The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Fairview High School student Miranda Pace received an unexpected surprise the day before her 18th birthday, as she was named her school’s Academic All-Star for the 2015-16 school year.

“Miranda had a rocky start her freshman and sophomore years,” said Fairview High Assistant Principal Ellen Brown. “She struggled in classes. During her junior year, she started turning things around. Miranda is now earning nothing below a B in her classes, and she is on track to attend college next year.”

Upon graduation, Miranda wants to attend the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to become a dental assistant.

“Eventually I want to become a dental hygienist because they make a lot more money,” said Miranda. “It’s kind of weird but I love teeth, and so I want to learn more about them.”

Miranda says her favorite class is English because her teacher, Amy Perkerson, makes it fun. Outside of school, she spends most of her time working at a local restaurant or hanging out with friends.

Although she loves Fairview High School, Miranda says she’s excited to move on and see what the future holds.

“I know I’m going to miss Fairview High,” said Miranda. “But I’m happy to graduate and go to college because I’ve had to work so hard to get where I am. I realize now that you make something of yourself  when you graduate and get a high school diploma.”

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Teachers at Grassland Middle School describe 12-year-old Kathereen Osse as a hard-working student who always has a smile on her face. So it’s no surprise she was recently named the school’s Academic All-Star.

“Kathereen is a top-notch student who is always prepared for class,” said GMS math teacher Anthony Keeton. “Kathereen is one of those students who makes a teacher’s day with her attitude and character.”

Having spent part of her childhood in Haiti, Kathereen says the transition to the United States was made easier by being at such a great school. Kathereen joined the school’s band and plays the saxophone – something she just started in sixth grade.

“Kathereen is a talented musician and has a wonderful work ethic,” said GMS teacher Jan Dossey. “She is conscientious about practicing, improving her skills on the saxophone and giving her all to be a team player. She is a true all-star in my book.”

Kathereen’s talents don’t just lie in the arts. Her favorite subject is math, and she already has an idea of what she wants to be when she grows up.

“I want to be a doctor,” said Kathereen. “My uncle is a doctor and so is my aunt. I just like helping people.”

Six middle school students from Williamson County are earning recognition for their performance in the 2015 Daughters of the American Revolution American Essay Contest.

This year’s essay topic was A Colonial Family’s Reaction to the Stamp Act.

“It has been exciting and an honor to work closely with a patriotic organization such as the Daughters of the American Revolution,” said WCS Curriculum Specialist David Rector. “We look forward to continuing our efforts to promote the annual DAR essay contest to make researching, studying and writing about the American Revolution an engaging and fun way to learn.”

Claudia Gurrero
Brentwood Middle

Imari Straughan
Fairview Middle

Connor Tharpe
Heritage Middle

Kira Enos
Page Middle

Lilly Miller
Sunset Middle

Ethan Hoogerheide
Sunset Middle

The winning students include eighth grader Claudia Guerrero from Brentwood Middle, eighth grader Imari Straughan from Fairview Middle, eighth grader Connor Tharpe from Heritage Middle, seventh grader Kira Enos from Page Middle, sixth grader Lily Miller from Sunset Middle and eighth grader Ethan Hoogerheide from Sunset Middle.

Connor Tharpe, an eighth grader from Heritage Middle, was selected as the Cumberland District winner. His essay will go on to enter the state competition.

The DAR American Essay Contest is open to students in fifth through eighth grade. The essays are judged on requirements including historical accuracy, originality, adherence to the topic and grammar.

Each winning student will receive a certificate and a bronze medal.

Dozens of WCS students are using their tech skills to compete with students from across the state.

Students from Fairview Middle, Fairview High, Page High and Summit High schools participated in the Technology Student Association (TSA) district competition January 27. The annual event is open to students who have completed or are completing technology education courses.

Several students advanced to the state competition, which is scheduled for April 6-9 at the Chattanooga Convention Center in Chattanooga.

From L-R: Matt Largen, Stacey Kizer, Joumana Rahime and Meg Chamblee.

In a ceremony January 28, two women affiliated with Williamson County Schools earned special recognition at the 2015 Nashville Technology Council Awards.

