To be a president is to lead those who elected you with integrity and honor. For student presidents, the title comes with additional responsibilities. Not only do they maintain a presidential role, but they do so while playing on sports teams, working part-time jobs, participating in extracurricular activities, and completing their homework. The fine young people featured here represent their student bodies across the Chattanooga area. Their hard work and leadership qualities are to be admired, paving the way for bright futures and more accomplishments to come.
Carlos Perez
Executive President, Dalton High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? Being in the top of my class all four years of high school.
Impact you want to make on the world? I hope to spread more awareness of the Hispanic and Latinx communities in this country. I want them to be represented well and hopefully given more opportunities in education or careers.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
Getting out of my comfort zone will lead to personal growth. I had never seen myself as a leader, but I have learned to lead others by example and encourage participation. All it takes is courage.
Person you admire most?
I admire my dad the most. He left his home to create a better life for my family, and I will never be able to thank him enough. Where would you like to travel? I hope to travel to my parents’ hometowns in Mexico, Guanajuato, and Oaxaca.
Jimbo Canida
Student Body President, Walker Valley High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? My proudest leadership accomplishment happened last spring when I, along with 11 of my peers, made a modern short film adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
Impact you want to make on the world?
I’d like to tell stories that move people: to tears, to action, or just to introspection.
Higher education/career goals?
I’d like to pursue a career in filmmaking, as of right now, at the Savannah College of Arts and Design in Atlanta, Georgia.
Person you admire most? My father. My dad has had the odds stacked against him for most of his life, but he’s always beaten them. He’s been a constant example of a good father and a good man.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to go to Italy; I’m a pasta aficionado, and I think zipping around on a moped would be quite the cathartic experience.
Jailee Easley
Senior Class President, Walker Valley High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
My proudest accomplishment is my position as the senior class president. I am honored to serve the school as I encourage my peers and work to improve Walker Valley and the community as a whole.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
I am a captain on the football cheer team at Walker Valley! I love cheering on the Mustangs while also building up and helping lead my team.
Impact you want to make on the world?
Shining a light for Jesus is the most important thing in my life, and I want the world to know Him like I do!
Person you admire most?
I admire my parents for their work ethics and strong leadership. They love the Lord, and it shows in everything they do. They not only are great parents but also my biggest inspiration in life. I want to be just like them when I grow up.
Aliya Trott
Student Association President, Collegedale Academy
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Being elected to Student Association and being able to have an impact on my school and peers.
Impact you want to make on the world?
If I can accomplish anything in my time on this Earth, I want to point others to God. I want to show others the impact He has had on my life and those around me.
Person you admire most?
My sister Brianna. She has been by my side every step of the way no matter what we went through. She never gave up, she reached higher with every step she took, and she showed me how to be there for others and how to love them.
Where would you like to travel?
I have always wished to travel to Alaska. I want to stand out under the stars and see them in their true glory, without anything in the way.
Leandro Webba Jorge
Student Body President, Cleveland High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Raising $1,600 for my choir’s fundraiser in my junior year was one of my experiences I will never forget. Dressed up as a chef, I sold popcorn and pecan products throughout the school and the community. I met so many wonderful people.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I hope to inspire individuals to analyze themselves and focus on maximizing their potential in every aspect of their lives.
Where would you like to travel?
I grew up in Singapore for most of my life. I believe Singapore is one of the best places in the world to live with its cultural diversity, safety, sophistication, and quality of living.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I would choose to attain great wealth, maximize my potential in all facets of my life so as to not have any regrets, and have a wholesome and wonderful family.
Sarah Brotton
Senior Class President, Hixson High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
My proudest accomplishment related to leadership and service is earning my Girl Scout Gold Award, in which I spent over 115 hours creating a nutrition curriculum for 1st and 2nd graders in all Hamilton County elementary schools.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
My favorite extracurricular is running! I have been running cross country and track since elementary school.
Higher education/career goals?
I plan on attending college and law school; ultimately to pursue a career in corporate law.
Person you admire most?
A person I admire is Taylor Swift, she is a strong leader in her field who stands up for what she believes in while making some great music.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
Three things I hope to accomplish in my life are traveling to all 50 states, running a marathon, and meeting Taylor Swift.
