Meet the Presidents

Local Student Body President Profiles


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 30 young men and women here are just some of the many chosen by their peers 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.

 

Compiled by Julia Sharp  |  Edited by Laura Childers


 

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Iman Ali   | Girls Preparatory School, Student Council President    

Proudest accomplishment? Winning the Duffy-Jarnagin merit scholarship for my junior year. It was a complete surprise! Any education/career goals? I’ve always wanted to be a doctor. I’d also like to take classes in women’s studies and African-American studies to combine medicine with my passion for social justice. Who is someone you admire? Malala Yousafzai, who risked her life to fight for the education of Pakistani girls much like myself. Anywhere you would like to travel? Burundi. It’s one of the poorest countries in the world and struggling to get back on its feet after a long period of civil unrest. It would mean a lot to better understand, and potentially help, the people there. What are some things you’d like to accomplish in life? To promote acceptance, encourage love and self-love as paths to confidence, and teach my children to stand up for what they believe in.

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D’Andre Anderson  | Central High School, Senior Class President  

Proudest accomplishment? Becoming the Battalion Command Sergeant Major of my JROTC program. Favorite activities? Track. I love competition, and it’s proven to be quite a challenge. Any education/career goals? To attend UTK for ROTC and Communications. I want to be a television show host, while continuing to keep those military values in my life. Lessons learned in leadership? To always practice what you preach. Who is someone you admire? Miley Cyrus. She went from being America’s sweetheart to being known for wild behavior. Now, she’s gotten her life back together and uses her celebrity status to give back to youth and those in need of guidance. She went down a dark path but came out strong, showing that if you hit rock bottom, you just have to get back up and try again! Anywhere you would like to travel? Italy, to see art and eat amazing food.

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Cade Baker  | Bradley Central High School, Student Body President    

Proudest accomplishment? Being elected as The Bradley County School Board Representative from BCHS. Favorite activities? Leading the BCHS student section on Friday nights. Any education/career goals? To go to Lee University and major in marketing with a minor in communications. Lessons learned in leadership? That pleasing and including everyone can be a challenge. Leadership isn’t about individuals, it’s about working together as a whole to serve others. Who is someone you admire? Steve Jobs. His determination to succeed and his vision for Apple  fascinates me. His work ethic was incredible. Anywhere you would like to travel? Bora Bora. I love sandy beaches and would love to see a volcano. What are some things you’d like to accomplish in life? I want to be personable – someone who a stranger could talk to and feel like a friend.

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Walt Buzzini  | The McCallie School, Senior Student Council President    

Proudest accomplishment? Becoming an Eagle Scout. It was the culmination of eight years of hard work. Favorite activities? Performing in McCallie’s theater department. Any education/career goals? I’d like to pursue a master’s degree in zoology and do field research for National Geographic. Lessons learned in leadership? To delegate. It’s easy to take everything on yourself, but that doesn’t mean the job will be done well. No man is an island. Delegation requires a leader to trust others, and be vulnerable enough to allow others to step in and help. Who is someone you admire? My parents, because of their sacrifices to send me to a wonderful school. If you’re reading this Mom and Dad, I love you! Anywhere you would like to travel? Italy. My ancestors hail from the Swiss-Italian border, so I’d like to explore the old stomping grounds.

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Kaila Carr  | Brainerd High School, Student Body President    

Proudest accomplishment? Getting accepted into the University of Memphis. Favorite activities? Band. Any education/career goals? To become a political poll analyst for the CIA and hopefully become a government official. I want to fight corruption and injustice. Lessons learned in leadership? That teamwork eliminates the rush of time. Who is someone you admire? My mother. She consistently teaches me life lessons even when I don’t listen. I often look back and realize she taught me something that changed my outlook. Anywhere you would like to travel? Egypt. It looks beautiful in pictures, and I’d love to see it in person. What are some things you’d like to accomplish in life? To buy houses and cars for my family and change someone’s life by giving them an example to live by.  