WCS teacher Stacey Kizer was named the NTC’s Educator of the Year for her work at Centennial and Franklin high schools.

“It’s an honor to have others recognize and applaud your efforts in any field, but I think in education it’s especially meaningful,” said Kizer. “The NTC states that educators who are recognized with this award have demonstrated an ability to develop next generation technology leaders who have the ability to make a difference in Tennessee’s technology community. I am confident that the students who are in my classes are just that: future leaders in the Williamson County technology community, and I’m grateful that I have the opportunity to teach them such interesting, fun and relevant material every day.”

Nashville Technology Council’s 2015 Volunteer of the Year is Meg Chamblee who serves on the WCS Technology Advisory Board. The board facilitates new initiatives within the community and schools to expose students and parents to technology opportunities at an early age.

“The Nashville technology community is full of people who volunteer significant amounts of their time to increase STEM awareness in schools and grow our local IT talent,” said Chamblee. “In this community in particular, it is such an honor to be named NTC’s Volunteer of the Year, and I share it with all of the 50 plus volunteers who have helped with the Middle School Creative Coding Program in Williamson County.”

In the Middle School Creative Coding Program, students learn web programming languages upon which to build a great foundation for their future IT skills.

“Students learn web programming languages, primarily HTML and CSS, in a lab setting to create personal web pages,” said Chamblee. “We encourage the students to use their creativity to develop their web pages and have fun with it. Our goal is to spark an interest in technology for these students and give them the resources they need to build on the knowledge gained in this program.”

Kizer is excited about what this award, and a growing IT field, mean for the future of IT programs in Williamson County Schools.

“It’s incredibly meaningful for all of the IT programs in Williamson County Schools,” said Kizer. “I think these awards demonstrate that we’re doing things right in Williamson County and are committed to finding, developing and retaining highly qualified teachers. It also brings a lot of recognition to the hard, remarkable work that all of the IT teachers do in our classrooms every day to ensure that our students are prepared for college and for successful careers.”

Both women were nominated by their peers and completed a questionnaire to become finalists. A panel of judges put together by the NTC evaluated the questionnaires to determine the finalists and winners for each award.

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Fifth grader Janah Rae Eads has been named her school’s Academic All-Star for the 2015-16 school year.  Administrators selected Janah Rae for this honor because of her strong work ethic and positive attitude.

“Janah Rae is an awesome student with an amazing outlook on life and school,” said Fairview Elementary Principal Brent Oakley. “She is a hard worker who gives 100 percent to everything she does. She is a fantastic young lady who is a true role model for all.”

Janah Rae’s favorite subject in school is math, but she wants to be a nurse when she grows up.

“I have wanted to be a nurse since I was in second grade,” said Janah Rae. “I just like helping people.”

Janah Rae not only gives her best at school, but she is also an outstanding athlete. She enjoys playing both softball and basketball, and Janah Rae says she may also try out for volleyball next year.

As for making the transition to Fairview Middle, Janah Rae says the one thing she looks forward to most is having her own locker. She also promises to continue working hard in the classroom.

“I want to do well in school so I can get into a good college and have a good career,” said Janah Rae.

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Having admired the Academic All-Star award posters on the wall of her school for the last few years, Grassland Elementary fifth grader Mackensie Allen will soon have one of her own as she was recently named the school’s Academic All-Star for the 2015-16 school year.

“I didn’t really hear about it,” said Mackensie. “I saw pictures in the hallway and thought, ‘Oh, someone got the Academic All-Star award.’ This year I got it, and I was shocked.”

Administrators say 11-year-old Mackensie is known to her teachers and principals for having a great attitude every day.

“Mackensie always has a bright smile and a great work ethic,” said GES Principal Dr. Ann Gordon. “In addition, she is always willing to help others all the time.”

Mackensie’s favorite subject is social studies, but her real passion is dancing. In her free time, Mackensie dances with the competitive dance program Music City All-Stars.

“I’ve been dancing since I was about four-years-old,” Mackensie said. “I do jazz, hip hop and lyrical dance. I just like being good at it, and my dream is to be on Dancing with the Stars.”

