Alcoa High School's Holiday Market celebrates its 10th anniversary on Nov. 14, 2026, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the school, located at 1205 Lodge St. in Alcoa. The event has grown from 32 vendors in its first year to roughly 75 this time around, with organizers saying the market now draws about 1,200 attendees annually.
This year's market is being organized by three Alcoa High sophomores — Presley Harmon, Aliyah Hill and Shani Love — all DECA members and cheerleaders, according to The Daily Times. Hill said the organizing duties were split evenly among the trio, and all three say they've picked up teamwork, organizational skills, management and communication along the way — experience that feeds into their own interest in someday running businesses. Teachers Joy Gornto and Keenan Sudderth are guiding the students, continuing a tradition in which DECA and marketing students lead the market every year.
A Scholarship in Stephens' Name
A new scholarship has been created for Garrison Stephens, a former Alcoa High marketing student who was diagnosed with ALS as a senior. Applicants for the scholarship were required to research ALS and write about what they learned, and Gornto and a committee narrowed the finalists down to four candidates. Stephens and his family are set to choose the winner at Friday night's football game.
Shani Love designed a t-shirt for the scholarship fundraiser, and cheerleaders and other students are selling the shirts to raise proceeds for the fund. The Alcoa High football team will also wear special helmet emblems during Friday's game in connection with the tribute.
What Shoppers Will Find
Vendors at this year's market are expected to sell soaps, stained glass, ornaments, wreaths, hand-painted items, food products, cards, toys, jewelry, hats and scarves. Alcoa High culinary students plan to run a food truck as part of the lineup. Organizers are also adding a kids area for 2026, and the market carries a vendor waiting list given demand for booth space. Student council members are pitching in to help run the event, and students will assist vendors by carrying supplies inside and helping out throughout the day. Organizers arrive at 7 a.m. on Nov. 14 to begin setup.
The market's reach has built over its first nine years partly through television interviews, social media advertising and word of mouth, Gornto said. She said vendors consider the event one of their favorites, and that shoppers can support students, education and a good cause while they shop.
A Growing Tradition
Last year's market, the ninth annual, featured more than 70 vendors made up of students and area businesses, according to a report from thedailytimes.com. That 2025 event included the school's National Art Honor Society students selling handmade prints and jewelry, while the art program separately sold stained glass and jewelry crafted by students. Handmade pottery, earrings and 3D-printed chain necklaces also turned up among the offerings that year, and Gateway to Independence representatives said it marked their organization's third year participating in the market. The group known as Gate sold adult participants' homemade holiday crafts at the 2025 event as well.
A separate account of the market from WATE described a similar Saturday schedule of 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with five Alcoa High students selling their own items alongside more than 75 vendors. That report listed toys, ornaments, candles, jewelry, boutique clothing, woodworking crafts, shirts, tumblers, makeup, skincare products and food among the goods for sale, and noted that entry was free while vendor fees went toward supporting Alcoa High DECA students.
This will also mark a transition year for the market's faculty leadership: the market has grown, and Gornto is retiring after 14 years at Alcoa High to start her own business.
