Chattanooga Area Student Body Presidents
Student presidents are recognized as individuals gifted with vision who can lead their peers to a bigger and brighter future. They are held to the highest standard of integrity, and they juggle extra responsibilities all while making sure they aren’t late to class. The 29 young men and women here are just some of the many chosen to represent their student bodies in the Chattanooga area. Accomplished in academics, athletics, and community service, they’re busy spearheading endeavors that will echo throughout the halls of their high schools and beyond.
By Mary Beth Wallace
Maggie Meller
Signal Mountain Middle/High School, Student Body President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Definitely mock trial. I have acted as a witness both years I’ve participated, and each year we’ve won the regional competition. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to show everyone I come in contact with that you can be successful and kind at the same time. Any education/career goals? I hope to major in material science and engineering with a minor in industrial packaging and design, then later pursue my master’s degree. Person you admire most? I admire my teachers so much; they are the reason I fell in love with learning, something for which I will always be thankful. Lessons learned from leadership? Listening and respecting everyone’s opinion is important. It takes courage to speak your mind, and that should always be recognized. Where would you travel? Switzerland – I’d like to go skiing and stargazing.
Jariah Chapman
Brainerd High School, Outstanding Student Leader
Proudest accomplishment? Maintaining my class rank as valedictorian with a grade point average of 3.9. Any education/career goals? My goal is to graduate college with a degree in business, nursing, or engineering. Person you admire most? My mom because she’s always there when I need her, and she always gives me great advice. Lessons learned from leadership? Not everyone is going to agree with what you like or the decisions you make, and that is totally fine. Where would you travel? My dream is to travel to Africa because I want to get a sense of what my ancestors were like. What do you want to accomplish in life? Some things I want to accomplish include building generational wealth, starting a nonprofit organization to help my community, and making sure my parents are well taken care of.
Emily Childress
Ooltewah High School, Senior Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Being able to travel with my school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes to the Panama Canal on a mission trip. Being able to share God’s word with people is quite possibly the most impactful experience of my life. Favorite extracurricular activity? Cheerleading – there is nothing like being able to stand on the sidelines cheering on my Owls. Lessons learned from leadership? Always listen to other people’s opinions, and don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities to others for a more efficient and successful outcome. Where would you travel? Paris, France, to visit the Louvre and see all the artwork I have learned about in my art history class. What do you want to accomplish in life? Have my dream career as a teacher then principal, have a family of my own, and retire someday with my husband while watching my children succeed.
Kyle Smith
Red Bank High School, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Being inducted into the National Honor Society, getting elected as class president, and receiving the 2018 Region 3A Kicker of the Year award. Any education/career goals? I hope to further my education in the direction of engineering and sciences and get a master’s degree in one of the two subjects. My ultimate career goal is to work for NASA. Lessons learned from leadership? Being kind, considerate, and empathetic is the ultimate way to communicate with others. When expressing these traits to others, they naturally feel more comfortable expressing their true feelings, thoughts, and intentions to you. Where would you travel? I would love to travel to the moon. I heard it has a great view. What do you want to accomplish in life? I want to go to space, spread as much love and positivity as I can, and make enough money so that I can eat out whenever I want.
Connor Duffy
Baylor School, Honor Council Chair
Proudest accomplishment? Being elected chair of the Honor Council is my proudest accomplishment. It’s an honor knowing I have the confidence of my classmates and can serve my school. Favorite extracurricular activity? Wrestling has played a large role in my life since I was young. Many of my best friends and greatest life lessons have come from my time on the mat. Impact you want to make on the world? I strive to use my passion for STEM to improve the efficiency and sustainability of transportation throughout the world. Any education/career goals? In kindergarten I wanted to be a rocket scientist. As a senior, I still want to work on rockets and planes someday after I earn a degree in aerospace engineering. Lessons learned from leadership? As a leader you have tremendous influence. The most important part of leadership is not gaining power, but using it to improve the world around you.