Although she’s not yet sure what she wants to be when she grows up, Mackensie says she has high expectations for herself and she’ll continue working hard to make sure her dreams come true.

“My education is important to me because I want to go to a good college like Vanderbilt or Harvard,” said Mackensie.

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Heritage Elementary School is proud to recognize Jackson Swallows as its Academic All-Star for the 2015-16 school year.

The announcement was made during a school assembly February 4, in which Jackson received a standing ovation from the entire fifth grade class.

Heritage Elementary Principal Shannon Robertson says Jackson is very deserving of this special award.

“Jackson is a polite and considerate student who strives to show his best in all that he does,” said Robertson. “He is a hard worker who models the meaning of our district’s BE NICE campaign and our school’s high expectations of Eagle Pride.”

Having attended Heritage Elementary since kindergarten, Jackson says he has made a lot of good friends at the school. He also says his favorite subject is math and he’d like to have a job one day where he protects others.

“I like math because I’m good at it, and it seems easy to me,” said Jackson. “When I grow up, I want to be a cop. My dad used to be a cop so it made me want to be one.”

According to Robertson, Jackson possesses many traits that will serve him well no matter what his future holds.

“Jackson works collaboratively in groups; he takes risks in his academics; and he has grown as a leader at HES,” said Robertson. “We are proud and happy to recognize Jackson in this way.”

Students across Williamson County are earning a chance to compete in the regional 4-H Speaking Contest.

The Williamson 4-H Speaking Contest was held January 30, and the top two students from each grade level get to advance to the regional competition February 23 in Lebanon. Those students are marked with an asterisk below.

Because of the number of fourth and fifth grade participants, the competition for those two grade levels was divided up into different rooms, nine rooms for fourth grade, three rooms for fifth grade. The top two students from each room were then invited to attend a final “Speak Off” on February 2 where the two regional contestants were chosen.

WCS cheerleaders are earning national recognition for their skills. A number of teams from around the district competed at this year’s Universal Cheerleaders Association’s National High School Cheerleading Competition.

The event, which was held February 6-7 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, is one of the most prestigious cheerleading championships in the country. Nearly 13,000 cheerleaders from 667 teams participated in this year’s competition.

Franklin High School placed fourth in the Small Varsity Division I; Ravenwood High School placed second in the Medium Varsity Division I; Summit High School placed seventh in the Small Junior Varsity division; and Centennial High School placed eighth in the Large Junior Varsity division.

On the middle school level, Woodland Middle School placed fourth in the Small Junior High division and Grassland Middle School finished seventh. Brentwood Middle finished third in the Large Junior High division.

Twenty-eight Williamson County students have been named 2016 National Merit Scholarship Finalists.

These high school seniors are competing for 7,600 National Merit Scholarships which will be offered this spring. High school students enter the National Merit Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.

To become a Finalist, the Semifinalist and his or her high school must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the Semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment and honors received.

All winners of Merit Scholarship awards are chosen from the Finalist group based on their abilities, skills and accomplishments. A variety of information is used during the evaluation process including the Finalist’s academic record, information about the school’s curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, the high school official’s written recommendation, information about the student’s activities and leadership and the Finalist’s own essay.

Approximately 8,000 Finalists are selected each year to receive a Merit Scholarship award.

Congratulations to the following National Merit Finalists:

Brentwood High:

Deven Bhuva

Divya Chowbey

Owen Cunneely

William Cuthbertson

Mary Grace Donaldson

Kassie Dooley-Smith

Nathan Jay

Ben Kazmierowicz

John Miller

Elliot Moore

Margaret Overton

Natalie Russell

Andrew Sinard

Christine Smothers

Centennial High:

Eason Duggan

Fairview High:

Jacob Raines

Franklin High:

Abigail Ayers

Zachary Creech

McKenna Martin

Henry Morgan

Independence High:

John Roberts

Ravenwood High:

Jesse Boone

Elias Kastritis

Amy Ouyang

Josh Parker

Caroline Reidy

Andrew Taylor

Hee Yang

Drake Lyle

Ravenwood High senior Drake Lyle will bring his Model United Nations and Youth in Government skills to a national scale at the YMCA Advocacy Days in Washington D.C.