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Naathan Chandra  | Grace Baptist Academy, Student Body President    

Proudest accomplishment? Completing the requirements for the Silver Congressional Medal. Favorite activities? Competitive tennis. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to impact the lives of the people I meet by sharing the gospel of Christ in how I act. Any education/career goals? Going to college and eventually getting a master’s in either pharmacy or engineering. Lessons learned in leadership? Confidence in my ability to give speeches in front of large groups. Who is someone you admire? My friend Joel. He has shown me to stand up for my beliefs, even when it may be unpopular. Anywhere you would like to travel? New Zealand, to see the sights filmed in the Lord of the Rings. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? To keep practicing tennis, so I can play on a division level team in college, and to go to India on a missions trip.

 

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Tyler Ellis  | Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, Senior Class President    

Proudest accomplishment? Holding a leadership position in every organization, club, or sport I participate in (SGA, JROTC, FCA, cross country, track). Impact you want to make on the world: I want to impact people spiritually more than anything else – to share the gospel with as many as I can. Any education/career goals? Getting a bachelor’s in nursing and becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. Lessons learned in leadership? You must be a good follower to become a good leader, stay humble, and praise God in everything you do. Who is someone you admire? My father, Terry Wayne Ellis Jr. He is the hardest working and caring father anyone could ask for. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? To be the best Christian I can be, to be the first type 1 diabetic to join the military, and to love and support a family of my own.

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Adam Foster  | Cleveland High School, Student Body President/Class President    

Favorite activities? Swimming. Any education/career goals? Getting a bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or finance, followed by a master’s degree. Lessons learned in leadership? Perseverance and responsibility make a leader successful. Who is someone you admire? President George Washington. When he suffered major defeats or was doubted by his men, he kept his head high. He started from the bottom and worked to the top. Anywhere you would like to travel? It’s always been my dream to visit Australia. I’m fascinated by the culture and the wildlife. Steve Irwin was a childhood hero, and I’d like to visit the zoo he left behind in his legacy. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? To be the first man in my family to graduate college. Also, to work my way into a stable, high-income job in order to provide for my family and offer them the best opportunities.

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Noelle Hepworth  | Center for Creative Arts, Senior Class President    

Favorite activities? Reading and drawing. Anything artistic that I can do while listening to music. Impact you want to make on the world: I’d like my stories to impact people’s lives. I would love if someone were to walk up to me one day and say, “Your book changed my life!” Any education/career goals? I’m planning to dual major in visual storytelling and English in college. From there, I hope to get a job in the graphic novel industry. Lessons learned in leadership? The importance of talking to people. My classmates’ ideas and goals often differ from mine, so it’s critical to compromise and communicate. Who is someone you admire? I really admire Stephen Colbert – how he’s used comedy as a platform to talk about important issues. Anywhere you would like to travel? The bottom of the ocean!

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Christa Horton  | Collegedale Academy, Student Association President    

Proudest accomplishment? Ministering to people through my position. Favorite activities? Basketball and event planning. Impact you want to make on the world:  To someday build schools in third-world countries so that everyone has a chance to be well-educated and change the world themselves. Any education/career goals? To earn a Ph.D. and start a career in biomedical engineering. Lessons learned in leadership? That you can’t please everyone. Who is someone you admire? One of my mentors, Camille. She is the reason I pursued this leadership position in the first place. Anywhere you would like to travel? Sydney, Australia. I think it’s such a beautiful place. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? I’d like to become fluent in Spanish, travel to every continent, and learn how to play the cello.    

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Cameron Kirk  | Sale Creek, Student Council President       

Proudest accomplishment? Attending the Youth In Government conference during my sophomore year. I received the Outstanding Statesperson Award, which is usually given to upperclassmen. Favorite activities? Basketball! Lessons learned in leadership? The importance of showing respect to leaders, teachers, and anyone else in authority. Who is someone you admire? Danny Gaddy, my former enrichment teacher. He’s a Santa Claus-esque man with a white beard and a full-bellied laugh. He is a moral compass, and I hope to be like him. Anywhere you would like to travel? Around the Mediterranean, because I’ve always loved the ocean and beaches. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? I’d like to graduate college with a four-year degree, get a job I love, and eventually start a family.    

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Andrew Lisy  | Notre Dame High School, House Captain    

Proudest accomplishment? Revitalizing the school choir. Favorite activities? Tennis. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to contribute in some way to make life better for other people. Whatever I do in life, I want to do it with integrity so that one day I will look back and won’t regret my actions. Any education/career goals? Pursuing a degree in dentistry or medicine. Lessons learned in leadership? The importance of listening to others before making decisions. Who is someone you admire? Mother Teresa. She showed us that we can live a simple life and make a huge impact through love. Anywhere you would like to travel? The Czech Republic, because I love the country and have extended family there. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? I’d like to get a good job, find a good wife, and have a big happy family.    