Janai Blakemore
Chattanooga Central High School, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Running for class office and winning. I have wanted to run since freshman year, so to finally build up the courage and run is a big achievement for me! Favorite extracurricular activity? My favorite activity is singing. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to bring more compassion and kindness to the world. I plan on being the change I wish to see in this world. I haven’t quite figured out how to do it just yet, but it’s a big goal of mine. Any education/career goals? I plan on going to a two-year community college, and then transferring to a four-year university. Where would you travel? Milan, Italy, because it’s the fashion capital of the world. What do you want to accomplish in life? Graduate college, open my own nail salon, turn it into a franchise, and purchase a Tesla.
Abigail Stewart
Walker Valley High School, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Being able to lead my fellow students throughout my senior year. Favorite extracurricular activity? Student Government Association – it’s been a great way for me to make lasting relationships at school and in my community. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to be a kind face to people who need it. Kindness is underrated. Any education/career goals? I want to earn a bachelor’s degree in biology with a focus on pre-medicine. Then I want to go to medical school to become an obstetrician/gynecologist to be able to travel to different countries and perform examinations for women who don’t have those commodities available to them. Person you admire most? My parents (sorry, I can’t choose one) because of the life they’ve given me and how hard they’ve worked to do so. Where would you travel? I want to travel to Barcelona, Spain, to fulfill my “Cheetah Girl” dreams.
Imani Rowe
The Howard School, Student Government Association President
Proudest accomplishment? Being awarded a Legacy Scholar at Berea College. Favorite extracurricular activity? I enjoy almost any sport. Impact you want to make on the world? To further dissipate the stereotypes surrounding poverty students. Any education/career goals? I hope to attend a four-year university and study business administration. Lessons learned from leadership? Patience and humbleness are required to succeed. Person you admire most? My parents. They somehow make everything happen regardless of financial and everyday obstacles. Where would you travel? Bora Bora – it has always caught my eye, and I love to be around water. What do you want to accomplish in life? Travel to all 50 states to see all the landmarks across the United States, graduate college as a first-generation college student, and start a club of some sort that helps animals.
Brady Hawkins
Heritage High School, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Accepting Christ as my personal savior. Favorite extracurricular activity? Playing basketball for the Generals and cheering with the student section at football games and pep rallies. Impact you want to make on the world? Although I don’t know what career path I will follow, I want to have a positive and upbeat influence on everyone I come in contact with. Person you admire most? I admire Michael Jordan because he is such a driven person with a strong work ethic. His drive and determination made him a better player. Where would you travel? I would love to visit Hawaii. I’ve never flown, so I would love to have that experience. It seems like a beautiful and unique place. What do you want to accomplish in life? I would like to develop a solid and successful career, get married, and have kids. Having a strong family foundation is very important to me.
Maxwell Audy Darrell McCathern
Silverdale Baptist Academy, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Earning the respect and trust of my peers and being voted student body president. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to be a positive inspiration to one person at a time and make a difference starting with my own community. Any education/career goals? It is my desire to go to college and pursue a degree in business and performing arts. Person you admire most? I admire my grandpa, Darrell Fourthman. Sadly, he has passed, but he showed me how to be a kind, loving, and caring man. He taught me that with hard work, all goals can be achieved in life. What do you want to accomplish in life? Become a college graduate with the tools I need to have a good job, have a platform where I can affect many lives for the good, and live my entire life in a way that is pleasing to God.
Elliott August “Gus” Buck
McCallie School, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? My journey to Cambodia with Habitat for Humanity. While learning about a culture completely foreign to my own, I was given the opportunity to change the lives of a family by building them a home. Favorite extracurricular activity? Being a volunteer firefighter on the Georgia side of Lookout Mountain. My friend got me involved last year, and I’ve loved being a part of such an awesome group of men. I hope to get my certification later this fall. Impact you want to make on the world? I hope to make a positive impact through environmental remediation. It’s very clear that humanity is degrading our planet at an unprecedented rate, and it’s up to my generation to make a difference. Lessons learned from leadership? Communication and teamwork are the keys to success. What do you want to accomplish in life? I hope to graduate from college, start a family, and be happy.
