Signature Conference Events

City as Text

Chattanooga’s 11 neighborhoods offer their own distinctive vibe and an abundance of artsy, foodie and edgy things to do. You can easily access the downtown areas by a free electric shuttle, bike share or by just using your good old legs to walk. Take a hike, stock up on local goodies, listen to some local tunes, grab some grub, make your own art to take home or just lay on a blanket in a park and hang out.

We are excited to offer an incredible opportunity for students to participate in a mini-version of City as Text®, where our city mayor will also join us after you have spent some time seeing the Scenic City through this place-based pedagogy.

Narrative 4 Story Exchange

We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for participation in a Story Exchange on Thursday afternoon during our SRHC Annual Conference. Story Exchanges are powerful tools that can empower young people to succeed in school and life.

According to research published in Ethical ELA, Story Exchanges help students “co-construct knowledge, increase empathy and inclusion, and empower themselves in their communities to succeed in both school and life.” Story Exchanges are improving positive emotions for students nationwide. A nationwide survey by Yale University found that high school students at N4 schools experienced an increase in all positive emotions more frequently than students elsewhere. Researchers from the University of Chicago found that Story Exchanges can improve student relationships, creating more positive school and classroom environments, and a new generation of more empathic leaders.

We will be hosting a Story Exchange, led by Narrative 4, where building community happens through the power of storytelling. This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, share, and grow with fellow attendees.

President’s Reception at the Tennessee Aquarium

Get ready for an unforgettable experience at this year’s conference, where we have an exclusive treat just for you!

On Friday, March 28, from 6-9 PM, we have reserved the entire Tennessee Aquarium for three hours of private exploration, delectable treats and enjoyment.

Imagine having free reign of two incredible buildings, tracing the path of water from the mountains to the sea. You’ll come face-to-face with fascinating native animals from our own backyards and encounter amazing creatures from some of the most remote locations on Earth.

Indulge in delicious food and beverages as you wander through exhibits that celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Southeast. The Tennessee Aquarium is not just about showcasing nature; it’s actively engaged in preserving and restoring our region’s biodiversity.

Short-Film Festival and Documentary Screening

We are thrilled to announce a special event on Thursday night, March 27th, at the IMAX theater in downtown Chattanooga, reserved exclusively for our conference attendees! This exciting evening will feature two parts:

Creative Work or Performance

Enjoy a showcase of diverse talents, including music, singing, acting, dancing, filmmaking, visual art, and other performance art forms. This is a fantastic opportunity to witness and celebrate the creativity and artistry within our honors community.

How to Sue the Klan

Discover the powerful story of how five Black women from Chattanooga used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case.We are honored to be joined by the director and producer, John Beder, as well as a family member of one of the five women, who will share their insights and experiences.