Esther Boateng
Student Council Class President, Red Bank High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Being selected as a QuestBridge Prep Scholar. I remember when I’d struggled to keep up with the curriculum and had holes in my English vocabulary, and I can’t help but appreciate how far I’ve come as I persevered.
Impact you want to make on the world?
A big part of my story is growing up in a third world country where, at many points, my life was on the line because of the lack of (healthcare) resources. I want to spread resources around the world and bring recognition to struggles people face while breaking stereotypes.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I hope to be able to give back to my mom by supplying her with the quality of life she deserves, to change people’s fates by helping give them the same chance that others have to succeed, and to build a safe haven on earth with a family of my own.
Cheyenne Frye
Student Body President, Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
My proudest accomplishment is being trusted by many because of what I projected out. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to encourage those who have doubts that it is okay to be afraid, but what you do with that fear is what makes a difference.
Higher education/career goals?
I plan to major in either criminology, sociology, or pre-law. I hope to become a forensic psychologist or some type of lawyer.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
I’ve learned that it is very important to be an attentive listener and to find some way to relate to others.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to travel all of Africa because of the scenery and the culture all around the continent. It would be a trip where I could learn and possibly impact someone.
Isaiah Munoz
Student Body President, Tennessee Christian Preparatory School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Being able to do well in high school since my dad didn’t have the chance to continue his high school career.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I just want to be able to show everyone love, be there for people when they feel like they don’t have anyone, and try to be an example to others in my attitude, work ethic, and spiritual life.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
My basketball coach, Coach Tim, taught me that criticizing someone for something they know they did wrong won’t help them, but encouraging them and building them up will give them the courage to improve and do better.
Person you admire most?
My dad. He’s worked and served others in the humblest way I’ve ever seen, and he’s never acknowledged enough for what he does. I aspire each day to be more like him.
Ella Marks
Chair of the Honor Council, Baylor School
Favorite extracurricular activity?
I play lacrosse and started the Baylor pickleball team. I love being a part of these encouraging communities!
Impact you want to make on the world? I want to become an example of perseverance, love, and leadership that inspires those around me to care – both about and for each other.
Person you admire most?
I admire my older brother, Miles Marks, for his relentlessly positive attitude and ability to persevere and maintain an optimistic outlook in all situations.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to travel to Spain, as I have taken Spanish and studied Spanish history for most of my education and plan to continue to do so in college.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I hope to have the opportunity to hold public office, take care of my parents, and most importantly make a positive difference in the world around me.
Carlos McKee
Student Council President, The Dalton Academy
Impact you want to make on the world?
I would like to inspire my peers and others in the world to not do things for money or for yourself, but for the pleasure of helping and seeing someone else happy.
Person you admire most?
My mom. As single parent she has not let anyone stop her from getting where she is now. She pushed through all circumstances to get me and my siblings what we need and want. She did not let anyone tell her she can’t do something. She just found a different way. She has shown me how to push myself, work harder, and not let anyone tell me I can’t do something.
Where would you like to travel?
I would like to travel to Brazil to experience the vibrant culture and traditional festivals like Carnival, explore historic cities like Rio de Janeiro, and also experience one of their soccer games as a fan.
Megan Ezell
Student Council President, East Ridge High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
My greatest accomplishment is my time management throughout high school. Between all the activities I participate in, I’m proud to say that I’ve maintained my grades, my job, and all my roles in the school between clubs and sports.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to change the healthcare industry. I really believe that there are things wrong with hospitals and the way people are treated in certain healthcare facilities. I believe people should get everything they need to live a healthy life and that people should not be scared or worried about visiting doctors like many of us are today.
Where would you like to travel?
One day I would love to go to Italy! I’m a really big pasta fan and would like to taste handmade pasta that’s traditional. Also there are many historic sites in Italy I would like to learn more about.
Paige Martin
Student Body Co-President, Soddy Daisy High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? Maintaining a 4.0 and being a big part of the Student Council Core.
Impact you want to make on the world?
Showing others the love of Jesus Christ.
Higher education/career goals?
Plan to attend Chattanooga State Community College and be a part of the dental hygiene program.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
Everyone has their own unique qualities that they can use to work well with others to complete a project.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to travel back to Guatemala in order to visit the kids my family supports through Compassion.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I hope to glorify God in all that I do, build a strong family, and have a steady job!
