October 14, 2025
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
Smyrna High School is the latest Rutherford County Schools campus to offer a hygiene vending machine to its students, in partnership with Archie’s Promise and WellPoint Tennessee.
The vending machine offers items such as deodorant, toothpaste, feminine and regular hygiene packs. Based in Murfreesboro, Archie’s Promise began providing the machines several years ago through grants secured by the school district. As the need has grown, partners such as Wellpoint have stepped up to sponsor the machines, providing an easy way for students to get the items they need.
“Smyrna High School gets so much support from the community and it’s great that Wellpoint wanted to do this for us,” principal Dr. Sherri Southerland said.
The machine at Smyrna High marks the 13th such installation, said Claressa Ham, founder and executive of Archie’s Promise.
Officials with Wellpoint said this initiative is a powerful step toward making sure all youth in Rutherford County have the resources necessary to thrive.
“Through partnerships with local schools, we’re tackling an overlooked factor that influences school attendance, self-esteem, and long-term health outcomes,” said Natalie Cooper, president of Wellpoint Tennessee.
Archie’s Promise staff members replenish the machines weekly and has created this Amazon Wish List for donations: https://a.co/cdpIITS.