2012 Student Body Presidents
It’s a pretty high honor to be nominated student body president. It means you’re well-liked, but it also means your peers think you’ve got what it takes to be the spokesperson for their school. The following student body presidents from Chattanooga area schools have talked the talk and won the election. But they’ve also demonstrated that they’re capable of juggling multiple responsibilities, leadership roles, and activities—from school projects to varsity sports to volunteering to academic clubs. The question now? What’s next?
By Laura Childers
Daisha Bell
SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT, THE HOWARD SCHOOL
The salutatorian of her class, Daisha Bell is in the Talented Tenth Leadership Program at The Howard School. As senior class president, she is currently involved in the planning and execution of a Thanksgiving food drive at Howard. She is also involved in FCA, and is co-captain of the varsity volleyball team. Outside of school, Daisha has volunteered at the Children’s Home. Next fall, she plans to study Biology at Austin Peay State University.
Christine Armao 
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, GRACE BAPTIST ACADEMY
Christine Armao is a serious student, but she is also a singer, a volleyball player and a community servant. While a student at Grace Baptist, she has been a part of the ETVA Honors Choir and the Lee University Honors Choir. She has also played volleyball for four years and is now the team captain of the varsity volleyball team. Christine’s other activities include tutoring elementary students, and participating in the National Honor Society and Beta Club. One of the highlights of her high school experience was a two-week mission trip to Beijing. She hopes to major in journalism in college.
Toney Summerrow
SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT, LOOKOUT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
A serious athlete, Toney Summerrow is one of three captains of the Varsity football team and a four-year member of the Varsity Baseball team. In 2010, Tony shattered his ACL, an injury he thought would keep him from competing in sports ever again. But after surgery and extensive rehabilitation, he was back to running faster than prior to his injury. Inspired by his physical therapist, he has now chosen Physical Therapy as his college major. When he’s not playing sports or at student council meetings, Toney coaches a boys basketball team at the John A. Patton recreation center.
Thatcher Smith
STUDENT BODY CO-PRESIDENT, BOYD-BUCHANAN SCHOOL
BBS senior Thatcher Smith is a football team captain, a member of the varsity baseball team, an active participant in the BBS choral program, and has performed lead roles in the school’s annual high school musicals. Thatcher is also a member of the National Honor Society and the National Spanish Honor Society, and has been chosen as a “class favorite” by his peers each year of high school. He plans to attend UTK on an Airforce ROTC scholarship.
Mary Claire Spann
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, GPS
Confident and self-motivated, Mary Claire Spann credits membership on the Student Council, Character Forum, and varsity tennis team for the qualities of leadership that she’s now sharing with the student body. As president of the 2012-13 GPS Student Council, she’s leading a successful effort to increase school spirit. After school, Mary Claire is actively involved in her youth group at Clear Creek Church of Christ. Armed with a transcript of challenging Advanced Placement classes, she hopes to enter a pre-med program in college next fall.
Lissette Chavez
STUDENT BODY CO-PRESIDENT, SODDY-DAISY HIGH SCHOOL
Lissette Chavez is passionate about student government, having been involved since her freshman year. As student body co-president, one of her goals is to mentor aspiring student leaders. Lissette is also an active member of the Beta Club and the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she works at a local ice cream parlor and volunteers at the Soddy-Daisy Heath Care Center. She would like to study international business or foreign affairs.
Thomas Gauthier
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, SIGNAL MOUNTAIN MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
Thomas Gauthier has been on student council and played on Signal’s football team all four years of his high school career. He currently serves as football team captain. When he’s not on the fi eld, you can fi nd him coordinating pep rallies and announcing Signal Mountain’s basketball and baseball games. Thomas is also a member of the National Honor Society, the Beta Club and FCA. He hopes to attend either Vanderbilt or LSU, and aspires to become a lawyer.
Cecelia Cameron
SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT, HIXSON HIGH SCHOOL
Cecelia Cameron knows about leadership, having been involved with On-Point since 8th grade. She is a member of the National Honor Society and the Urban League, and is in the top 20 percent of her class. She is also one of eight girls selected as a Passport Scholar in the Hamilton County district. Cecelia was selected by her fellow classmates as a candidate for Homecoming Queen, and has volunteered at Morning Pointe Retirement, UTC, and Bethel Adoption services.
Zach Anderson
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, THE MCCALLIE SCHOOL
A day student from East Brainerd, Zach Anderson already has the Student Council at McCallie involved in a “football scarf” project, a new plan for Spirit Week, and several joint community service and social activities with GPS, including the new “My Tie” dance. He is also the starting catcher on the varsity baseball team, the president of the McCallie Athletic Council, and works with Youth Trust as a counselor and Chattanooga Boys Club as a mentor. A standout student, he is regularly named to honor rolls and faculty recognition lists. He plans to study biology at either Furman or Washington University next fall as preparation for medical school.