Olivia Terry
Student Body Co-President, Soddy Daisy High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? When I was elected to be the East Tennessee representative for the Tennessee Association of Student Councils.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to make sure everyone knows that they are important and have a place on this planet.
Higher education/career goals?
I am planning to attend college and major in nursing.
Person you admire most?
I would have to say my brother. He is one of the hardest working people I know and has always gone after his goals and reached them.
Where would you like to travel? I would love to travel to Greece to see the architecture, the beaches, and try all of the food.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I hope to accomplish becoming a leader and an inspiration to those younger than me, to travel numerous places, and to find genuine happiness.
Chase Walker
Student Council President, Silverdale Baptist Academy
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
I once took a mission trip to Kenya and was able to serve those less fortunate.
Impact you want to make on the world?
Build a positive legacy that impacts others using God’s gifts to me.
Higher education/career goals?
Become a successful lawyer.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
Leadership is a privilege.
Person you admire most?
My dad, he’s been my greatest influence as a man and a leader.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
Become a multi-millionaire, be a godly husband and father one day, and make the most of the opportunities God has given me.
Brody Haddock
Senior Class President, Ringgold High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
I led a voting registration presentation that gave information about voting. We had Catoosa County election board members there to help register seniors and answer any questions they might have.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to make sure to shine the light of Christ wherever I go.
Higher education/career goals?
I am planning to attend the University of Alabama to pursue a major in business.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
People have different personalities, and it takes a leader with the right attitude to unite the organization or workplace.
Person you admire most?
I admire my grandfather, Phil Langston because he has had such a positive impact on me in that he guided me in leadership decisions and overall life skills. I’m so grateful for him and all he has done for me.
Jorhiya Crutcher
Senior Class President, Brainerd High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
I attended Brainerd in 9th grade and came back to finish my last year. I’m proud to be class president for 2023-2024, and I can’t wait to make this year fun and memorable for Brainerd High School.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
I’m a former Girls Inc. leadership student and have been a pre-K student teacher for the Girls Inc. program.
Higher education/career goals?
I will be furthering my education at Alabama A&M University where I plan to major in early childhood education. I also plan to minor in criminal justice.
Natalie Haga
Student Council President, Chattanooga Christian School
Favorite extracurricular activity?
My favorite extracurricular activity would have to be the least expected extracurricular in Chattanooga, which is surfing. It has been an opportunity to decompress and unwind.
Higher education/career goals?
My career goal is to become a labor and delivery nurse. I would love to be able to go back to school when I am older and become a Nurse Practitioner.
Person you admire most?
Josie Greer. She is kind, humble, and everything that you would want in a friend. She pushes me in my relationship with God, and every time I am with her, I strive to be more like her.
Where would you like to travel?
Greece is such a beautiful country with beautiful architecture and colors. More than the beautiful buildings and rich culture, it is naturally such a beautiful place that I hope I get to travel to one day.
Caroline Newton
Student Body President, Signal Mountain Middle High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Being student body president. I love being involved in the planning of school events and feel very accomplished when I hear positive feedback about them from students.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
I have played soccer for almost 14 years, and it’s really become a part of my identity. For some of those years, my dad was one of my coaches, so soccer is also a way that I can connect with him.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to be a friendly face to every new person I meet. I want to be a doctor, so having a compassionate approach and good bedside manner is important for the overall well-being of patients.
Where would you like to travel?
I want to travel to France to experience its culture. I have taken French for six years and am just in love with the language and the community of people who speak it.
Sawyer Hunnewell
Captain of the House of Rex, Notre Dame High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Being selected as a Carson Scholar last year was significant to me because, in order to be selected, you must exhibit academic success, community involvement, and overall good character.
Impact you want to make on the world?
By pursuing my passion for motorsports through studying engineering I hope to inspire other young girls to pursue careers in STEM, more specifically within the automotive industry which tends to be male dominated.
Where would you like to travel?
I would like to travel to Italy to watch the Monza Formula 1 Grand Prix and to be able to visit the Ferrari museum.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I hope to broaden my cultural horizons by traveling the world, to be an engineer for a Formula 1 team, and to mentor young people who are interested in pursuing a career in the automotive industry.
