for May 29.

The victim was transported by helicopter to a Nashville hospital, where he continues to be treated for his injuries. The name of the victim has not been released.

In his first statement Saturday night, Sheriff Ray said “a call came from the Midnight Express at 8:22 pm that someone had been shot at the club. Deputies arrived on the scene at 8:29 pm and found a male victim with a gunshot wound in the bar. The shooter was also on the scene and fighting another individual in the parking lot. The shooter was taken into custody. The shooting took place in the parking lot and the victim went back in the building. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation was called in to investigate the shooting. The shooting victim was airlifted to a Nashville Hospital. The Smithville Police Department and Constable Mark Milam also assisted,” said Sheriff Ray

The charges and allegations referenced in this release are merely accusations of criminal conduct and not evidence. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt and convicted through due process of law.

Information provided by TBI and WJLE.

The 2025 State 4-H Archery Jamboree was the culmination of weeks of practice and hard work for 31 4-H’ers who put their sharp-shooting skills to the test and represented Smith County.

During this statewide competition held at Hyder Burks Ag Pavilion on Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12, archers from Smith County snagged three spots in the Top 10 in the Senior High Genesis Division. Easton Bibbings was the overall 1st Place shooter, Abby Purtee placed 4th, and Cameran Lacasse placed 6th.

On Friday, William Limeburner competed in the Junior Compound (Hunter) Division.

Competing in the Junior Genesis Division on Saturday were McCall Kemp, Titus Chartier, Aeslyn Lacasse, Joshua Krog, Josie Harville, Jake Myers, Tristan McCarter, Gracie Driver, Amelia Hodges, Scarlett Hicks, and Chloe Beechboard.

Competing in the Junior High Genesis Division were Avery Yerge, Marshall Taylor, Clay Driver, Luke Chartier, Joseph Krog, Aubrey Hicks, Dillon Lacasse, Rose Hughes, and Patrick Hughes.

Competing in the Senior High Genesis Division were Easton Bibbings, Abby Purtee, Cameran Lacasse, Owen Meeks, Robert Purtee, Jordana Lacasse, Turner Harville, Emmy Bibbings, Tana Harville, and William Krog.

These archers have practiced diligently since February, and we are so proud of them! By participating in archery through 4-H, youth learn and practice important shooting sports safety skills, spend time outside and away from screens, develop new friendships, and learn a new skill that can help them develop self-confidence.

Our 4-H Archery program wouldn’t be possible without our dedicated team of volunteer coaches who have dedicated their time and effort to make this season successful: Rocky Cowell, John Laurie, Nathan Purtee, and Sheryl Taylor.

If you are interested in learning more about the 4-H Archery program in Smith County or becoming a volunteer coach, please reach out to Rachel Petty at 615-735-2900 or rpetty@utk.edu.

Heartland Real Estate & Auction is hosting an Online Only Estate Auction ending on May 18th at 4 PM, offering an assortment of rare coins, historic currency, and unique collectibles. Featured items include Silver Eagles, Morgans, Peace Dollars, Franklin Halves, Kennedy Halves, Walking Liberty Halves, Eisenhower Dollars, Mercury Dimes, Seated Liberty Quarters, Liberty Nickels, and Indian Head Pennies. Additionally, the auction includes stock certificates, World War II coin and stamp collections, Confederate currency, military currency, ration books and coupons, and a large selection of foreign coins and currency from around the world.

Potential bidders can preview the collection in person on May 9th from 1 to 5 PM at 601 Main St N, Carthage, TN 37030. Successful buyers can pick up their items on May 20th from 1 to 6 PM.

Interested participants can place their bids at HeartlandREandAuctions.com and are encouraged to review all terms and conditions before bidding. For more information, contact Jason Martin at (615) 735-9001 or Kim Bush at (615) 489-5577.