Student of the Month
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty has started implementing a new Student of the Month recognition award for outstanding seniors. Each month of the school year a senior student will be named Student of the Month for SCHS. These students are selected by the faculty for their outstanding character, citizenship, academic credentials, student involvement in activities/organizations, and because they serve as positive role models for underclassmen.
March Student of the Month—Madison Parker
Madison Parker has been selected by the Stewart County High School
(SCHS) faculty as March Student of the Month for her outstanding
academic achievement, student involvement, and for serving as an
exceptional role model for underclassmen. Following graduation, Parker
plans to attend the University of Tennessee at Martin and major in
either elementary education or graphic design.
Parker is a four-year member of Family, Career, and Community Leaders of
America (FCCLA) and currently is serving her second year, as a member of
the Officer Council. Parker is also a three-year member of the BEARS
(Building Every Asset Right from the Start) Team, the community outreach
arm of the FCCLA organization whose focus is character education. As a
member of this team, she is a regular visitor to the elementary schools
where she speaks to students about the importance of developing positive
character traits. She is also a member of Reading Team, which affords
her the opportunity to provide assistance to elementary faculty with
reading instruction. Family and Consumer Science teacher and FCCLA
adviser, Nancy Myers, speaks highly of Parker stating, “I have worked
with Madison throughout her high school career. She has many outstanding
qualities including intelligence, creativity, and charm. Her continual
optimism and positive attitude stand out to me. She approaches
everything with determination and persistence, and she guides those
working alongside her to solutions. She lifts the spirits of everyone
around her. As I have watched her working on projects, I am amazed at
the compassion she shows for others. Madison is responsible and a true
leader.”
Ranked ninth in the Class of 2018, Parker has the reputation of being a
dedicated and conscientious student. She received the Black and Gold
award for Family Studies for her excellence in the classroom. Parker has
been very successful in applying classroom knowledge through the STAR
(Students Taking Action with Recognition) competitive event program at
the State and National Leadership Conferences. In 2016, she earned third
place at the state level in the Focus on Children event. As a junior,
she placed first in Food Innovations at the state conference followed by
a sixth place finish at the national level. Most recently, she earned
first place at the 2018 State Leadership Conference in the
Entrepreneurship event.
An active member of the SCHS community, she is a three-year member of
the Bonanza yearbook staff, currently serving as Design Editor. She is a
three-year member of the Spanish Club, and a member of Beta. Parker has
been very involved with the SCHS theatre productions. For the
Wizard of Oz, she applied
stage makeup. For The Little
Mermaid, she was the stage manager, applied makeup, and played the
role of a sea creature. English teacher, Christina Anderson, affirms
Parker’s contributions saying, “Madison is a respectful and responsible
young lady. She is kind and is dedicated to various school and community
organizations. Madison devotes her time to a variety of creative
endeavors. Madison is that sweet songbird that everybody enjoys to see
and listen to so that their day will be better.”
Parker summarizes her time at SCHS remarking, “My time at Stewart County
High School has prepared me for life, as I have learned leadership
skills and social skills through club activities. My teachers have shown
me the importance of hard work and dedication. I have many unforgettable
memories at SCHS for which I am forever thankful.”
Madison is the Daughter of Robert and Melissa Parker.
February Student of the Month—Mary Edwards
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce
that senior, Mary Edwards, has been chosen as February Student of the
Month for her outstanding academic achievement, student involvement, and
for serving as an extraordinary role model for underclassmen. After
graduation, she plans to attend Lincoln Memorial University to attain a
bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a pre-med focus. Her long-term goal
is to attend medical school to become a physician.
A member of the Class of 2018 Top Ten Percent, she is ranked fourth.
Academics are a priority for Edwards, which is reflected in the 4.0
grade point average she has maintained throughout high school, as well
as the Black and Gold academic awards she earned in Honors English III
and Health Science. Through dual enrollment courses offered through
Austin Peay State University (APSU), she has completed 33 credit hours
and was honored by the university in 2017 with an Academic Achievement
Award. Beginning in 2016, Edwards has functioned as a Tennessee Teen
Ambassador for the Tobacco Prevention Program. She was selected as a
2017 American Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State delegate. A 2016
Cumberland Electric Membership Corporation essay contest winner, Edwards
acquired an all-expense paid trip to Washington D.C. Christina Anderson,
English teacher, praises her academic pursuits saying, “Mary Beth is an
exceptional student. She is caring, creative, respectful, and
responsible in all her actions. Mary Beth will always seek a challenge
and will always inspire others to do the same. Mary Beth is that
beautiful, unique flower that will grow past the garden walls, but will
always know her roots.”
