A student president is elected to inspire their peers, influence positive change, and stand up for what they believe in – and they do all of this while playing sports, participating in extracurricular activities, maintaining their studies, and figuring out who they want to be in the world. The fine young people featured here have been chosen to represent schools throughout the Chattanooga area, and they do so with the utmost integrity. Their experiences as student leaders and the lessons they have learned will undoubtedly serve them well in the next phases of their lives, and our city will be in good hands as the teenagers of today become the leaders of tomorrow.
Thomas Turk | Collegedale Academy, Student Association President
Proudest accomplishment? Winning my school’s Billy McKee scholarship – a character-based private scholarship awarded to a current student based on nominations made by peers, faculty, and staff. Favorite extracurricular activity? Any and all sports. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to be a good leader to the world. To be a bold, confident, and kind influence in the lives of others and share what Christ has done in my life and what He is doing for them. Person you admire most and why? My best friend Brett. He has been through so much and grown in so many ways from it. He is a caring and inspired man, and I respect him so much. He has had a great impact on my life and has always been there for me. To see where he is today fills me with pride and joy.
Hien “Linda” Huynh | Red Bank High School, Senior Class President
Impact you want to make on the world? As I’ve grown up, I’ve realized that many women feel that they are not capable of being successful due to standards in society, but as I move confidently and reach my goals, I hope to inspire them to move confidently too. Where would you like to travel and why? I would love to travel to Vietnam because Vietnam is where my parents were born, and I would love to see their culture and experience it. Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I’ve always known that I wanted to travel to have different experiences and enjoy nature across the world. I also want to have a successful career as an ultrasound technician. I’m still learning who I am, and that’s why my final goal is to work toward learning who I am and growing throughout my life to be the best version of me.
Kignon Crowder Jr. | Brainerd High School, Class President
Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment related to service is feeding the homeless on Saturdays along with my church family. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? Leadership is primarily about recognizing that you are no longer representing only yourself but an entire group of people. That said, it is imperative to always put your best foot forward even in the face of adversity. Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I’d like to earn a master’s or doctorate degree in kinesiology, improve the quality of my parents’ lives, and play tennis at a professional level. Person you admire most and why? The person I admire the most is my great-grandmother (GG). I’ve seen my GG struggle through a variety of situations, and yet she has never placed the blame on God. Her unwavering faithfulness to God is what I admire most about her!
Jedd Johnson | Heritage High School, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Raised over $12,000 for the Catoosa County Children’s Fund! I also placed in the Top 15 for CPR and First Aid with my friend in the state of Georgia. Favorite extracurricular activity? HOSA club. Specifically, the Spring Leadership Conference in Atlanta, where students can meet and talk with other students from all over Georgia who are interested in medicine. Person you admire most and why? The person I admire the most is my Mawmaw, who recently passed away. She taught me from a young age that I will have to work for everything I want in life, that school is essential, and to never settle for a dream that I have. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to know that I have impacted at least one student’s life and see them go and achieve their dreams. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? You are not going to make everyone happy, and that is okay!
Brooke Cherwonuk | Grace Academy, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is playing on the soccer team for the past four years and being named captain my senior year. Impact you want to make on the world? I would like to bring optimism and happiness to as many as possible, while spreading Christ throughout the world. Higher education/career goals? I plan to go to UGA and major in biology as a pre-med student, then go to medical school to become an optometrist. Person you admire most and why? My mom. She has always set a good moral example for me and others around her. She has taught me to be a strong Christian woman, and she is the reason I am who I am today. Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I hope to complete medical school and residency, start a family, and serve the Lord in everything I do.
