2025-26 Twelve/Twelve Legacy Program Kicks Off with Special Guest, Inky Johnson
We were thrilled to celebrate the kickoff of our third annual Twelve/Twelve Legacy program for the 2025-26 school year on September 30 at Cooper Steel Arena.
The program, dreamed up by Cooper Steel CEO Gary Cooper, launched in 2023 aiming to foster educational success, personal growth, and a positive culture among students. This is achieved by pairing local high school and elementary school students for 12-month partnerships, which involves initiatives such as High Five Fridays, class reading visits, and more. Through participating, the high school organizations can receive grants for their groups and gain a sense of accountability and responsibility to the younger students.
High school students from 14 different organizations and four separate high schools are participating in the program this year. They along with the groups’ faculty, school administrators, and leadership team members from Cooper Steel attended the event to commemorate the investments they are making back into Bedford County.
Attendees enjoyed a catered lunch and program including words from Cooper Steel’s Gary Cooper and Brian Crews on the meaning behind the program. Brian also moderated a panel discussion with East Side Elementary Principal Layne Talbott and Shelbyville Central High School athletes Jackson Themm, Kaitlyn Burk, and Jack Conditt to discuss the impact of the program and their advice for new participants.
The program’s keynote address was delivered by motivational speaker and former University of Tennessee football player, Inky Johnson, who shared his personal story of perseverance and finding purpose. His message concluded with reinforcing the importance of investing in others as a positive influence and light, which could make all the difference for them.
His words aligned with Cooper Steel’s vision for the Twelve/Twelve Legacy program, which is to work together to make a positive impact, build a strong future, and a more connected community for everyone. We are grateful to Inky Johnson for joining us to share these words of encouragement with our students and faculty, and proud of the growing group of dedicated students who are helping make Bedford County’s future bright!