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Jackson Malcolm  | Ooltewah High School, Student Council President    

Proudest accomplishment? Helping start Young Life at OHS. Favorite activities? Baseball. Impact you want to make on the world: To be remembered as someone who used his talents to help others. Any education/career goals? To major in finance and eventually earn an MBA. Lessons learned in leadership? How to listen to and work with people who have different ideas than me. Who is someone you admire? My grandfather Gerald Malcolm. He was a great example of selflessness and serving others before yourself. Anywhere you would like to travel? Rome and Vatican City, to experience the culture, history, and food. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? Owning my own business, seeing places and cultures across the world, and being able to give back to the Ooltewah community.  

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Daniel Moore  | Ringgold High School, Senior Class President

Impact you want to make on the world: I want to empower young artists to use their gifts to start movements, make statements, and inspire change. I’m a firm believer that the arts are the most powerful tools we have to change the world. Any education/career goals? To receive a bachelor’s degree in choral music education, with a minor in arts administration. My ultimate goal is to get a doctoral degree in choral conducting and be the choir director at a university. Lessons learned in leadership? That greater things can be achieved when everyone has a voice. Who is someone you admire? Lin-Manuel Miranda, composer of the Broadway musical Hamilton. He’s made a story that’s often seemed distant more accessible to all of us, and showed that our nation’s story belongs to ALL of us – regardless of color, race, class, or sexuality.

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Austin Murphy  | Signal Mountain Middle High School, Student Body President

Favorite activities? Playing guitar, followed closely by shooting skeet/trap. Impact you want to make on the world: To encourage people to make the most out of what they have. When an opportunity is given to you, run with it! Any education/career goals? To receive a Ph.D. and become either an oncologist or a surgeon. Lessons learned in leadership? The importance of patience and listening to others. Who is someone you admire? Albert Einstein. Even though he couldn’t speak until age 4 and people didn’t think he would make anything of himself, he became one of the most successful scientists to walk the earth. Anywhere you would like to travel? Kungsleden in Sweden or Glacier National Park in Montana, because I love hiking and the outdoors. What are some things you’d like to accomplish in life? Hike the entire Appalachian Trail. Start a band. Get married and have a family.    

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Rachel Newman  | East Hamilton School, Senior Class President 

Proudest accomplishment? I’ve wanted to be senior class president since I was in fifth grade. I have been elected class president every year since the ninth grade and now lead what faculty and students call “The Dream Team” of officers. We’ve accomplished a lot in four years, including building unity among our student body. Favorite activities? Cheerleading. Impact you want to make on the world: I want people to know they are special and loved. Any education/career goals? Studying communications, marketing, or urban planning. Lessons learned in leadership? It is what it is and you do what you have to do. Who is someone you admire? My grandmother. She always had a good attitude and loved life. Anywhere you would like to travel? Mexico, because I love the culture!

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Yeongha Oh |  Heritage High School, Student Government President

Proudest accomplishment? Service to others through leadership roles. Favorite activities? Color Guard, National Beta Club. Any education/career goals? To attend college and pursue a career in the medical field. Lessons learned in leadership? The importance of becoming a servant leader, a leader who is patient and kind. Who is someone you admire? My father. He has an incredible ability to overcome obstacles and never lose faith in the midst of hardships. Anywhere you would like to travel? I’d like to travel all around the world, but I think I’d like to visit South Korea the most – to see how my home country has changed over the years. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? To become a great doctor, loving mother and wife, and spread God’s unconditional love to others.

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Holland Pierce |  Walker Valley High School, Student Body President

Proudest accomplishment? Being selected to represent the student body at Walker Valley. It’s an honor. Favorite activities? Cheerleading and service activities. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to inspire people and make a positive impact on other people’s lives. Any education/career goals? To attend Lee University and graduate with a degree in business and possibly take the next step and get my Ph.D. Lessons learned in leadership? That projects turn out better when you get everyone involved. Who is someone you admire? Inky Johnson. I love his story and how he took a really hard situation and spun it around to make it positive. Anywhere you would like to travel? Hawaii. I absolutely love the beach! What are some things you’d like to accomplish? Graduating college, having a family and nice house, and being successful.   