Drake is one of two students statewide chosen to represent Tennessee at the national conference, February 20-24.

“To me, serving as one of two students representing Tennessee in D.C. for the National Advocacy Conference is an extreme honor,” said Drake. “I hope to take away new knowledge of the intricacies of the American legislative process and the unique role interest groups play in lobbying legislation. I’m also really looking forward to meeting other youth advocates from across the United States.”

Youth Advocates will participate in all National Advocacy Days activities as well as special programming facilitated by Youth in Government staff. This separate programming will expose Youth Advocates to the Y, national policymaking, Y-USA advocacy efforts, public policy career tracks and much more. During the trip, Drake will also meet with Senators Lamar Alexander, Bob Corker and Congressmen Marsha Blackburn, Steve Cohen and Jim Cooper.

The YMCA Center for Civic Engagement works with more than 5000 middle and high school students each year. The program is sponsored by the YMCA of the USA’s Government Relations office.  This program brings Youth in Government students together to learn about how advocacy advances the Y’s three areas of focus: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Top row (L-R): Noah Hawks, Steven Piggott, Kyle Brannan and Tony Wall. Front row (L-R) Colton Carnahan, Matthew Vandawater, Ian Johnson, Blake Lawrence and Bradley Walker.

Future Business Leaders of America students at Centennial High will soon be headed to the State Leadership Conference thanks to their efforts at the regional conference on February 12.

The top five finishers advance to the state conference, held April 10-13 in Chattanooga. The top finishers at state will advance to nationals, held in Atlanta, Georgia, June 29-July 2. In addition to the accomplishments listed below, CHS junior Anju Sharma was elected to the office of FBLA Region 4 President.

Congratulations to the following students:

First Place:

• Leilani De Ruvo: Business Calculations
• Blake Lawrence: Insurance and Risk Management
• Matthew Vandawater: Business Law
• Nicole Zeller: Securities and Investments
• Kyle Brennan, Noah Hawks and Steven Piggott: Sports and Entertainment Management (Team #1)
• Colton Carnahan and Ian Johnson: Management Decision Making (Team #3)
• Rachel Fisher and Gunnar Greathouse: Marketing (Team #1)
• Tavion Fleming, Bradley Walker and Tony Wall: Global Business (Team #1)

Second Place:

• Benjamin Effinger: Job Interview
• Alexa Christensen and Kate Tribble: Entrepreneurship (Team #1)
• Emelyn Cook and Lauren Johnson: Marketing (Team #2)
• Nicole Fisher and Kasey Lyle: Hospitality Management (Team #1)
• Ryan Harris and John Marshall: Management Decision Making (Team #1)

Third Place:

• Matthew Conlan: Personal Finance
• Aaron Dittmer: Securities and Investments
• Sterling Evans: Introduction to Business
• Samantha Snyder and Anna Yurashus: Hospitality Management (Team #2)

Fourth Place:

• Luc Raucoules and Michael Zarr: Management Decision Making (Team #2)

Fifth Place:

• Brandon Seymour: Business Law
• Christian Sponsel and Ryan Staples: Sports and Entertainment Management (Team #2)

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Last summer, while other students were enjoying the final weeks of summer break, 17-year-old Brooke Kubrickey and a few friends were at school – where they were giving Page High School’s Snack Shack a much-needed make-over.

“We decided to change it because it’s always been the same,” said Brooke. “We just thought, ‘Let’s paint it and add some new stuff.’ We also partnered with Community Coffee so we now have coffee every week. It has grown a lot.”

It’s that sort of initiative and dedication to her school community that led Principal Dr. Shane Pantall to name Brooke as Page High’s Academic All-Star.

“Brooke is a well-rounded and well-respected young lady,” said Pantall. “She works hard, maintains good grades and contributes to various aspects of the Page High community.”

Having attended Page High all four years, Brooke says she will miss all of the amazing teachers when she graduates this spring.

“I like Page High because it’s smaller,” said Brooke. “The teachers can give you individual time and if you need something they will make time in their day for you.”

Although she’s involved in numerous clubs and organizations like the National Technical Honor Society, Best Buddies and Smiles for Kids, Brooke’s favorite class is marketing, which she has taken all four years of high school.

