From Local 3 News: For two students at Cleveland Middle School who rely on wheelchairs, getting through the school hallways just got a little easier, thanks to a group of their own classmates.
Sixth graders Angel Molina and Angel Diaz navigate the school differently than many of their peers.
The boys’ STEM teacher, Derek Morris, says it was clear the boys wanted to be able to do certain things on their own.
“They’re in wheelchairs, and they want to be independent. It’s like anyone else. Sometimes they get stuck on the door a little bit and have to have some help.”
Looking to change that, one of the school’s paraprofessionals, Betsy Wilis, approached Morris with an idea to make the boys’ travel a little easier: create a tool that would allow them to open doors on their own. She brought the concept to Morris and his STEM class, challenging students to find a real-world solution.
“Our goal for this class is not only just to get them into STEM and excited about it, but also find real-world application.”
They used only materials they had on hand, like scrap wood, cardboard, and a few items students brought from home.
“We started picking up junk and started making stuff,” Morris said.
In just one week, students designed and built six different prototypes of door-opening devices, each aimed at helping Molina and Diaz move more independently through the school.
“They help me open the door,” Molina said.
The impact of the project went beyond functionality. Diaz said it felt good knowing his classmates were working to make his day-to-day life easier.
The project also left a lasting impression on the students who created the devices.
“This was a really good project to help them get through our hallways and hopefully make them better,” said student Braylyn Harmon.
While the tools are still being refined, the effort has already made a difference.
And for Molina and Diaz, it’s one more step toward greater independence and a smoother ride through the school day.
Sixth graders Angel Molina and Angel Diaz navigate the school differently than many of their peers.
The boys’ STEM teacher, Derek Morris, says it was clear the boys wanted to be able to do certain things on their own.
“They’re in wheelchairs, and they want to be independent. It’s like anyone else. Sometimes they get stuck on the door a little bit and have to have some help.”
Looking to change that, one of the school’s paraprofessionals, Betsy Wilis, approached Morris with an idea to make the boys’ travel a little easier: create a tool that would allow them to open doors on their own. She brought the concept to Morris and his STEM class, challenging students to find a real-world solution.
“Our goal for this class is not only just to get them into STEM and excited about it, but also find real-world application.”
They used only materials they had on hand, like scrap wood, cardboard, and a few items students brought from home.
“We started picking up junk and started making stuff,” Morris said.
In just one week, students designed and built six different prototypes of door-opening devices, each aimed at helping Molina and Diaz move more independently through the school.
“They help me open the door,” Molina said.
The impact of the project went beyond functionality. Diaz said it felt good knowing his classmates were working to make his day-to-day life easier.
The project also left a lasting impression on the students who created the devices.
“This was a really good project to help them get through our hallways and hopefully make them better,” said student Braylyn Harmon.
While the tools are still being refined, the effort has already made a difference.
And for Molina and Diaz, it’s one more step toward greater independence and a smoother ride through the school day.
Posted in Local News
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January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax foreverGov. Lee proclaims January 19 as "Dolly Parton Day"United Airlines temporarily offering direct flights from Chattanooga to DenverBarn blaze leaves 9 animals dead in Bradley County ThursdayBradley County Mayor Gary Davis delivers annual State of the County addressNo injuries reported after crash on Paul Huff Parkway SaturdayPetroleum pipeline maintenance under Mouse Creek Road to cause delaysCharleston home a complete loss after fire Saturday afternoonTwo vehicle crash on I-75 S causes temporary road closure SundayBradley Medical Center and Erlanger to partner to expand pediatric emergency servicesOoltewah man arrested after auto burglary spree, HCSO saysDecember Tennessee revenues exceed budgeted amounts by $82.7 millionTennessee lawmakers push to expand school voucher program as demand surges past 50,000Bradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland man arrested after making threats to judge, criminal justice officialsYour to-do list ahead of the winter storm heading toward the TN ValleyOfficials urge residents to prepare now for unpredictable winter weather in TN ValleySPCA of Bradley County temporarily closing due to winter weatherBradley County EMS to begin carrying CYANOKITTennessee and Georgia declare state of emergenciesCleveland City Schools names Mike Chai as new Director of Student ServicesSheriff Steve Lawson discusses updates and future needs of BCSO ThursdayMan wanted for attempted murder in Athens stabbing considered dangerousCleveland City Schools and CPD launch BusPatrol ProgramBradley County government offices closed MondayTDOT crews help drivers across the stateMcMinn Co. deputy praised for heroic response to deadly crash after pursuit of stolen vehicleCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland's Long Range Transportation Plan draft focuses on congestion, safetyApartment catches fire Sunday in ClevelandVolunteers needed for Barbara's Market in ClevelandTBI activates hotline to support welfare checks after winter stormBlood Assurance offers $40 eGift Cards to donorsLee University, City of Cleveland partner to celebrate Sousa’s Musical LegacyFormer Hamilton Co. teacher sentenced to 60 years following conviction of child sexual abuseCleveland firefighters quickly extinguish basement fire Wednesday nightKnox County man charged with first-degree murder after body found in Ten MileBCSO to host blood drive with Blood Assurance on Feb. 9Cleveland PD Chief Mark Gibson delivers 2026 New Year's MessageUnemployment rates below 5% in nearly every Tennessee countyGov. Lee requests expedited disaster declaration for 23 counties
February
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