Amare DaSilva
Captain of the House of Fons, Notre Dame High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Winning the Bill Chepul scholarship at Notre Dame. This scholarship means so much to me because the recipient of the scholarship is someone who has good grades and shows leadership skills.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to have a positive impact, try to uplift others, and always be a helping hand, even if it is not much.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to travel to Toronto, Canada, specifically in the winter because I’ve heard how beautiful it is and would love to experience that.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
I hope to run my own charity one day, I want to make sure that I am successful while keeping a strong faith in God, and I want my mom to be able to retire.
Carter Rowlett
Senior Class President, Boyd-Buchanan School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? Achieving a 4.0 GPA while balancing service, athletics, and personal relationships. This has not come easy, as there have been many late and stressful nights.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Competing on the high school varsity wrestling and tennis teams.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to give underprivileged children the opportunity to have a strong education as well as participate in extracurricular activities. I want more students to have opportunities in their childhood.
Person you admire most?
I admire my mother, Lauren Rowlett, the most because she has pushed me to my limits throughout my whole life. Looking back, what she has done for me has successfully prepared me for difficulties.
Katie Mei Sharpe
Student Body Co-President, Boyd-Buchanan School
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Dance has been a part of my life since I could walk, and I am so glad I get to share this love with amazing young women who challenge me to be my best self.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to use my knowledge and skills to be a light in the world.
Higher education/career goals?
I am planning to major in biomedical engineering or microbiology.
Where would you like to travel?
Ghana, Africa. I had the chance to travel to Ghana with a group from school last summer, and it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. The love we received from the people there was beyond anything I could have imagined, and I cannot wait to go back.
Hannah Joseph
Student Body Co-President, Boyd-Buchanan School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Winning the Young Southern Student Writers Prose Fiction Writing Competition in 2022.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to help people around the globe who deserve basic healthcare needs. There are so many people, so many children, that need immediate care but do not receive it just because of their financial state or the discrimination that poverty places on them.
Higher education/career goals?
After high school I plan to go on a pre-medical track with hopes of getting into a great medical school. I would love to focus on pediatric studies and family medicine, maybe specializing in hematology or oncology.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to visit Greece someday, primarily because Greek food is absolutely amazing, and also because it is a beautiful place.
Emmaline Hill
Student Council President, Girls Preparatory School
Favorite activity?
Working with my father on my family’s beef cattle farm in North Georgia. Watching and helping manage the cow herd ultimately guided me to pursue a career in veterinary science with a particular interest in large animal care.
Impact you want to make on the world?
We only have one Earth, so I want to do my part to try to keep it healthy and sustainable for others. I would also like my words and actions as a good human to be an example to future generations of young women.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
It may be an overly ambitious goal, but I hope there is no country that I haven’t visited by the end of my life. I hope to be a successful and impactful veterinarian who makes a difference both in the local community and beyond. I hope that people remember me as a friendly and helpful person.
Grayson Stallings
Senior Class President, Heritage High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Raising over $1,000 for the Catoosa County Children’s Fund, bringing back the Homecoming Dance at Heritage, and qualifying for the Governor’s Honors Program.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Cross country. My favorite part of cross country is when we make it to the state meet in Carrolton. The team, as well as myself, always has loads of fun.
Impact you want to make on the world? I have worked with many children during my time at Camp Lookout, and I want to know that I have helped bring at least one of them closer to their relationship with God.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
There’s nothing you can do to appeal to everyone. There will always be someone who does not agree with your decisions.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I hope to become a successful engineer, start a family, and run a marathon.
Ashley Finney
Student Body President, Grace Academy
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Winning the Grace Academy Golden Eagle Horizon Award for maintaining a high GPA while balancing honors and dual enrollment classes with extra-curricular activities.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Cheerleading. I love leading the student section and the Friday night lights in the fall.
Higher education/career goals?
I want to be a pediatric and family nurse practitioner, opening my own practice someday.
Person you admire most?
My mother. She can solve any problem with a smile while maintaining a Christ-like attitude and shows love and determination in everything she does.
Where would you like to travel?
I would love to go to Europe and visit countries like Hungary, my grandmother’s home country, to see where she grew up.
Jessie James
Student Council President, Sale Creek High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
I have been top three of my class every year of my high school career.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Coaching an elementary age volleyball team at the Rhea County Community Center. I have loved getting to know my team and help them learn how to play and love volleyball.
Higher education/career goals?