“I’m not very creative so the whole advertising side is not really my thing, but I like talking to people and making business plans,” said Brooke. “I like the idea of starting a business and watching it grow and expand.”

After graduation, Brooke hopes to attend Brigham Young University for her undergraduate degree and Vanderbilt’s Owens College of Business for her MBA.

“I’d like to have my own business someday,” said Brooke. “I want a good future, and I think if you have a good education you will get somewhere in life.”

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, coupons to Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

It’s not every day that you meet an 11-year-old who wants to grow up to be a military historian. Of course, it’s not every day that you meet someone as awesome as Matthew Brantley.

The fifth grader is known as one of the hardest working and friendliest students at Edmondson Elementary.

“Matthew is the picture of what it means to be an Academic All-Star,” said EES Fifth Grade Teacher Rachel Seay. “He works hard each and every day and truly desires to give his best to each assignment. He holds himself to an extremely high standard and is a wonderful example to other students. On top of that, Matthew is incredibly respectful and will not leave for the day without saying thank you and wishing you a wonderful afternoon. Matthew is both a fantastic student and friend to all.”

The admiration goes both ways. Matthew says he would not be the student he is today without the help of his amazing teachers at Edmondson.

“The teachers here are really nice,” said Matthew. “They are understanding, and they are good at explaining things if you have a question.”

Matthew is quick to point out that social studies is his favorite subject, mainly because he likes to learn about wars. With the help of his grandmother who lives in Texas, Matthew was even featured on the local news when he traveled to San Antonio to meet several World War II veterans.

When he’s not learning about history, Matthew likes to draw, read and build fortresses with Legos. He is also interested in photography and enjoys being part of the school’s television broadcast, E-TV.

“We have two cameras, and we have feature reporters,” said Matthew. “We each have a job. I’m a PowerPoint guru, so I make the slideshow that plays at the beginning.”

Next year, Matthew will move to Brentwood Middle where he promises to keep doing all the things that got him where he is today.

“School is important,” said Matthew. “You have to have an education to get a good job and be prosperous.”

Janine Hopkins

Longtime WCS volunteer Janine Hopkins is one of 15 individuals chosen as a member of the Tennessee Department of Education’s inaugural Parent Advisory Council.

The goal of the Parent Advisory Council is to effectively engage parents with leaders at the Tennessee Department of Education, as they work together to support the students of Tennessee. The council will regularly share feedback on current issues in education, district implementation of state policy and the department’s parent communications strategies.

“I am looking forward to better understanding the mission and current goals of the Department of Education under Commission McQueen and determining how I can best contribute to their success,” said Hopkins. “I am most passionate about better understanding roadblocks to academic achievement and seeking solutions for academic interventions at the secondary level of education.”

Additionally, council members will share important information with other parents in their communities.

Over 200 applications were received to fill the 15 positions on the council. Because of the unique makeup of school districts across the state, the Department sought a council that included urban, suburban and rural perspectives from its members. Principals were asked by the Department of Education to nominate one parent to apply. Applications were reviewed for local school community involvement, leadership capacity and communication skills.

Five applicants were selected from each Grand Division in Tennessee – West, Middle and East. Hopkins will represent Williamson County Schools, where her children are current students and where she has invested significant time and effort as a volunteer.

“I began volunteering when my oldest daughter was a kindergartner at Crockett Elementary and progressed to room mom and PTO member,” said Hopkins. “That year, I was asked to join a team of parents to open Sunset Elementary and Sunset Middle and tasked with starting the PTO under principal Lynn Winters. Fast forward 12 years later, that daughter is a senior graduating from Ravenwood High in May and I will finish my 11th year as a PTO officer.”

The first meeting of the Council is February 20. Additional commitments throughout the one-year term include attending one more in-person meeting, facilitating a local parent engagement event and participating in several email conversations and conference calls throughout the year.

Williamson County Schools Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney is rocking a new piece of jewelry – a state championship ring!

Independence High School Principal Dr. Todd Campbell and Head Football Coach Scott Blade presented Looney with a ring of his own February 24.