Marguerite Pippenger | Baylor School, Chair of the Honor Council
Proudest accomplishment? Every summer for the past eight years, my family helps children and young adults with disabilities at Joni & Friends Family Retreat in Dayton, Tennessee. It has been such an eye-opening experience to see the world in a different way through their perspective. Favorite extracurricular activity? Serving as Baylor’s cross country manager. It is so fun to be a part of such an encouraging group. Person you admire most and why? My mom. She is the most determined and considerate person I know, and she is a natural born leader. Most of what I have learned about what it means to be a leader is from her. Higher education/career goals? I have taken French for six years at Baylor and want to continue at the collegiate level. I hope to study business in college as well.
Manushree Navaneethakrishnan | Center for Creative Arts, Senior Class President
Favorite extracurricular activity? I really enjoy dancing and attending cultural events that celebrate my Indian heritage. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to be influential in my contributions to providing equalized healthcare for all. Higher education/career goals? I plan to major in neuroscience and minor in political science so I can go on to specialize in pediatric neurology with a concentration in health legislation. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? I’ve learned that a leader must establish a sense of authority in a community and serve as a figure to enact change. Person you admire most and why? I admire my younger sister, Nawina, because of her willingness to persevere and shower positivity on herself and others. Where would you like to travel and why? I would like to travel to Seoul, South Korea, because of its rich culture and advancement that make it such a successful country.
Alivia Harvest | Central High School, Senior Class President
Proudest accomplishment? Becoming cheer captain, because in the sixth grade I tried out for the cheerleading team and didn’t make it. Ever since then, I have been working to be the best. Little Alivia never would have been able to fathom being a cheer captain. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to leave a tremendous impact on the world. I do not know what it will be quite yet, but I do know that whatever I am called to do, I will put my all into it. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? The biggest lesson I have learned is that I cannot always do everything by myself. Person you admire most and why? I admire my grandfather, Ortis Rhodes, because he was the hardest-working man I knew. He was always working, no matter what. He passed away in August of 2021, and I miss him and his talks greatly.
Kendall Townsend | Chattanooga School for the Arts & Sciences, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is being accepted into the National Achievers Society at the Urban League. This opportunity has empowered me to use my voice to make change happen. Person you admire most and why? My mom is like no other. While working three jobs, she still manages to make sure I’m handling my schoolwork as I should be. She still reads over my essays before I turn them in, and, most importantly, she loves me unconditionally. My mom is hands down the strongest person I know and definitely the person I admire the most. Impact you want to make on the world? A goal of mine is to promote growth in not only my community, but also every community I approach. I want to see more women in STEM, and more minorities flying airplanes and doing other exciting jobs. A young child should see someone like them doing something they love.
Maverick J. Dasher | Cleveland High School, Student Body President
Impact you want to make on the world? As a man of faith, I want to show the world what a real example of love can be in a modern world. Socially, I would like to give an example of true kindness. I feel we have forgotten how to treat people as equals. This type of treatment comes in the form of patience and the ability to listen to each other. Higher education/career goals? I’m planning on attending college and getting my bachelor’s degree in art history. My long-term goal is to work in the Smithsonian and hopefully travel the world while doing so. Person you admire most and why? My dad, Jason Dasher, is the person I admire the most. He does nothing but give – some might even say he gives to a fault. He works tirelessly to help others and does so without complaint. My dad is the greatest example of work ethic and strength I have.
Davis Wells | Silverdale Baptist Academy, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? The opportunity to serve my school and peers as student council president with the intent of putting a smile on people’s faces daily. Favorite extracurricular activity? Playing football at Silverdale and performing in the drama department with my buddies. Impact you want to make on the world? Spreading God’s love to everyone I encounter in my daily walk with him. Biggest lesson learned through leadership positions? You cannot make everyone happy. You have to do what is best for the community. Person you admire most and why? My dad, because he has modeled what it means to be a true gentleman. He has taught me many valuable lessons that I will use throughout my lifetime. Where would you like to travel and why? I would like to travel to Egypt to learn more about the ancient Egyptians, see the pyramids, and experience their culture.
