A Dolly Parton-inspired classroom performance has earned a Sevierville teacher $27,500 in new technology for his students.
ORAU surprised Logan Woods, a sixth-grade math and science teacher at Sevierville Intermediate School, on April 14, 2026, announcing him as the grand prize winner of the 2026 Extreme Classroom Makeover. Woods also earned the program’s Viewers’ Choice Award.
Watch Logan Woods’ video
Now in its 17th year, Extreme Classroom Makeover challenges public school STEM teachers in grades 3-10 within a 50-mile radius of Oak Ridge to creatively envision how cutting-edge technology could transform learning. The program’s flagship prize is a $25,000 classroom technology grant.
Woods’ winning video paid tribute to Sevierville’s hometown icon, Dolly Parton, by reimagining her hit song 9 to 5. In the video, Woods drives a train reminiscent of Dollywood’s famous engine while students – wearing blonde wigs – sing about the classroom technology they hope to use during their “8 to 3.” The submission captured the attention of both judges and online voters.
With the grant funds, Woods plans to launch a fully immersive 3D printing lab at Sevierville Intermediate School.
“This would allow students and teachers access to print 3D model prototypes of topic-based hands-on manipulatives,” Woods wrote in his application. “Teachers could create tangible examples of the concepts they are teaching. For instance, a social studies teacher could create 3D models of hieroglyphics to enhance students’ understanding of ancient civilizations.”
In addition to the 3D printing lab, Woods plans to purchase a classroom drone set and dual-lens electronic microscopes to expand hands-on STEM learning.
ORAU President and CEO Meghan Millwood presented Woods with the award during the surprise classroom visit. “It’s always a special moment when we get to recognize the dedication and creativity of educators like Mr. Woods,” Millwood said. “We’re thrilled to support his vision for establishing a 3D printing lab that will benefit all students across the school. This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking initiative we aim to encourage through this program.”
In his application, Woods emphasized his broader goal: “One of my visions for Sevierville Intermediate School is to give every student the opportunity to learn something new through technology—whether that’s 3D printing and design, coding, earning an FAA drone pilot certification, or simply discovering a new and exciting passion.”
Watch Meagan Edmonds’ video
The 2026 Extreme Classroom Makeover runner-up winner was also announced Tuesday. Meagan Edmonds, a fifth- through eighth-grade science teacher at Petros-Joyner School, received $5,000. Her submission was inspired by the fictional character Ms. Frizzle and The Magic School Bus. Edmonds plans to use the funding to purchase new lab supplies for hands-on experiments.
ORAU began the Extreme Classroom Makeover program 17 years ago as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening STEM education throughout East Tennessee. Since its inception, ORAU has awarded more than $550,000 to more than 30 local schools, helping educators bring innovative technology and hands-on learning experiences into their classrooms.