Payton Griffin
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, TENNESSEE CHRISTIAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL
Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is always near,” is the life verse for junior Payton Griffi n, described as “carrying a unique joy and passion in her daily life.” Payton’s academic achievements range from language and math awards to honors in the Beta Club. Her leadership at TCPS is also seen on the tennis and volleyball courts and in leading schoolwide prayer. Outside of school, Payton enjoys the Chamber of Commerce Student Leadership Programs and is active in church ministries at the Church at Grace Point. According to Payton, one of her greatest privileges has been serving in mission roles at home and abroad with a recent trip to Honduras.
Spencer Mossburg
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, SILVERDALE BAPTIST ACADEMY
Spencer Mossburg says his purpose in life is simple: to serve Christ. According to his teachers, his servant leadership and quiet strength has made him an effective leader, not only as the Student Council President but also as a solid team member of the football, basketball and baseball teams. Spencer is in the National Beta Club, National Honor Society and the Mu Alpha Theta Math Society. He is actively involved in the Academy’s FCA Leadership Team and attends Woodland Park Baptist Church. Spencer equates all his gifts and talents to the Lord, and seeks to live out the school motto: “Shining from the inside out.”
Russell Burton
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, BAYLOR SCHOOL
A senior at Baylor, Russell Burton is in his fourth year as a member of the varsity football team where he is a team captain and plays safety and defensive back. He is also a member of the varsity wrestling team, the Red Circle (student ambassadors), Spirit Committee, Young Life, and FCA. He has served on the Chapel Advisory Committee, has been involved in community service, and was elected Homecoming King by his peers. This past summer Russell served as a counselor for Team Baylor, an “all sports” overnight boarding camp for boys and girls ages 8 to 13. His career goal is to be an anesthesiologist.
Molly Caroline McConnell
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, CLEVELAND HIGH SCHOOL
Molly McConnell is passionate about the performing arts. You’ll find her playing the piano, on the stage in school productions, or singing the National Anthem at CHS sporting events. She is involved in the Renaissance Show Choir as a vocal captain and is a member of the Thespians Society. She is also a Raider Scholar, actively involved in the youth group of Central Church of Christ, and is involved in the National Honor Society, Interact, and Anchor Club. At Distinguished Young Women of Cleveland, she received 1st place in talent and 2nd runner up overall. She plans to pursue a double major in radiology and theatre arts at Lee, UTC, or Chattanooga State.
Jacob Carter
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL
Self-motivated, concerned about his fellow man, and determined to reach his goals— this is Jacob Carter. The son of two educators at Heritage, Jacob is an accomplished student and athlete, maintaining a 3.75 GPA and playing on the varsity football, baseball and basketball teams. He is also a member of FCA, the National Honor Society, and the Beta Club. A true renaissance man, he has performed in musicals at Heritage and helped lead worship for City Church of Chattanooga’s youth group. He also owns his own part-time graphic design business and was one of 16 students selected from the state to attend the Governor’s Honor’s Program in design. He hopes to study art education or industrial design at Auburn, UGA, Appalachian State, or Georgia Tech.
Mary Sabourin
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, CHATTANOOGA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (CCS)
Mary Sabourin aspires to be a psychologist and to use her love of counseling to help others. In addition to being the Student Council president, she is the starting point guard on the varsity basketball team, an avid photographer, and a member of the National Honor Society. Mary is also a volunteer with Widow’s Harvest and has been on a mission trip to Costa Rica. She is honored to have been asked to help start a Young Life chapter at CCS, and her achievements include being a varsity athlete at CCS and maintaining a high GPA.
Sloane Rakestraw
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, BRADLEY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Sloane Rakestraw has been nominated for many of Bradley Central’s character awards including: honesty, caring, self-discipline, respect, and perseverance. She has competed all four years in golf at the regional level of the AAA division, and has made Gold or Silver Honor Roll each year while taking all honors, AP, or dual enrollment courses. She is also a member of the Health Occupation Student Association, the National Honor Society, Distributive Education Clubs of America and Bear Boutique. She has been in Diamond Dolls all four years, has been a member of the Bachelorettes the past two years, and was recently nominated for Homecoming Queen. She is currently preparing to attend Tusculum College in Greenville, Tenn., where she will be on a golf scholarship and major in Business with an emphasis in Health Administration and Human Resources.