Jacob Meza | Dalton High School, Student Council Executive President
Proudest accomplishment? Induction into the National Honor Society and being elected student body president. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to leave the world with a good mark and be remembered in a positive way. It doesn’t matter what I’m doing as long as it makes me and the people around me happy. Person you admire most and why? My dad is the person I admire most. He teaches me important life skills and is a hard worker. Where would you like to travel and why? I took German in high school and I have a BMW, so I’d love to travel to Germany and study BMW engines. Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I want to open a tuning/performance shop for automobiles. I’m in love with cars and figuring out how things work. I want to exceed the expectations my parents have for me. I wish to accomplish owning my very own 2017 Dodge Viper.
Margot Kapic | Chattanooga Christian School, Student Council President
Impact you want to make on the world? I hope to spread love and light to a few people who learn to pass it on to others. The power of positivity and kindness are often underestimated. Higher education/career goals? I hope to get my undergraduate degree at Covenant College and possibly my MBA after graduation. Though I love math and anything to do with numbers, woodworking is my passion. I hope to find a way to pursue both in my career. Person you admire most and why? I admire my mom because she has raised me with a strong sense of independence and worth. Through her own life, she taught me my voice was worth hearing, considering she was often the only woman in the boardroom. Where would you like to travel and why? An Uber driver in Malta once described to me the mountains in Croatia, and since that drive, I have wanted to go see them myself.
Grace Hixson | East Hamilton High School, Class of 2023 Co-President
Favorite extracurricular activity? I have played softball for East Hamilton for seven years and have had a great time playing, but also becoming closer with the girls and finding some of my best friends! Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? I have learned that it is okay to disagree with people. I feel that it is always good to have your own opinion about something, and it is very helpful to hear all opinions, even when you disagree. Person you admire most and why? My mom is always positive and puts others before herself, and I strive to be like her some day! Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? Three things I want to accomplish in my life are getting a job that I love, having a family of my own, and having a good relationship with my faith.
Laila Ankar | East Hamilton High School, Class of 2023 Co-President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Being on the varsity volleyball team the past four years and being a captain. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to make the world’s mentality change, starting with loving everyone no matter what race, color, religion, or money class they come from. Hate is so normalized when in reality no one person is better than another. Everyone deserves equal opportunities. Person you admire most and why? My Sedo (grandfather) came to America with absolutely nothing – really all of my grandparents did. But he really made the “American Dream” happen for my family. He built his own business from the ground up and has given his whole life’s work to his family. Where would you like to travel and why? I want to go to Palestine. I want to see how my grandparents on both sides grew up and where they lived and experience my culture fully.
Charlie Clevenger | Boyd Buchanan School, Student Body Co-President
Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment when it comes to leadership is having the opportunity to be an example for younger student council members. Favorite extracurricular activity? My favorite thing to do in my free time is theater! I have been an active member of the Chattanooga Theatre Centre since I was in third grade, and it truly is my second home. Higher education/career goals? I plan to attend college and major in industrial engineering. My dream job with this degree would be to work in the theme park industry enhancing the experience for everyone!
Riley Robertson | Boyd Buchanan School, Student Body Co-President
Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is being able to represent my school at Volunteer Girls State this past summer. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to make the world a little bit better every day. I believe that small actions can add up to big changes. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? That the best leaders do not do everything alone. What makes a great leader is someone who is an amazing team player. In order to accomplish anything, leaders must work together instead of trying to handle everything on their own.
Madison Day | Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School, Student Government Association President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Soccer and band will always have a special place in my heart. Impact you want to make on the world? I hope to be yet another example of “effort leads to success.” I hold myself to very high standards and know that anything is possible with determination. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? You aren’t better than the people you lead; it’s all about working together to accomplish the goal. Person you admire most and why? My mom – she always put others first even if she was struggling. She could put a smile on anyone’s face. She was genuine and loved to have fun and try new things. She will always be my person, even though she’s no longer here with me. Where would you like to travel and why? I’m from California, so I’d love to find out more about where I’m from. I’d love to go to France to see the different fashion statements.
