Morristown becomes new melting pot
- Naydelin Laureano Merchant
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 27
Over the years, Morristown has doubled its size with it's population, and new businesses begin to flourish here. People from all over the country and even out of the country have been drawn to Morristown. For example, Andrew Johnson Highway was not full of businesses in the early 2000’s. It was mostly farmland, but now we see this growing town begin to flourish with new people moving here.
Students Perspective
Many students have moved to West High with their families for new opportunities and to be closer with their family members.
Ashley Parker moved here all the way from Minnesota. That's more than an 18 hour drive! Parker moved to Morristown because she and her family wanted to move somewhere where it was warmer and wanted something new. Her favorite thing here in Morristown is all the warm weather we get and the mountains.
Next, Alizay Garvitt moved here from Nebraska. The decision was influenced by all the opportunities her family had here in Morristown. Garvitt shares her favorite things here in Morristown "7-brew which opened recently and the Smoky Mountains with its beautiful landscape that everyone loves. "
Furthermore, we have students here that are from different countries! One of those students is Yefri Chocoj. He's all the way from Guatemala. Chocoj moved around states like Pennsylvania and Indiana. But out of all those places he says that Morristown, TN is his favorite place to be. His absolute favorite thing here in Morristown is Pal’s! Chocoj shares "We all love a good cheddar round or a big pal."
Omar Ahmed moved here from Egypt with his family for a better life here and the opportunities that awaited here for him. He loves all the people he has met here and the energy that is here. His favorite things about Morristown are El Toro and Cruise Farms. Both of these places are very popular here.
Naomi Lou moved here with her family from Taiwan because her mother studied at Carson Newman. Her mother has worked within the Hamblen County school systems.
Her favorite part about Morristown Tennessee is the air quality here because of all the plant life that is here. She loves the people here and most of all the mountains.
Teachers Perspective
Many teachers over the years have moved to Morristown for the job opportunities and also for the strong school system that is Hamblen County. They chose Morristown because some of them have family here or because of the beautiful Smokey Mountains.
Susan Porter moved here from Ohio. She moved here to Tennessee because she was tired of shoveling snow from her driveway! She wanted better temperatures, not too hot or too cold . She chose Morristown because West High offered her a job here. Mrs. Porter loves being close to the lakes and the Mountains. “Morristown is not too big but not to small”, Porter remarks.
Jeremy Emmons moved here from Kansas! Mr. Emmons chose East Tennessee because of its incredible natural beauty and the abundance of outdoor activities it offers. Emmons stated, “When I first flew in for my interview at Carson Newman, I was immediately struck by the breathtaking view of the Smoky Mountains. The changing seasons—especially the vibrant colors of fall—are something I truly love and look forward to each year.”
Emmons also shares, “Some of my most meaningful memories are rooted here, as this is where my family has grown. Both of my sons were born in East Tennessee, and I am grateful they have the opportunity to grow up in such a beautiful place filled with opportunities and experiences.”
Steffan Kielau is from Germany! “Nearly two decades ago, I stumbled into this beautiful corner of the country, but my journey was far from the glamorous tales often associated with immigration. My story is more straightforward: I met my wife in Germany, where she is originally from Rogersville. We visited her family here during a Thanksgiving/Christmas vacation, which set off a chain of unexpected events.” Kielau chose Morristown because it reminds him of his home town Leipzig. “In reflecting on my journey, I realize that home is not just a place; it's where you find community, warmth, and connection. Morristown has given me that, and I’m grateful for the unexpected path that led me here.”
Although Morristown may be small, it truly has so much to offer. Everyone interviewed shared the same reason, and that is for a better life here. Morristown is like a piece of a puzzle. You need many pieces to make one and that perfectly describes Morristown Tennessee.
Comments