She has garnered the respect of the faculty and her peers. Rhonda
Hendrickson, Spanish teacher, highlights her character stating, “Mary
Beth is a young lady that is mature beyond her years. She is extremely
focused, determined, and always makes choices that will positively
impact her future. More importantly, Mary Beth is kind to everyone. She
has many friends, and always has a positive word for her teachers and
classmates. I am certain her confidence will take her far in this life,
and I am honored to be her teacher.” At SCHS she is involved in multiple
organizations. She has served as manager of the Lady Rebel basketball
team for four years. She is a four-year member of HOSA: Future Health
Professionals, Kids Against Tobacco Substances (KATS) Team, Future
Business Leaders of America, and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
She has also participated in Key Club, Spanish Club, and is a member of
Beta.
Volunteerism is a hallmark of Edwards’ character. She has served in
multiple capacities at Hopewell United Methodist Church. In 2017, she
was an active student member of the Rural Health Association of
Tennessee. As an FCA officer, she has assisted with the organization of
the 2016 and 2017 tailgate parties. Beginning in 2014, she has worked as
a community co-op food drive volunteer. In 2016, she received the
Tennessee Governor’s Volunteer Star Award, an initiative designed to
recognize outstanding volunteers from each county.
When asked to summarize her stint at SCHS, Edwards replied, “Stewart
County High School has taught me to have confidence in my own abilities.
Such confidence combined with education will provide competence in my
future career.”
Mary is the daughter of William and Brenda Edwards.
January Student of the Month—Colby Warden
The Stewart County High School (SCHS) is delighted to announce that
senior, Colby Warden, has been chosen as January Student of the Month
for his outstanding academic achievement, student involvement, and for
serving as an exceptional role model for underclassmen. Warden’s plan
following high school is to attend the University of Tennessee at
Knoxville on a ROTC scholarship and pursue a degree in chemical
engineering.
His excellent academic record is widely recognized by his peers and the
faculty. Warden has the distinction of being a member of the 30+ ACT
Club which recognizes students for scoring a 30 or above on the test. It
is important to note that he achieved a perfect score on the science
portion of the ACT. In acknowledgement of his academic performance,
Warden was awarded a three-day CEMC sponsored trip to Nashville where he
had the opportunity to tour the state capital and attend a legislative
session. Science teacher, Cathy Watson, praises Warden for his work
ethic remarking, “Colby is one of those students that is every teacher’s
dream. He is a very polite, hard-working young man that is an asset to
every group he belongs to. He strives for top scores in both class and
the ACT and other standardized tests. Colby will be successful in any
endeavor he pursues.”
Warden believes in giving back to his community. This is evidenced
through his donation of blood to The American Red Cross and volunteering
as a ticket taker for the Fraternal Oder of Police Bass tournament. He
is also a four-year participant in the local Shop with a Cop event.
Science teacher, Allen Ralls, affirms his admirable character stating,
“Colby Warden is the example of what we need here at SCHS if not the
world. How he is able to balance and do well with his classwork, work,
friends and family is amazing. I feel honored to be a part of his
transformation over the last four years and will truly miss him, but
look forward to the great things he'll accomplish after he leaves SCHS.”
In regards to his experience at SCHS, Warden had these words to say, “My
time at SCHS taught me that consistency and work ethic are more
important than any ‘gift’ one might have in terms of academics or
athleticism. It has taught me that hard work gives everyone the ability
to accomplish anything.” English teacher, Lisa Luton, echoes Warden’s
sentiments saying, “Colby is the kind of student who you hope to be
friends with after he graduates. He is incredibly smart and his peers
know they can count on him for help with their homework just as much as
they can count on him for a good laugh. His strong work ethic perfectly
balanced by his relaxed and friendly demeanor make him the kind of
person you just know will go on to do great things.”
Colby is the son of Chip and Tracy Warden.
December Student of the Month—Brandt Bramlett
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The Stewart County High School (SCHS) is pleased to
announce Brandt Bramlett has been chosen as December Student of the
Month for his outstanding academic achievement, student involvement, and
for serving as an exceptional role model for underclassmen. After
graduation, Brandt plans to continue his education at either Austin Peay
State University or the University of Tennessee at Martin and obtain a
degree in engineering.