Jeffrey Webb | McCallie School, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? Serving at a rural Honduran Red Cross clinic as part of a North American surgical team. Being able to help people around the world is an honor. Favorite extracurricular activity? Sports medicine. I have done it forever; being able to engage with and help athletes through injuries is super rewarding. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to make the world a more accepting place for all people. Higher education/career goals? I want to be a trauma surgeon in the military. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? Rely on the people around you. An organization cannot revolve around one person and be successful. Person you admire most and why? Harvey Milk. He advocated for all people and actually followed through on improvements. Where would you like to travel and why? I would love to go to China and experience Eastern culture and food.
Briley Bacher | Notre Dame High School, Captain of the House of Fortis
Proudest accomplishment? Bringing back – and being co-president of – the Let’s Talk Club, which provides students with a safe space to discuss and be educated on issues that teenagers face regularly. Favorite extracurricular activity? Playing volleyball, hiking with my friends, and cooking. Impact you want to make on the world? I want every person that I meet to feel loved, accepted, and like they belong in this world; it is so important! Higher education/career goals? To go to college, probably get my master’s, and to have fun while doing it. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? Being kind and respectful is the most powerful form of leadership. Where you would like to travel and why? So many places; my top ones are Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and France! Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I hope to travel the world, spread love, and have a meaningful career.
Caroline Clark | Girls Preparatory School, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? Advocating for the addition of an open grade book for my school, which allows students to view their grades at any time, rather than only through quarterly progress reports. Impact you want to make on the world? I’ve always been told that people may not remember your words, but they will remember how you made them feel. I hope that I can impact people’s lives for the better by showing everyone I meet kindness and respect. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? The biggest lesson I have learned is to always have a backup plan. Some of the most important characteristics of being a leader are flexibility, versatility, and resilience. Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I want to start a family of my own, complete with a yellow Labrador Retriever. I want to empower marginalized and vulnerable people to find their voices and be involved in the ministry of my church.
Jaxon Thurman | Ooltewah High School, Senior Class President
Favorite extracurricular activity? Track is my favorite extracurricular activity because I love having fun practicing and competing with a big team. I thoroughly enjoy racing and have a great time competing. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to become a doctor, specifically a dermatologist, and help people to clear their skin and be more confident in themselves. I also want to help with cures for skin cancer to make people’s lives better. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? I have learned to be patient. In almost every situation, patience helps to ground people and makes it easier to find solutions. Person you admire most and why? My dad. I admire the way he speaks to people with patience and tenacity. My dad is very smart and can handle any situation in the best way possible. Finally, my dad cares about all of the people around him and tries to make everyone happy. These are very admirable qualities to have.
Avery Cross | Ringgold High School, Senior Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? The time I led a class at the 2019 National Youth Agri-Science Summit in Washington D.C. In this conference, I had the opportunity to teach others about food insecurity and how we can combat it within our communities. I was fortunate enough to return the following year to teach again at the virtual conference. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? You must adjust your leadership style to your audience. Not everyone learns from, or responds to, just one style. I tend to lean toward a charismatic leadership style. Where would you like to travel and why? I would love to travel across the United States and visit every national park. Seeing the diversity of America’s land and the rich history surrounding it is a dream for me. Impact you want to make on the world? I wish to impact the world through my selfless leadership. I hope that others will see how I lead and be inspired to lead themselves.
Anna Culver | Soddy Daisy High School, Student Body Co-President
Proudest accomplishment? Being voted East Tennessee’s representative for the Tennessee Association of Student Councils. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to spread the positivity of Jesus everywhere I go in this world. I would love to work in the medical field and aid people mentally and spiritually. Person you admire most and why? I admire my older sister, Ashley, the most. She introduced me to the student council and many other clubs. She achieved many great things in high school, and I hope I am half the student she was. Where would you like to travel and why? I would like to travel to Honduras to see and bring gifts to Olger, a child I sponsor there.