Shauna Drinnon
Tennessee Christian Preparatory School, Student Council President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Probably theater – I really love the plays we put on at the school each year. Any education/career goals? I’m not 100% on what I want to do. I am particularly fond of fields regarding art (writing, drawing, music), and I might look into teaching English or psychology someday. Person you admire most? There are so many people I admire, including teachers, friends, and my dad. Everyone has a story, and everyone’s story is one worth telling. Where would you travel? Canada, the western United States, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland – I love looking at different ways people live, learning new languages, and seeing the beauty that God made all around the globe. What do you want to accomplish in life? To show those around me God’s love, see parts of the world I never have, and do whatever it is God calls me to do.
Laura Beth Turner
Chattanooga Christian School, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Having a positive impact on my school through my service in student government. Favorite extracurricular activity? Track and field. Any education/career goals? I want to major in biomedical engineering and then go to medical school to become an orthopedic physician. Lessons learned from leadership? I won’t always win or achieve my goals, but my reaction in how I convey my feelings to other people can encourage them in dealing with disappointment. Person you admire most? My grandmother. She has worked through trials to pursue her dreams, and she radiates joy in everything she does. Where would you travel? Santorini, Greece, because both of my siblings have been there and described it as a beautiful, unique place. What do you want to accomplish in life? Complete medical school, get married and have children, and become fluent in Spanish.
Sarah Mulkey
Lakeview Fort Oglethorpe High School, Student Government Association President
Proudest accomplishment? When I was accepted into the Erlanger VolunTEEN program this summer. I volunteered in the cardiac stepdown unit and was able to give back to the community. Favorite extracurricular activity? I am in my church’s youth choir. We go on summer mission trips every year. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to make the world a better place one person at a time through the means of modern medicine. Through healing the patient, you also help the family and friends around that one person. Person you admire most? I admire my mother the most. She is always pushing me to do better and go for my dreams because she believes in me. What do you want to accomplish in life? I want to travel to all seven continents of the world, have my own family, and become a nurse midwife.
Jason Oliver
Notre Dame High School, Captain of the House of Fortis
Proudest accomplishment? Becoming a member of the Diocesan Youth Ministry Advisory Council and, during Catholic Youth Camp in the summer of 2018, giving a testimony to my peers about my experiences and the importance of a sound familial relationship. Favorite extracurricular activity? Playing the bass guitar in the Teen Mass Choir at O.L.P.H. and Notre Dame. Impact you want to make on the world? I would like to, through my work, be able to not only aid in the well-being of others but also provide for my future family. Any education/career goals? I would like to attend Georgia Tech, Emory University, or UGA and eventually pursue a career in medicine. Where would you travel? Cape Town, South Africa. They have an incredible history of people who have fought for their country and freedom, and I think it would be wonderful to study abroad there.
Marcus Mathis
Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Being able to attend the Tennessee Governor’s School for International Studies. It opened my eyes to how many cultures and people influence our world today. Any education/career goals? I would like to earn a degree in public administration with a focus in education policy in order to better public schools for future generations. Person you admire most? My Big Brother, Chris Mobley. He taught me that no matter where you start in life, you still have the same potential for success as the next guy. All it takes is hard work and dedication. Where would you travel? China – I have always been a fan of the country’s rich history and culture. What do you want to accomplish in life? I want to travel the world, motivate others to achieve all their goals and aspirations, and most importantly, feel like I made the world a better place.
Vivika Cheemakoti
Boyd Buchanan School, Senior Class President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Theater is my favorite. Any education/career goals? I’m looking to pursue an interdisciplinary study comprising of business, data science, and media. Lessons learned from leadership? Being a leader does not mean that you will always have or know the right answers. In any situation, it’s okay to ask for help. Person you admire most? My brother. Despite the fact that he is four years younger, I look up to him because he’s diligent, funny, kind, smart, and fun to be around. Where would you travel? I would love to travel to South Africa because of its rich musical history. Some of the percussion pieces I’ve played in band class are deeply influenced by African rhythms. What do you want to accomplish in life? Travel to as many countries as possible and experience their cultures, meet influential figures from various fields, and give a Ted talk.
