Welcome Roan Class of 2026

WELCOME,

ROAN CLASS OF 2026!

ZAYDA CARVER

MITCHELL HIGH SCHOOL SPRUCE PINE, NC

High School

Highlights: Zayda is enthusiastically committed to helping others and was heavily involved at both Mitchell High School and in her community — including as president of the student book club, a class junior marshal, Girls State attendee, small group leader and praise team leader at church, rec league referee, and member of both the National Honor Society and Spanish National Honor Society.

What you should know: “My whole life has been defined by events in which my attitude and enthusiasm have directly sparked a similar excitement in my peers.… I (have) realized that in order to serve others to the best of your ability, you have to take care of yourself first.”

COOPER JOHNSON

WEST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL KINGSPORT, TN

High School

Highlights: A student with varied talents, Cooper was both an All-State Choir member (who also sings with his church choir and musical theatre program) and an AllConference point guard on his school’s basketball team. Cooper was also a student ambassador at West Ridge High School, participated in various clubs, and is involved with his church. What you should know: “I want to grow and network with like-minded people. As I better myself I would like to continue to inspire, encourage, and make a difference in my community. I’ve realized the importance of understanding who I’m leading and how my actions can affect the people around me.”

LEAH LOVEDAY

NORTHVIEW ACADEMY SEVIERVILLE, TN

High School

Highlights: Leah is a gifted musician who has experience in French horn, trumpet, and mellophone; she was a competitive conductor and served as head drum major for Northview Academy’s marching band the past two seasons. Leah was the President of the student government association, valedictorian, and a leader in numerous other organizations. She credits her deep appreciation for Appalachia (and her current career path) to her participation in Governor’s School and Smoky Mountain Youth Leadership.

What you should know: “My growth mindset amounts to how I thrive. The joy I find in others, music, and my growth is who I am — a versatile person seeking to grow.”

SARAH MOHAMMED

SCIENCE HILL HIGH SCHOOL JOHNSON CITY, TN

High School

Highlights: Sarah is keenly interested in photography and drawing and sees art as a way to build community. Sarah served as a Teen Advisory Board member for 4ThirTEEN, where she helped establish the organization’s mission and vision statements after organizing a successful community block party. She serves as a youth leader with the local non-profit organization LXI and held leadership roles in Science Hill’s JROTC program.

What you should know: “I have learned to release my fear of failure and allow myself the grace to stop chasing empty breezes of perfection. I have learned to be proactive in aspects of my life within my control.”

KYAH POWERS

DOBYNS-BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL KINGSPORT, TN

High School

Highlights: Kyah is an accomplished musician who earned All-State honors in band (flute), was part of the national champion DobynsBennett Marching Band and Symphony of the Mountains Youth Orchestra, and held multiple key leadership roles in the Highlands Youth Ensemble. She has also been a peer tutor and served with her church youth group on mission trips.

What you should know: “My joy now comes from serving others and being a catalyst for happiness wherever I can ... I want to leave a legacy of compassion and lives changed for the better.”

GRAINGER HIGH SCHOOL RUTLEDGE, TN

High School

Highlights: Macy has a passion for creative writing and is in the process of working with an editor to publish a horror-genre novel. Captain of the Grainger High School cheerleading squad, she also served as yearbook editor, was vice president of the school’s Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) club, and a Health Council Officer. She also organized an award-winning leadership conference for students in her county.

What you should know: “To me, leadership isn't about control, but more about trust. You should build a relationship with your team … and build an environment that allows everyone to thrive.” CHUCKEY-DOAK HIGH SCHOOL GREENEVILLE, TN

High School

Highlights: A strong work ethic and desire to serve others marked Braydon White’s high school years. Braydon was a member of the National Honor Society at ChuckeyDoak High School, where he also played football and helped lead service-learning efforts. In the community, he participated in the Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy for two years, worked at Food City since he was 14, and volunteers with the local fire department, helping plan and conduct various service projects.

What you should know: “I am the type of person who once I start something I will see it through … I make it my duty to help and be of use any way I can.” TWIN SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL NICKELSVILLE, VA

High School

Highlights: Natalie was captain of the Twin Springs High School forensics team and a state champion in oratory speech. She was also captain of the varsity cheerleading team, editor of the school yearbook, and has earned a black belt in Taekwondo and competed at nationals. Goal oriented and compassionate, she strives to lead with dignity and grace.

What you should know: “I truly feel for those who are struggling or suffering, and those emotions inspire and motivate me to do good. My compassion for others is a quality that I am extremely thankful for, as it helps me connect with others and shows them that I care.”