Nathan Sneed | Soddy Daisy High School, Student Body Co-President
Proudest accomplishment? Connecting with the surrounding schools in our area through community services and activities. Being able to make an impact, not only in our school but also in our community, has been amazing. Person you admire most and why? Brent Crowe is the vice president of Student Leadership University. Going through the program, I have heard Brent speak many times. His messages on God and leadership have given me skills that I’ve used in my own student council. He manages to run a huge organization while still keeping a strong relationship with the people who attend and God. Higher education/career goals? I would like to go to college for my flying license to become a commercial pilot.
Haylee Speller | Sale Creek High School, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? Winning the Hamilton County Reading Competition. Favorite extracurricular activity? This is going to sound cliché, but my favorite activity would have to be reading. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to help people and make them laugh. Higher education/career goals? While my path is still unclear, I aim to attend college and learn as much as possible. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? I’ve learned that everyone has important things to say, and that they deserve to be heard. Person you admire most and why? The people I most admire are my sisters. They are the funniest people I know and constantly teach me new things. Where would you like to travel and why? I want to visit more of America’s national parks. While they’re not the farthest, they hold so much to discover.
Caroline Burns | Signal Mountain Middle High School, Student Body President
Impact you want to make on the world? I strive to spread kindness to everyone I encounter. I want people to know that I see them and care about them. Higher education/career goals? I have been a member of the Signal Mountain Mock Trial Team for four years and served as a witness and attorney. I have enjoyed learning to develop a trial strategy and arguing the case. This experience has inspired me to pursue an undergraduate degree in public policy and government, and then, hopefully, attend law school. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? I believe in collaborative leadership. Teamwork is essential; everyone has something to contribute. Person you admire most and why? My older sister and brother are my role models. Bethany inspires me with her confidence, work ethic, and fearlessness. Benjamin inspires me with his inclusive nature, zest for life, and positivity – he always has a smile on his face.
Anna Conar | Tennessee Christian Preparatory School, Student Body President
Proudest accomplishment? A group of girls from my school and I held a Christmas party for a school of girls who have been removed from their birth homes for various unfortunate reasons. We all ate, danced, sang, and laughed together, and it was an amazing and unforgettable experience. Favorite extracurricular activity? My favorite extracurricular activity is dance. It’s always been a source of happiness and relief for me. Impact you want to make on the world? I am going to major in global studies, so with that I hope to learn how to sharpen and use my skills to benefit any part of the world. Person you admire most and why? One of the many people I admire most is my friend Oliva, who teaches me every day how to have patience and empathy for all those around me, and she is the perfect example of a servant leader.
Jada Worthy | Tyner Academy, Student Council President
Proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment would be being co-captain of the flag team for the Tyner Pride Marching Band. I love being the person everybody can depend on in a time of need. Impact you want to make on the world? I want to help more people realize that we, as a country, need to invest in better group homes and foster homes – no child deserves to live a rough life that they didn’t ask for. Where would you like to travel and why? I want to travel to Sub-Saharan Africa because I want to help make an impact in their community and let them know they are not alone or forgotten about. Three things you hope to accomplish in your life? I want to pursue my career in nursing, make an impact on the way group homes/foster systems are run/kept up, and live a happy yet successful life.
Eric Nuñez | Hixson High School, Senior Class President
Impact you want to make on the world? My goal is to spread kindness. There is too much hatred and violence in our world today – we see it with discrimination and war. I hope to make the world a friendlier place, and it starts with Hixson High School. If I’m able to impact the students around me to become more positive and charitable, then I know I’m heading in the correct direction. Biggest lesson you’ve learned through leadership positions? I have learned to not put yourself above others. You do not want to act like an authority figure, but as a person people can acknowledge and look up to. Others will like you more, but more importantly, they will trust you. Person you admire most and why? The people I admire the most are my parents. They taught me the values I cherish today and have shown me what the true definition of perseverance is.