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Patrick Redden |  Red Bank High School, Student Council President

Proudest accomplishment? Being elected president. I’ve always had a lot of pride in Red Bank. Getting to represent the school I love is an amazing feeling. Favorite activities? Young Life. It’s a big part of my life and has truly shaped me as a person. Lessons learned in leadership? That you should never spread yourself too thin. Every once in a while, you need to take some time to yourself and just relax! Who is someone you admire? My mother. Seeing how hard she works to provide for my sister and me is what inspires me to work so hard at everything I do. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? My first goal would have to be graduating from college. That would be a really big accomplishment and make my mom really proud. My second goal would be finding a good career in something I enjoy.

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Tennille Rogers  |  Lookout Valley High School, Senior Class President

Proudest accomplishment? Becoming a member of the National Honor Society. Favorite Extracurricular Activity:   Basketball. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to help people feel like they are on top of the world. Any education/career goals? Attending UTC and entering the physical therapy program. Lessons learned in leadership? That you have to give 110% in everything you do. Who is someone you admire? Jesus, because he’s the greatest example of leadership and humility. Anywhere you would like to travel? Italy, to see the vineyards and experience Italian culture. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? I want to be a good wife, hopefully a mom, and a faithful follower of  Jesus.

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Hallie Sneed  | Soddy Daisy High School, Student Body Co-President 

Proudest accomplishment? Receiving the All-Star Award at the Tennessee Association of Student Councils (TASC) Convention. Favorite Extracurricular Activity: Varsity soccer. I also love to read, anytime, anyplace. Any education/career goals? Attending Lee University next fall. Lessons learned in leadership? To make a project or idea successful, you must get everyone on board. People have to work together for a common goal for it to succeed. Who is someone you admire? My grandfather, Tommy Sneed. His personality lights up the room and everyone around him. I admire his relationship with my grandmother too. They have been together for 55 years. Anywhere you would like to travel? London. My parents traveled there when I was young. They fell in love with the scenery and told me stories as I grew up. It’s been my dream to travel there ever since.  

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Margaret Summitt  | Chattanooga Christian School, Student Council President    

Proudest accomplishment? Being elected president. Favorite activities? Working with the Extended Care program in the Elementary School at CCS. I love getting to play with kids after school! Impact you want to make on the world:               I want to show people love whenever I can. That seems to be getting lost in the world today. Any education/career goals? I want to graduate from college and go on to be a public relations representative for a large corporation. Lessons learned in leadership? Sometimes you have to make the right decision even if other people won’t like it. Who is someone you admire? My mom. She has a special place in her heart for kids with special needs. I love watching her help and teach them. Anywhere you would like to travel? London. I think it would be cool to see people from all over the world living in one place.

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Noah Swope  | Silverdale Baptist Academy, Student Body President    

Favorite activities? Weightlifting and martial arts. Impact you want to make on the world: To share the gospel of Jesus Christ with as many people as I can in my lifetime. I believe the gospel changes people and societies – and it’s the only way the world will become a better place. Any education/career goals? I want to go to Lee University and major in theology. Lessons learned in leadership? That you can’t do it all. Who is someone you admire? My father. You don’t meet many people like him. He has the love and joy of Christ in him, and he’s just a man people want to know. Anywhere you would like to travel? I’d like to go to a region known as the 10/40 Window, which includes parts of Asia and Africa. It’s one of the most unreached places on earth.

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Sydney Tindall  |  Baylor School, Student Council President

Proudest accomplishment? Supporting the boy I tutor after school. I couldn’t be prouder of his brilliant mind and kind heart. Every day I look forward to seeing his smile and what he accomplishes within one hour. Any education/career goals? To major in international business and minor in Chinese or nonprofit management. Lessons learned in leadership? Leadership builds from passion, and passion can be anything within you that sparks a desire to make a difference. Who is someone you admire? Joli Anderson, head of Baylor Community Service. Her heart makes room for everyone she encounters. Anywhere you would like to travel? China. I’ve studied Chinese at Baylor for six years and want to continue my studies in college and beyond. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? I hope to start a nonprofit that will give children across the world the fundamental right of education.

