BEHIND THE BLAZE

9.3.24 - Ignite with Mr. Justin Smith

Behind the Blaze: Rodney Irvin's Journey and Game Day Prep

In this exciting episode of "Behind the Blaze," host Coach Malek Holman sits down with Rodney Irvin, a three-year starter for Blackman High School's football team. Rodney shares insights from their recent game against Brentwood, his personal goals for the season, and what it means to play his last first home game. He also delves into his journey from starting football in North Carolina to becoming a key player at Blackman, and his plans for the future. Tune in to hear about his preparation, leadership, and the impact of his coaches.
Don't miss out on Rodney's reflections on his growth over the years, his strategies for the upcoming game against Lewis Creek, and his aspirations beyond high school. Whether you're a football fan or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with inspiration and excitement!

8.26.24 Ignite with Mr. Justin Smith

Behind the Blaze: 2024 Season Kickoff with Ethan Carson

Welcome to the first episode of the new season of "Behind the Blaze" with Coach Malek Holman and Coach Josh Cunningham. This episode features an in-depth interview with senior linebacker Ethan Carson as he prepares for his final season at Blackman High School.
Ethan shares his goals for the 2024 season, including proving doubters wrong after a challenging previous year. He discusses his commitment to Harvard, his focus on football, and his personal growth both on and off the field. Ethan also talks about the bond with his teammates and the influence of his coaches on his development.
Get an insider's view of the team's preparation, the lessons learned from last season, and the excitement building up to their first game against Brentwood High School. Join us as we kick off the season with a deeper understanding of the players, their aspirations, and the team dynamics that drive Blackman Blaze.
Don't miss out on this exciting start to the season! Go Blaze!

8.19.24 Ignite with Mr. Justin Smith

Welcome to Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School. I'm Justin Smith, the principal at Blackman. This episode is packed with announcements for parents and students for the week of August 19th through August 23rd.
Parents, we had a fantastic first week of school. Students are settling into their routines and class schedules. We've also launched a Blackman High School Facebook page to keep you updated. Please ensure you complete the online data verification for your students in Skyward.
Don't forget to sign and return the Rutherford County Schools Visitor Code of Conduct. Additionally, the federal free and reduced lunch program remains available to all families who qualify.
Student laptop distribution is complete. If your student missed it, please have them visit the library. Remember to charge the laptops nightly. A protection plan is available for $20.
Thank you for your cooperation with traffic flow. Only buses should drop off and pick up in front of the school. Car rider drop off is at the gym entrance only.
Mark your calendars for our fall sports events, including volleyball, soccer, and our first varsity football game this Friday at Brentwood High School.
Students, there are several club meetings this week, including the First Priority Club, BHS Chess Club, Blaze Buddies, and an HOSA interest meeting. Pizza and snacks are back at Dante's Snack Shack, and parking passes will be on sale starting Monday.
Yearbook Picture Day is Wednesday, August 21st. The Blackman High School eSports team will have an informational meeting on Tuesday, August 20th. Congratulations to the Lady Blaze soccer team on their tie against Oakland.
Thank you, students and parents, for making Blackman High School a great place to be. Have a wonderful week, and as always, go Blaise!

8.13.24 Ignite with Mr. Justin Smith

Welcome to Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School, hosted by Principal Justin Smith. This week, we kick off the new school year with essential announcements for parents and students for August 12th through August 16th.
Parents, we appreciate your efforts in preparing your students for the new school year. Stay informed with our weekly podcast, school-wide emails, and phone messages. Follow our new Facebook page for the latest updates, and complete the online data verification in Skyward if you haven't already.
Important reminders include the Rutherford County Schools Visitor Code of Conduct, the federal free and reduced lunch program, and student laptop distribution. Traffic guidelines and safety protocols for drop-off and pick-up are also highlighted.
Students, don't miss out on club meetings and activities. Beta Club, First Priority Club, Blaze Buddies, and the eSports team have upcoming events. Enjoy pizza and snacks from Dante's Snack Shack and Sketch It Up, opening soon.
Congratulations to the girls' soccer team for their victory against Smyrna. Support the Lady Blaze soccer team at home games, and consider volunteering as an announcer. Chess enthusiasts can join the Chess Club starting this Wednesday.
Thank you for tuning in to Ignite. We look forward to keeping you informed throughout the school year. Go Blaze!

Behind the Blaze - JROTC 2023-2024 Edition

Welcome to this engaging episode of Behind the Blaze podcast where we unearth the infinite potential and opportunities offered by the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) program.
Learn how JROTC, far from being a military recruitment program, plays a crucial role in the character development of its participants. Hear from participants on how it offers avenues for a variety of career paths and builds lifelong skills. Also, discover the team spirit and camaraderie cultivated through various extracurricular activities and competitive events organized by the program.
Dig deeper into the often misunderstood aspect of the physical training (PT) with a high-ranking cadet. Get a first-hand account of fun activities designed not only to foster physical agility but also to inspire team building and enjoyment within the squad.
Enjoy a grand account of the prestigious annual Military Ball, a spectacular event where cadets interact with the corporate world, manage logistics and financials while inculcating the values of inclusivity and recognition. Not to forget, the crowning moment of becoming the Military Ball King!
Counter your apprehensions by learning about the core objectives of JROTC and debunk the misconceptions. Explore how being part of JROTC is not about donning a uniform or direct military recruitment but is about seeking a life-enriching experience. Learn how the program caters to high school students seeking diverse life skills and experiences that are bound to impact their post-high school career and personal life.
Lastly, get a peek into leadership transitions within JROTC and warm moments being shared between seniors and new staff. Get encouraged as the guests invite incoming recruits to join the JROTC family and discover the remarkable program that lies before them.
Join us in this captivating exploration of JROTC's transformative journey "Behind The Blaze" and discover a world beyond the tactics.

4.1.24 Ignite with Mr. Smith - Post-Spring Break Updates from Blackman High School

Welcome to another episode of Ignite, the official podcast of Blackman High School. In this episode, we're happily welcoming students back on campus after spring break as we plunge into the final two months of the school year. Listen in as we take you through our announcements for the week of April 1st - 5th.
Find out about our impressive jump in ACT scores and the upcoming important dates to mark on your calendars, including progress report release and EOC TCAP testing timelines. We also discuss the non-negotiable rule of uninterrupted testing sessions and share tips for parents to ensure their wards don't miss out on crucial exams due to appointments. A gentle reminder about the school closure on April 8th due to a district-wide eclipse watch concludes the parents' section.
Students, listen up for opportunities to meet representatives from MTSU to facilitate you through the dual enrollment application and grant process. Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) representatives will also be available for their dual enrollment applicants. Details about coursework, the meeting with counselors about the application process, and the benefits of this program are all detailed in this segment.
We wrap the episode with an announcement of the forthcoming HOSA meeting and a hearty welcome back note to students.  As always, Go Blaze!