Bramlett is a focused and serious student with an excellent academic record and is known as an outstanding student athlete. He is a three-year member of the Rebel Baseball team and a one-year member of the Rebel Basketball team. In recognition of his scholastic achievement, he has received Black and Gold Awards in Honors Algebra I, Honors English I, Health Science, and Emergency Medical Services. Library Media Specialist, Lora Black, praises Bramlett’s work ethic remarking, “Brandt is a determined young man who is willing to work hard toward important goals. He values discipline and respects the wisdom of others, incorporating it in his pursuit of personal excellence. Above all, Brandt takes responsibility for his destiny, and I have no doubt that will bode well for him throughout life.” Because of his character and dedication to academics, Bramlett was also selected to be a part of the student coalition that met with the Tennessee Commissioner of Education, Candice McQueen.
He is a three-year member of Family, Career and
Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and the Building Every Asset Right
from the Start (BEARS) Team. Through his participation on the BEARS
Team, Bramlett is a regular visitor to the elementary schools where he
speaks to first graders about leadership skills and the importance of
developing and maintaining positive character traits. He is also a
member of the Reading Team, which allows him to assist professional
educators with reading instruction of elementary aged children. Family
and Consumer Science teacher, Reading Team Coordinator, and BEARS Team
sponsor, Nancy Myers, highlights his wonderful personal qualities
saying, “Brandt
Bramlett is one of the most outstanding young men I have known. He is
intelligent and hard working as well as personable with both the student
body and faculty. He has an innate desire to do his best with every goal
he sets. Brandt has been working at the elementary school with me this
year and has demonstrated his maturity and his character as he helps
children with literacy skills. He is coaching them to success and
motivating the children with his attention and encouragement. Brandt is
a real leader in all aspects.” In addition to his involvement in these
organizations, he is also a two-year member of Future Business
Leaders of America, a member of Beta, and has served as a Shop with a
Cop volunteer.
Bramlett speaks favorably of his time at SCHS
commenting, “Because of outstanding administrative leadership and the
commitment by the faculty of Stewart County High School I have learned
to thrive academically and have been taught to become a successful young
adult.”
Brandt is the son of Brian and Kelly Bramlett.
November Student of the Month—Caroline Parker
The Stewart County
High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce Caroline Parker has
been chosen as November Student of the Month for her outstanding
academic achievement, student involvement, and for serving as an
exceptional role model for underclassmen. After high school, Parker
plans to attend a four-year university to major in pre-medicine with the
long-term goal of going to medical school.
Parker is a
dedicated student who consistently strives for academic excellence. In
recognition of her achievement, she has earned five Black and Gold
academic awards in Honors Biology I, Spanish I, ACT Reading, Anatomy and
Physiology, and Biology II. A 4.0 student, Parker also has the
distinction of being a member of the 30+ ACT Club which recognizes
students for scoring a 30 or above on the test. Parker was selected and
attended the Governor’s School for Computational Physics. Through this
program, she learned how to apply complex calculus and physics concepts
to solve practical problems, write computer programs and codes using
Fortran operating system, and communicated with employees of NASA and
Oak Ridge National Laboratory to further her understanding of the
real-world applications of coding. She was chosen to be a 2017 American
Legion Auxiliary Volunteer Girls State delegate. This program allows
young women to learn about state government, as well as how to affect
their local communities positively through active citizenship and
informed voting. Through her health science classes, Parker has earned
the CPR and Basic Lifesaving Skills certification through the American
Heart Association. Library Media Specialist, Lora Black, compliments
Parker’s character and work ethic stating, “Caroline is one of the most
meticulously determined individuals you will ever meet. She has her eye
on the future, but she is grounded in today’s labor assuring a
foundation for success. Above all, she is a quality person whose
character is impeccable. I know she will continue to do great things
with her life.”
Parker is a
four-year member of HOSA: Future Health Professionals and has been a
local officer for two years having held the office of Vice President and
currently chapter Secretary. She is three-year competitor at the State
Leadership Conference. Additionally, she worked as part of the HOSA
National Service Project team which collectively raised over $500 for
the National Alliance on Mental Health. Parker is also a three-year
member of Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). She
is presently participating in the Advocacy competitive event for the
National Alliance on Mental Illness. She is also a one-year member of
the Building Every Asset Right from the Start (BEARS) team, a mentoring
program designed to give high school students the opportunity to talk to
first graders about leadership skills and character. Parker is also a
member of the Reading Team and tutors elementary students with the goal
of improving their reading proficiency. She is also a three-year member
of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), a one-year member of Math
Club, and a member of Beta.