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Miguel A. Vega  | Hixson High School, Senior Class President and Student Body Vice President 

Proudest accomplishment? Placing first and second in the UTC Math Board Competition. Favorite activities? Math Club. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to help students realize the importance of education. Any education/career goals? Getting a Ph.D. in nuclear, petroleum, or aerospace engineering. Lessons learned in leadership? Your actions and attitude will determine how your followers act. Anywhere you would like to travel? The whole globe! I want to get to know all the different cultures and admire their architecture. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? First, I would love to open a foundation that helps raise awareness for Autism. Second, I want to create scholarships to help low income students.Third, I plan to open my own company and donate some profit to schools in Chattanooga.  

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Wayne Voltaire  | Tyner High Academy, Senior Class President    

Proudest accomplishment? Being on track to graduate early. Favorite activities? Watching movies and hanging out with friends. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to be known as a philanthropist and a helping hand. Any education/career goals? I want to obtain a degree in business, but I haven’t decided on a college yet. Lessons learned in leadership? That you often have to be diverse and have a strong mind to work with different types of people. Who is someone you admire? Civil rights activist, Dick Gregory. He is wise and truthful about issues I care about. Anywhere you would like to travel? Gatlinburg, because it’s where my family gets together every winter. What are some things you’d like to accomplish? I’d like to have a big family, keep friends close, and get a job where I make six figures.       

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Mackenzie Wall  | Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences, SGA President

Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment has been being elected to serve as the CSAS Student Government Association President which gives me the opportunity serve and support the school and community. Favorite activities?  Flute – I’m a principal flautist in the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera Youth Orchestras. Impact you want to make on the world: I’d like to become a doctor one day and help the world one patient at a time. Lessons learned in leadership? That leadership requires a compassionate heart and firm hand. Who is someone you admire? My mother, Maria Wall. She came here from the Philippines at 18 years old when she could barely speak any English. She rose above barriers and made a life for herself. She’s my role model and a living example that you can accomplish anything through determination and hard work.

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Ida Webb  | The Howard School, Student Body President     

Proudest accomplishment? Being part of the first Key Club at Howard, a servant leadership group dedicated to helping the community! I currently serve as co-president. Favorite activities? Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Any education/career goals? Getting a bachelor’s degree in both marketing and theatre, a master’s degree in business, and a license in cosmetology. My long-term goal is to establish my own beauty salon business that specializes in special effect makeup for movies, plays, and events. Lessons learned in leadership? That even the smallest project takes hard work, dedication, and determination. Life is a rollercoaster—there are good and bad days, but it’s those tough days that develop your character. Just because you had a bad start doesn’t mean you can’t finish strong. Who is someone you admire? My youth leader, Matt Dillard. He’s been a friend, a leader, a shoulder to cry on, and even a dad.

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Brianna Wise  | East Ridge High School, Senior Class President    

Proudest accomplishment? Earning a 4.0 while taking honors classes. Favorite activities? Cheerleading. I was co-captain my Sophomore year and captain my Junior year. Any education/career goals? Attending UTC and majoring in accounting. Who is someone you admire? My mother. She’s taught me to be a strong, independent young lady. She supports me in all my decisions and makes sure I have all the opportunities she never had. Anywhere you would like to travel? Hawaii. I’ve seen pictures of the scenery and would love to experience it with my own eyes. What are some things you’d like to accomplish in life? Graduating college with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, learning to budget money to make sure I have a comfortable life for me and my family, and traveling to every state in United States.      

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Ross Wortman  | Boyd-Buchanan School, Senior Class President

Proudest accomplishment? Being selected to represent BBS as an American Legion Tennessee Boy’s State Delegate. Favorite activities? Football and soccer. Impact you want to make on the world: I want to help students push themselves in subjects that don’t come naturally—to recognize that learning occurs when it’s difficult. Any education/career goals? Attending a four-year university and majoring in secondary education in hopes of being a math or science teacher. Lessons learned in leadership? When you’re a leader, everyone is watching your actions, listening to your words, and many times, following your example. It’s a great responsibility. Who is someone you admire? My football coach, Carter Cardwell. He’s taught me to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not the most popular opinion. Anywhere you would like to travel? Rome, Italy, to experience the culture and history.

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