In December, the Eagles defeated Sevier County 49-14 to win the Class 5A BlueCross Bowl, capping off a perfect 15-0 season and giving the school its first football state title.

“It has been an unbelievable year for the Independence football team” said Looney. “In addition to the state championship, IHS was ranked number one in the nation in the medium schools football rankings by MaxPreps and Coach Blade was named both the MaxPreps Medium Schools Coach of the Year and the Tennessee Titans Coach of the Year. I am thrilled to celebrate their incredible success.”

SHS State Champion Jailah Grimes

Summit High School has a new state champion!

SHS senior Jailah Grimes won the title for the 148 pound weight class at the Tennessee state wrestling tournament February 20.

Jailah was one of three WCS students who competed in the championship rounds. Chris Rowland of Ravenwood High finished second in the Division I-AAA 152 pound weight class and Page High’s Andrew Birchett finished second in the Division I A-AA 138 pound weight class.

Here’s how other wrestlers across WCS fared:

Brentwood

Graham Brothers placed sixth in the Division I-AAA 113-pound weight class.

Tristan Roa placed fifth in the Division I-AAA 126-pound weight class.

Centennial

Adam Fuller placed fifth in the Division I-AAA 120-pound weight class.

Cole Iler placed sixth in the Division I-AAA 138-pound weight class.

Franklin

Job Dooley placed fifth in the Division I-AAA 113-pound weight class.

Jack Shrader placed fourth in the Division I-AAA 126-pound weight class.

Independence

Brady Ingram placed fourth in the Division I-AAA 132-pound weight class.

Isaiah Demello placed fourth in the Division I-AAA 220-pound weight class.

Macy DeBlois placed fourth in the Division I-AAA girls’ division 120-pound weight class.

Page

Alek Filaroski placed fifth in the Division I A-AA 120-pound weight class.

Nick Oberstaedt placed fifth in the Division I A-AA 126-pound weight class.

John Noe placed sixth in the Division I A-AA 170-pound weight class.

Houston Tywater placed third in the Division I A-AA 182-pound weight class.

Ravenwood

Tailor Stole placed third in the Division I-AAA girls’ division 138-pound weight class.

Hemi after winning the Nashville City Championship.

Sunset Elementary fourth grader Hemi Rambha may be young, but he is a veteran to the Nashville chess circuit, winning back-to-back Nashville City Championships and Tennessee State Championships in chess.

Last year, Hemi competed in the kindergarten through third grade section, coming out victorious in both events. This year, Hemi competed in the kindergarten through sixth grade section, also coming out on top.

“Winning back-to-back state championships is a great honor,” said Hemi. “Achieving both city and state championships in 2016, especially in a very tough competition between fourth through sixth graders, is an achievement I will cherish for a lifetime.”

The Nashville City Championship was held in January in Nashville. Hemi played a five game round robin with six finalists from throughout Nashville. He won four out of five games to become the co-champion this year.

Hemi with his national trophy.

He moved on to the Tennessee State Championship in February, held in Cookeville. Hemi played a five game tournament and was among 32 other finalists. Hemi won all five games with a perfect five points and became the state champion. Among his opponents were fifth and sixth graders.

In December, Hemi traveled to Florida to compete against fourth graders across the country at the National Chess Tournament. He placed seventh among all the fourth graders competing at Nationals.

“Placing seventh in the nation is a very happy thing and it tells me that I have the potential to be a great player,” said Hemi. “It is something I will probably not forget.”

David “Collin” Hensel

A Williamson County Schools student earned the honor of being selected for the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS).

David “Collin” Hensel, a senior from Summit High School, earned the lifetime membership through hard work and dedication, something the founder and chairman of the NSHSS recognized.

“Collin has played multiple varsity sports and maintained over a 4.0 GPA each year,” said Summit High Principal Sarah Lamb. “Collin works very hard to balance academics and outside activities. He is involved in various community service organizations and represents our school and community in a positive light. We are so proud of Collin and look forward to seeing him shine at the next level academically and athletically.”

As well as being a new member of the NSHSS, Collin also signed a soccer scholarship on National Signing Day to continue his athletic and academic pursuits at Carson-Newman University.