Parker is grateful
for her time at SCHS remarking, “My time at SCHS has taught me to
prioritize and juggle multiple obligations at once.” Science teacher,
Allen Ralls, affirms Parker’s development remarking, “I am so proud of
the lady Caroline Parker has become. When I had her as a sophomore she
was very intelligent but was as meek as a mouse. Now she is this
outgoing strong individual that will do well in school and in life. As a
teacher, I feel we have the responsibility to develop our students
academically but also with the skills to survive in the real world.
Caroline possesses both.”
Caroline is the daughter of Robert and Melissa
Parker.
October Student of the Month—Ezra McElroy
Ezra McElroy has
been selected by the Stewart County High School (SCHS) faculty as
October Student of the Month for his outstanding academic achievement,
student involvement, and for serving as an exceptional role model for
underclassmen. After high school McElroy plans to pursue dual
degrees in psychology and criminal justice at the University of
Tennessee at Knoxville. His long-term career goal is to work for the
Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.
Known for his
reputation as a solid student athlete, McElroy is a two-year member of
the Rebel football team and a four-year member of the Rebel basketball
team. Recognized for his on-field football performance, he was named
Region 3A Punter of the Year, and for his classroom success he received
All-Academic Team honors. Criminal Justice teacher and Rebel football
coach, Chanz Swartz, commends McElroy for his ability to balance
academics and athletics stating, “To be a great student is a hard thing
to do. To be a great student-athlete is even harder to do. Ezra McElroy
is a GREAT student-athlete! He is a multisport athlete and has an
outstanding GPA. As a coach, you always stress the importance of
leadership. Being a true natural leader is something that cannot be
taught. You either have it or you don’t; Ezra has it! Not only does he
have it on the field, he also has it everywhere else. The way that Ezra
carries himself as a young adult is exceptional! To be a great leader,
you have to lead by example and that is exactly what Ezra does. He is a
leader among men, and in my opinion that is one of the best traits you
can possess in life. Ezra McElroy demonstrates every day the
characteristics a true REBEL should have!”
McElroy is a
three-year member of the Criminal Justice Club and currently serves as
President. He has earned two Black and Gold awards for academic
achievement in Criminal Justice I and Criminal Justice II. In May 2017
he was presented with the Career and Technical Education Honor Award for
Criminal Justice. Math teacher Marcia Joiner, offers this appraisal of
McElroy’s qualities remarking, “Ezra is an intelligent, hard working
young man who stays on top of his schoolwork even during the hectic
basketball season. Ezra is a gentleman with a bright future ahead of
him.” McElroy is also a member of Beta.
McElroy’s
noteworthy character is seen in his desire to serve the community
through his volunteer work. On Saturdays, he volunteers as a coach for
the Stewart County Jr. Pro Basketball program. For the past two years,
McElroy has helped with the Fraternal Order of Police annual Shop with a
Cop program. He has also worked as a counselor at Cop Camp the last
three summers.
McElroy is
appreciative of his SCHS journey noting, “During my time at SCHS I have
been challenged by my teachers, coaches, parents, and myself. I have
been held accountable for my failures and praised for my
accomplishments. From that, I have learned to prevail in all with a
positive attitude. I have grown as a student and athlete by accepting
each obstacle and challenging myself to do my very best. I have learned
to work with others to complete tasks in school and as a team. I believe
these learning experiences will help me achieve success in college and
my career.”
Ezra is the son of Marc and Shawna McElroy.
September Student of the Month—Clayton Williams
The Stewart County
High School (SCHS) faculty is pleased to announce Clayton Williams has
been chosen as September Student of the Month for his outstanding
academic achievement, student involvement, and for serving as an
exceptional role model for underclassmen. Williams’ plan after high
school is to attend Murray State University to earn a degree in
mechanical engineering.
Williams is known
for his character and his commitment to academics. A 4.0 student, he
earned a Black and Gold Academic Award for achieving the highest ACT
Reading score. Williams also has the distinction of being a member of
the 30+ ACT Club which recognizes students for scoring a 30 or above on
the test. Selected as a 2017 Tennessee American Legion Boys State
Delegate; Williams spent a week on the campus of Tennessee Tech
University. The Boys State program allows each participant to become a
part of the operation of his local, county, and state governments
managed by students elected to various offices. Williams was elected to
the offices of County Commissioner and as a member of the Court of
Appeals. Science teacher, Allen Ralls, affirms Williams’ academic focus
commenting, “Clay is one of the most humble students I've ever had. He
doesn't stand out in my classroom because he doesn't boast about his
accomplishments, but because of his work effort he stands tall among
others with his knowledge and abilities. I look forward to seeing him
grow as a young man and achieving whatever he desires.” Elected by his
peers, Williams currently holds the position of Senior Class Vice
President.