Sydney Buckner
Hixson High School, Student Government Association President
Proudest accomplishment? I was always very quiet and shy growing up, so running for SGA president (which involved a campaign and speech) really pushed me. Impact you want to make on the world? Along with all the basic things like solving world peace, I would just love to cultivate the community around me into a kinder place. Any education/career goals? After high school, I plan to attend college and become a teacher. I want to instill the same love for learning in my students that my teachers instilled in me. Person you admire most? Right now, I really admire Bob Goff. Through his books, podcasts, and even tweets, Bob radiates joy and love, and it’s something that I’m constantly striving to mimic in my everyday life. What do you want to accomplish in life? I’d love to travel the world, write a book, and start a family.
Sophia Dozier
Sale Creek High School, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? When I was picked to participate in a program called Passport Scholars. I was chosen to stay at a college based on my future interest for two weeks to experience college life. Favorite extracurricular activity? I enjoy playing volleyball for the school. Being on a team is like having a second family that provides love and support in an athletic environment. Impact you want to make on the world? I hope that in the future I use everything I have to help others, especially kids. Any education/career goals? After college, I hope to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. Person you admire most? My mother, who is so strong and determined. She is always there in times of need, and she is the hardest worker I’ve ever known. Where would you travel? I would like to travel all over the United States and Australia to experience as much as possible.
Noah Harris
Soddy Daisy High School, Student Body Co-President
Proudest accomplishment? Serving as vice president for the Tennessee Association of Student Councils. Favorite extracurricular activity? Anything community service-related! Any education/career goals? I plan to attend the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, where I will study computer engineering. Lessons learned from leadership? I have learned that no matter how much planning goes into an event, leaders must always be quick on their feet because something insane will most likely happen. Person you admire most? I admire Lauren Martin for her dedication to our school and community as my student body co-president. Where would you travel? I would love to visit some of our national parks to immerse myself in United States history. What do you want to accomplish in life? I want to attend law school, study abroad in Europe, and become fluent in the Spanish language.
Daniel Kuhlman
Collegedale Academy, Student Association President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Competing on the CA varsity soccer team. The camaraderie is addicting, and the lessons you can learn from both wins and losses are life changing. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to impact the world with a life dedicated to the service of others. Whether by developing new technology that will benefit others or serving in developing countries on the mission field, I hope my life will be remembered as one that was called by God to serve others. Any education/career goals? I hope to receive an undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering and then continue on to earn my doctorate in the field. Person you admire most? My grandfather, who is the kindest and humblest person I know. What do you want to accomplish in life? Hike the Appalachian Trail, visit 50 countries, and start a running outreach program to help others.
Jadyn Matthews
Girls Preparatory School, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? Being elected Student Council president, which is something I’ve always dreamed of. Now that I’m here, I am so thankful for all the past GPS presidents who led our school and me with kindness, discipline, and love. Favorite extracurricular activity? I love to dance; I am in Terpsichord, GPS’s contemporary dance company, and I absolutely love when we have jazz artists come and set pieces with us. Impact you want to make on the world? I know the world is not perfect, and I know I cannot fix everything for everybody. However, I hope to reach as many people as possible by listening and simply being courteous. Any education/career goals? I plan on double majoring in pre-medicine and psychology in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist. Person you admire most? I have the best parents and grandmother! They are always willing to put my needs and desires before their own.
Richa Patel
Dalton High School, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Winning 1st Overall Guard and being Grand Champs at the Warrior Invitational this past year. Favorite extracurricular activity? Color guard. Impact you want to make on the world? I’d like to leave a positive impact by helping others, standing up and working for what I believe in, and inspiring others to do good. Any education/career goals? I’d like to go to college and major in biology in hopes of becoming a dermatologist. Lessons learned from leadership? It all starts with you, and the people who don’t believe in you give you another reason to work harder. Where would you travel? Spain because it’s a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. What do you want to accomplish in life? Graduate college, be successful and happy in my future career, and live life to the fullest potential.