Dayzi Green
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, RINGGOLD HIGH SCHOOL
Dayzi Green, an aspiring military leader, has been the student body president at Ringgold High School for three years. She has also been the freshman class vice president, battalion commander for the JROTC unit, raider commander, unarmed female platoon commander, member of competition color guard, and an S5 public affairs offi cer. Her awards include the Military Offi cers’ Achievement Award (MOAA), Superior Cadet Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Award (two times), Recondo Badge, Repelling Ribbon, and the Adventure Training Ribbon. She hopes to study Criminal Justice and participate in ROTC at UTC next year. After graduating from college, she’d like to commission in the U.S. Army as an officer.
Kenneth Scott (Scotty)
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, COLLEGEDALE ACADEMY
Kenneth Scott (Scotty) aspires to be a geriatrician. At Collegedale Academy, he is a captain on both the varsity soccer team and gymnastics team. He currently works for the ASSIST program helping the elderly. Recently, he has been a student leader for an annual prayer conference and has been on a mission trip to Fiji. He was previously in Opus (elite choir) and was class president his freshman year. One of his passions is to share the love of God with the people around him.
Keyana Carr
STUDENT COUNCIL PRESIDENT, BRAINERD HIGH SCHOOL
Keyana Carr, a senior at Brainerd High School, is passionate about justice. Keyana says she found her calling when she looked around her community and saw all of the children who were suffering from neglect. Next year, she hopes to study criminal justice or sociology with a concentration in family justice. Keyana’s extra-curricular activities include Book Club, the National Honor Society, Student Council and Upward Bound. Some of her scholastic achievements include taking four honors classes, two advanced placement classes, numerous honor roll recognitions, the Busy Brainiac award and several Perfect Attendance honors. Keyana says her greatest achievement is receiving the Carter G. Woodson Enduring Legacy Award from Berea College in Berea, Ky.
Alaire Gage
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, RED BANK HIGH SCHOOL
Alaire Gage began her tenure as president during the weeklong “Be a Part of the PRIDE” makeover at Red Bank, where she was tasked with maximizing student involvement. While diminutive in stature, this natural born leader rose to the task, welcoming her 750-member student body back to a sparkling rejuvenated facility with enthusiasm. Alaire is a member of the soccer team, National Honor Society, Beta Club, and Principal’s Advisory Committee. She is also the head JROTC sponsor and the sports editor for the school newspaper. She plans to major in pre-law upon graduation.
Nick Chambers
SENIOR CLASS PRESIDENT, NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL
Nick Chambers says he ran for class president because he wanted to make this a year to remember for his classmates. He is a member of the Notre Dame football and baseball teams, but his passion is baseball. Nick’s baseball accomplishments include Notre Dame team captain, 1st Team “Best of Preps” 2012, District 7A/AA First Team 2012, and the TSWA All-State Team. Nick has also volunteered many hours at the Chattanooga Food Bank and the Northside Neighborhood House and was recently voted Homecoming King. He plans to play baseball in college and major in business.
Erick Lorinc
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS
Lorinc has attended Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts for the past seven years. During his tenure, he has participated in Model UN, Destination Imagination, and the National Honor Society. He has also been involved in every CCA musical since 6th grade. Within the community, Erick can be found volunteering at the Life Care Center of Hixson and participating in a program called Future Docs. He looks forward to a career in engineering or in the medical field. With these career aspirations, some may find it odd that he finds so much inspiration in an arts school. However, Erick says he’s appreciated what CCA has had to offer in introducing him to an arts culture.
Morgan Phillips
STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT, EAST HAMILTON SCHOOL
Senior Morgan Phillips will be graduating this year in the top ten percent of her class while taking all AP and honors level courses. She is a four-year letter winner for East Hamilton’s volleyball team, has played the last five years for the Choo Choo City Volleyball Club, and was recently voted Homecoming Queen. In her free time, Morgan volunteers at Erlanger Health System and in the Comprehensive Development Classroom at East Hamilton. She is also employed by Gigi’s Cupcakes and co-owns a cake and cupcake business—MJ’s Sweet Attractions—with her sister, Jessica. She plans on attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and aspires to work in forensic science.
Abby Meyners
STUDENT GOVERNMENT PRESIDENT, CHATTANOOGA SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS AND SCIENCES (CSAS)
This is Abby Meyners’ third year in student government as well as on the Superintendent’s Advisory Council. As president, she has already led the fi rst-ever “Stand Up to Cancer” tailgate benefi ting Emily’s Power for a Cure. Abby is the vice president of FCA and a four-year attendee of the Model United Nations, where she recently won the “Best Delegate” award. Outside of school, she has worked as a summer camp counselor, a children’s Sunday school teacher, and a volunteer at the Tennessee Aquarium. She is also on the youth leadership team at her church and is a member of her school’s Paideia Society. She is interested in studying early childhood development or non-profi t management at Berry College or Lee University. “I want hands-on experience working with people,” Abby says. “I want to make a difference.”