Williams is a
three-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and has
been a local officer for two years having held the office of Reporter,
and currently as Bookstore Manager. Clay has competed for two years at
Regional and State Leadership Conferences placing first in FBLA
Principles and Procedures and eighth in Website Design. Business teacher
and FBLA Adviser, Connie Baggett, commended Williams for his valuable
impact on the organization stating, “Clay has a pleasant, determined and
positive personality. He is
helpful, courteous, and has a gentleman’s demeanor. All of these
terrific character traits, along with great grades adds up to a very
successful student with such a bright future.” He is a three-year member
of FFA having served as Junior Vice President for one year. Williams is
a two-year member of the Building Every Asset Right from the Start
(BEARS) team through which he has participated in the mentoring of
elementary aged students. Additionally, he is a one-year member of the
Spanish Club, and one-year member of the Math Club, and a member of
Beta.
Giving back to the
community is a priority for Williams evidenced through his volunteer
activities. He worked as a volunteer for the BEARS team booth at the
SCHS Literacy Night. As a member of the Dover First Church of the
Nazarene he has worked fish fry events, and as a member of FBLA he
helped set-up and serve guests for the Tennessee School Board
Association meeting hosted by the Stewart County Board of Education.
When asked to
reflect on his tenure at SCHS Williams remarked, “My time at SCHS has
taught me to never slack off. This school has taught me that to work is
to thrive, and I am now prepared to thrive. This will make my future
achievable.”
Clayton is the son of Boyd and Lynn Williams.
August Student of the Month—Sunshine Coombs
The Stewart County
High School (SCHS) faculty is proud to announce Sunshine Coombs has been
chosen as August Student of the Month for her outstanding academic
achievement, student involvement, and for serving as an exceptional role
model for underclassmen. Following graduation, Coombs plans to earn a
bachelor’s degree focusing along the lines of political science,
pre-law, and journalism. Her long-term goal is to continue her education
at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville Law School.
Coombs is a
four-year member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), working
as a local officer for three years and presently as Co-President. She is
a two-year member of the state officer team and currently serves as the
President of Tennessee FBLA. Coombs has competed in FBLA events at
Regional, State and National Leadership conferences for the past three
years. At the state level she has earned fourth place in Business
Presentation, first place in Public Speaking I, and fourth place in Job
Interview. In her role as Tennessee State President, she addressed the
Southern Region delegation giving the Tennessee State Report at the 2017
National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, California. Connie Baggett,
Business teacher and FBLA Adviser, commends Coombs leadership skills
stating, “What is a leader? The person who leads or commands a group,
organization, or country, AKA Sunshine Coombs. From our local FBLA
officer team to the 6,000 plus members of the Tennessee FBLA
organization, Sunshine leads and motivates students by her example. She
is always in the first group to volunteer, no matter the task. Her
style, poise, and intelligence are evident and inspire others, even in
daily tasks at school. It has been my pleasure to work with Sunshine for
the past four years. I see great things in her future and the futures of
those she touches.”
An active member of
the SCHS community, Coombs is involved in multiple organizations. She is
a two-year member of HOSA: Future Health Professionals and was a member
of the Parliamentary Procedures team which placed fourth at the 2017
State Leadership Conference. Additionally, she is a two-year member of
the Lady Rebel softball team, and a member of Beta. As a member of FBLA
she has also served as chairperson of the Ronald McDonald can tab
collection, canned food drive, and Lights of Love campaigns.
In recognition of
her academic excellence, Coombs has earned five Black and Gold awards in
Computer Applications, Honors English I, Honors Algebra I, Honors
English II, and Digital Business Communications. In 2017, she won second
place in the Voices of Democracy Essay contest, and recently won third
place in the TN Star Constitution Bee. Rhonda Hendrickson, Spanish
teacher, offers high praise for Coombs declaring, “Miss Sunshine Coombs
could not have been given a more perfect name. She is just that: a ray
of sunshine that brings joy to her teachers, friends, and classmates. I
do not believe I have ever seen a student that is not only involved in
several different activities, but excels in all of them. However, this
does not keep her from excelling academically. Extra-curricular
activities do not hinder her ability to maintain high grades. Sunshine
is one of the most well-rounded students that has ever entered my
classroom, and I am proud to have been her teacher.”
Coombs is grateful
for her time at SCHS remarking, “Stewart County High School and its
teachers have built the humble, courteous, and ambitious foundation on
which I stand.”
Sunshine is the daughter of Fairy Tomsic and Micky
Coombs.