Autumn Thompson
East Ridge High School, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Getting out of my comfort zone and getting an officer position at the Tennessee Youth in Government Conference in Nashville. Favorite extracurricular activity? All of the JROTC activities I am involved with. Impact you want to make on the world? Having a career in the medical field in order to make a difference in individuals’ lives. Any education/career goals? My plans after high school include going to college and becoming a doctor, but also receiving a commission into the United States Army as an officer. Lessons learned from leadership? You cannot please everyone with every decision you make. As long as you feel like you’re doing what is best for you and your school, you are doing your job right. Where would you travel? I would love to travel to Greece to see and experience the beautiful country and its culture.
Annabelle Pelley
Cleveland High School, Student Body President/SGA President
Proudest accomplishment? Maintaining my 4.0 while taking rigorous classes and staying involved in extracurricular activities. Favorite extracurricular activity? Student government – I love being part of the voice of the student body and being able to help others. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to be a light and show kindness to those around me while being a leader and setting a good example. Any education/career goals? I want to go to school to study veterinary medicine. Lessons learned from leadership? There is always room to better yourself for the sake of bettering someone else. Where would you travel? I would love to go all around Europe and learn about the different cultures. What do you want to accomplish in life? I want to always be able to help those around me, better my community, and leave an impact.
Brevin Sims
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? Breaking the state records in the indoor and outdoor short hurdles, both in a United States Top 10 time. Favorite extracurricular activity? Track and field. Impact you want to make on the world? My biggest aspiration is to leave a positive impact on the world that encourages everyone to become their best.
Any education/career goals? Obtain a master’s degree in business and become a professional track and field athlete. Lessons learned from leadership? The key to success is being selfless. Person you admire most? My mother. She has taught me the importance of radiating positive energy with no expectation of anything in return. Where would you travel? Egypt. What do you want to accomplish in life? Become someone who inspires people toward the greater good, love universally, and never settle and become content.
Zander Parton
Ringgold High School, Student Body President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Working at my job at Ingles. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ using my position in public office. Any education/career goals? I would like to go into radio broadcasting. Lessons learned from leadership? Sometimes you can’t make everyone happy; you just have to try your best and trust in the Lord. Person you admire most? My father, Matt Parton, who is the embodiment of responsibility and loyalty to his family. Where would you travel? I would like to travel to many places around the world, but the place I would like to go the most would be Great Britain. What do you want to accomplish in life? I want to be a good husband someday, as well as a good father to my children.
Olivia Stewart
East Hamilton High School, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Helping plan East Hamilton’s first successful Homecoming dance while raising $8,000 for our class. Also, being CEO of East Hamilton’s Virtual Enterprise firm. Impact you want to make on the world? To leave people thinking before they speak because words affect others far greater than some believe. Any education/career goals? To attend the University of Alabama, join the honors college, and major in business with hopes of becoming a workers compensation and employment attorney. Lessons learned from leadership? To lead by example because you cannot ask other people to do things that you wouldn’t feel comfortable doing yourself. Person you admire most? My father because he works harder than anyone I know. What do you want to accomplish in life? Build a successful life with a husband and children, adopt a child with special needs, and be known as a kind and well-respected person.
Alli Sigler
Grace Baptist Academy, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Having the opportunity this year to help first graders learn! The hugs they give have changed my world. Impact you want to make on the world? I want others to see the love of Christ through my smile and my attitude. Any education/career goals? I will be attending Lee University to study elementary education. Person you admire most? My parents, for sure. They’re both such devoted Christ followers, and they inspire me every day in all that they do. Where would you travel? Anywhere! I have a bad case of wanderlust, and I can guarantee that traveling in and of itself would make me happy. What do you want to accomplish in life? I hope to bring a smile to my future students’ faces, travel as much as I possibly can, and adopt a child from Haiti. CS