I would like to go to the University of Tennessee of Chattanooga to get a nursing degree.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
I have learned to be flexible because 90% of the time things do not always go as planned.
Where would you like to travel?
I would like to travel to Italy because there are so many options of places to go that have beautiful scenery and buildings, the sparking water, and cool landmarks.
Presley Piatt
Senior Class President, Lakeview-Ft. Oglethorpe High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Winning first place in a regional DECA competition for two consecutive years.
Higher education/career goals?
I plan on completing my master’s in education to further my pursuit of becoming a kindergarten teacher.
Person you admire most? My sister who is a first generation college student is an incredible example of determination and perseverance. I’ve always looked up to her and am so grateful to have such an inspirational role model.
Where would you like to travel? My dream destination is Australia, because I want to experience a different culture and way of living life. I would love to see the exotic animals and explore the outdoors and then finish my trip at the gorgeous beaches.
Sullivan Clarke
Senior Class President, Signal Mountain Middle High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? Leading the lacrosse team as a captain during the 2022-2023 season to play in the state championships for the first time in the 18 years of the program. Also, receiving math academic achievement awards throughout all years of high school and maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Lacrosse is by far the most enjoyable sport I’ve experienced. I’ve been lifting for two years, and the decision to add lifting to my hobbies has been very fulfilling.
Higher education/career goals?
My higher education goals as of now are to pursue a degree in computer science with a focus on cyber security as well as minor in data science.
Person you admire most? A person I really admire is my previous lacrosse coach, Ryne Linsley. Coach Linsley has taught me how to lead, the values of dedication and commitment, and has shaped me into the person I am today.
Katie Tidwell
Senior Class Co-President, Center for Creative Arts
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Participating in the high school musical every year!
Higher education/career goals?
I plan to go to college for at least a four year program, however I have not decided yet on if I want to end up working as a therapist or running a restaurant.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions?
I’ve learned that leadership does not mean being in charge of those you represent, but putting those you represent in charge of their circumstances.
Person you admire most?
My mom because she’s taught me that being successful isn’t about lack of mistakes, but it is about how much you learn and grow from them.
Where would you like to travel? I’ve always been fascinated with Europe, and one of my favorite hobbies is baking, so I’ve always wanted to take a culinary class in France.
Lily Rhyne
Senior Class Co-President, Center for Creative Arts
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Dance and filmmaking.
Impact you want to make on the world? I want to make people happy and get to express myself creatively in a way that benefits others while also feeding my soul.
Higher education/career goals?
I plan on going to film school and going into the film industry. I’m not limiting myself to becoming a director, I just want to have some hand in the filmmaking process as a career.
Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? Other people look up to you, and it’s important to be someone worth being a leader. That means always being kind and considerate, and always being open to new ideas and concerns proposed by the people around you.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
Make a movie, visit the Sesame Street soundstage in Queens, and be the nicest old lady you’ll ever meet.
Maggie Rickerd
Student Body Co-President, East Hamilton High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service?
Having the faith of my classmates, teachers, and teammates to hold six leadership positions and being elected to the homecoming court this year.
Impact you want to make on the world?
I want to share the love of Jesus Christ through ministry and in my healthcare career. Spreading kindness through what I do is my ultimate goal.
Higher education/career goals?
My career goal is to become a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or doctor. I would like to specialize in a field like orthopedics, dermatology, or pediatrics.
Person you admire most?
My mom represents the woman I want to be and the woman I am becoming. She has always shown me so much love and support. My mom has given me the world and made sure that I never had to worry about anything. She has given her life for me, and I am forever thankful for her sacrifice.
Tristin Sutton
Student Body Co-President, East Hamilton High School
Proudest accomplishment related to education, leadership, or service? Being inducted into the National Honor Society my junior year.
Favorite extracurricular activity?
Being the captain of the volleyball team at East Hamilton High School.
Impact you want to make on the world?
Spreading the word of the Lord and inspiring others to be a Christian follower.
Higher education/career goals? Become an entrepreneur.
Person you admire most?
Jesus Christ, because he died on the cross for our sins.
Where would you like to travel? I would like to travel to the Bahamas because I would love to be able to see the beaches that have clear water.
Three things you hope to accomplish in your life?
Becoming financially free, maintaining a healthy home, and living a life that pleases God.
