Congratulations Class of 2021 Valedictorians
We are delighted to take this opportunity to recognize the graduating class of 2021 along with the valedictorians from each school. These students had the highest academic achievements of the class and their impact and hard work was felt far beyond grades. So many exceeded their high school aspirations and goals set during the past four years forming the steppingstone needed to make their college dreams a reality. While it was not possible to highlight every remarkable high school student, the class of 2021 valedictorians are featured and we extend congratulations to all graduates in 2021 wishing them the absolute best going forward.
Amelia Willoughby – Agathos Classical School
This fall, Amelia Willoughby will be attending Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee to study Communications and is very excited both to begin this next chapter of her life and to further pursue her education. Lee University awarded Willoughby the Presidential Scholarship and chose her as 1 of 30 incoming freshman to receive the Centennial Scholarship.
“My favorite part of high school was being surrounded every day by people who were passionate about school. Whether that be the teachers who were dedicated to the subjects they were teaching, or my fellow classmates who found excitement in every subject we were taught, everyone found a special joy in the classroom. I hope to take this joy with me not only as I enter a new school in the fall, but also to every area of study I should find myself in for the rest of my life.”
Madison Stevens – Columbia Academy
This fall, Madison Stevens will attend Belmont University where she accepted The Faculty Scholar Academic Award Scholarship along with the University Grant Merit Scholarship. She plans to enter the pre-med program and major in biology.
“My favorite high school memory was our Junior and Senior retreat. The trip is a lot of fun because we get to go to a camp and hang out with friends. We also spend some time focusing on our spiritual life. This retreat was really meaningful to me and my classmates.”
Shelley Lin – Columbia Central High School
Shelley Lin will be attending New York University in New York City, where she plans on double majoring in Media, Culture, and Communications and Journalism, as well as, pursuing a minor in Business of Entertainment, Media, and Technology.
“My favorite high school memory would easily be CHS’s annual Lionween event. I loved the sense of community I felt volunteering every year. Seeing hundreds of excited children dressed up to celebrate Halloween was the highlight of my high school experience.”
Kayleigh Maner – Culleoka Unit School
Kayleigh Maner plans to attend Lipscomb University in Nashville majoring in Molecular Biology and minoring in Psychology.
“My favorite memory is when my MRC partnership in HOSA won third in the state competition and was able to go to the World’s at Disney in Orlando. My team really had a wonderful time on the trip, enjoying each other’s company and making new friendships with others from different states with similar interests. The most memorable part of the trip was when the students all gathered together to watch the Wishes firework display one night in Magic Kingdom.”
Karlee Rowland – Hampshire Unit School
Karlee Rowland plans to attend the University of North Alabama to study Criminal Justice and History. After college, she has plans to pursue a Law Degree. At this time she is not sure what type of law she will practice, but wants to share her passion for patriotism through her work.
“My favorite high school memory was attending my senior prom. My dress was a bright green and had pearl beads on it; pearls have always been my favorite accessory. My boyfriend picked me up in his shiny, red truck and took me to prom. Everyone looked so nice, and we had the best time dancing, singing, and enjoying snacks together. However, my favorite part of the night was when he and I were crowned prom king and queen; we got to dance to the classic song, “My Girl”, and it felt like a scene from a movie. It was the most memorable moment of my high school experience.”
Kirstin Chatman – Mt. Pleasant High School
Kirstin Chatman will be attending the University of Tennessee Knoxville to study pre-law. She hopes to continue to law school and pursue a career as an attorney.
“My favorite high school memories all stem from the traditions and sense of community present at Mt. Pleasant. Being on the competitive cheer team has also given me amazing friendships and memories that I will cherish forever. From Homecoming week to competing at Disney World, I am grateful for every moment I had while in high school.”
Emily Hopkins – Santa Fe Unit School
Emily Hopkins plans to attend the University of North Alabama in Florence to major in a medical field. She is currently enrolled to major in nursing but is waiting to see if that is an exact fit for her.
“My favorite high school memory is going on State FBLA trips to Chattanooga. I enjoyed competing and getting to know other students from various schools in the state.”
Deep Patel – Spring Hill High School
Deep Patel plans to pursue a bachelor’s in biomedical engineering in college where he would like to participate in engineering and community service organizations. After college, he would like to work as a researcher specializing in nanotechnology.
“My favorite memory of high school was going to [SkillsUSA] Nationals and just meeting new people there. I also liked hanging out outside on a free day with my friends.”
Nevaeh Brinson – Summit Hight School (Co-Valedictorian)
Nevaeh Brinson will be attending the University of Alabama in the fall and double majoring in Biochemistry and Spanish.
“My favorite memory would be going to state and witnessing the wrestling team support.”
Liam Keck – Summit Hight School (Co-Valedictorian)
Liam Keck plans to study Political Science and Economics this fall at the University of Alabama.
“My favorite memory was watching the solar eclipse with my friends in the football stadium bleachers.”
Peyton White – Zion Christian Academy
Peyton White will be attending Lipscomb University this fall where she plans on pursuing a nursing major.
“My favorite high school memories are playing sports with my friends.”