WELCOME, Roan Class of 2027!

Peyton Gentry

Johnson County High School

Mountain City, TN

High school highlights: Peyton is a strong advocate for rural community health who helps teach CPR and First Aid in her community, organized a school-wide blood drive, and attended the Rural High School Medical Camp hosted by ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine. She earned numerous statewide awards as a Health Occupational Students of America (HOSA) leader, served as student body president and captain of her school’s varsity basketball and volleyball teams, and has spent years refining her musical craft as a violinist.

What you should know: “I am passionately curious about trying to find different ways to help people, passionately curious about trying to make a positive impact on peoples' lives, and passionately curious about living life to the fullest.”

NORA HONEYCUTT Science Hill High School

Johnson City, TN

High school highlights: Nora recognizes the value of humor as a communication tool. She served as president of the Science Hill Improv Team, earned high statewide rankings in National Speech and Debate Association competitions, studied sign language, and held many other leadership roles at school and in the community. During the summer of 2022, Nora attended Governor’s School for the Scientific Exploration of Tennessee Heritage, which nurtured her appreciation for US history and helped her develop her research skills.

What you should know: “Whether it be advising a friend or interacting with people who are down, empathy is one of my most personally valued traits. The ability to show compassion no matter the situation is (a) significant characteristic I am proud of.”

Grace Kellner

Daniel Boone High School

Jonesborough, TN

High school highlights: Grace was an active member of 4-H for eight years, serving in key leadership positions, earning numerous awards at the regional and state level, and speaking at the National 4-H Congress in Atlanta. She was a varsity soccer player, a member of her school’s Beta Club and Student Council, and involved in her church youth group. Grace also spearheaded a ‘Teddy Bears for Foster Care’ project to create and distribute stuffed bears to children in the foster system – in the hope of providing them the comfort she always wanted when she was in their situation.

What you should know: “I know that every person needs someone to be there for them, take care of them, give them advice, support them, and love them no matter the circumstances. This is something that I provide to anybody I meet.”

Shelby Koerten

Sevier County High School

Sevierville, TN

High school highlights: Shelby has “always had a love of stories” that has manifested itself through dance, theater, and public speaking. She performed throughout high school and in community theatre, danced competitively for over eight years, earned regional and statewide awards for marketing communications and public speaking, and presented at the National Beta Club convention. Shelby was a youth group leader at her church, served as president of both DECA and the Sevierville Teen Board, and was a member of the Keep Sevier Beautiful Teen Advisory Board.

What you should know: “I am passionately curious about our potential as people when we combine our skills to create change. Each person is equipped with individual skill sets, experiences, and outlooks. These attributes allow people to make a difference in a way that no one else can. When these elements mesh together through teamwork, the potential impact is multiplied exponentially.

OLIVIA LAMB

Morristown High School East

Russellville, TN

High school highlights: Olivia was the top cadet in her JROTC unit, having been named Junior Cadet of the Year in 2022 and earned three national level medals. As a senior, she served as corps commander – the highest level one can achieve in the program. Olivia also captained her high school’s dance team, was a member of Hamblen County Youth Leadership, and was selected as her school’s representative for Volunteer Girls State.

What you should know: “I define myself as a fighter … I will fight for what I believe in, for the change I believe needs to happen … (and) for everyone I care about.”

MAGGIE MARTIN

Mitchell High School

Spruce Pine, NC

High school highlights: Maggie has a deep love and appreciation for music as well as a deep passion and curiosity regarding “all things political.” She has also been a dancer and cheerleader for the past six years, earning AllAmerican Cheerleader recognition from the Universal Cheerleading Association. Through an internship with the local Chamber of Commerce, she spearheaded and organized the ‘Jamboree,’ a now-annual event designed to celebrate jams and the locals who make them. Additionally, Maggie has worked since sophomore year with the community of students with disabilities.

What you should know: “I have been blessed with many learning opportunities through the years … these experiences have pushed me outside of my comfort zone, (and) I have a far greater appreciation for life and a realization that I must use what I have to help those dear to me.”

OLIVIA NOTHNAGEL

West Ridge High School

Blountville, TN

High school highlights: Olivia served as a student ambassador for West Ridge High School, which opened in fall 2021 after three area high schools were combined. Named Homecoming Queen in 2022, she played varsity tennis all four years of high school, served as secretary of the West Ridge High School Key Club, and was a Beta

Club Scholar and National Honors Scholar. Outside of school, Olivia operates her own online small business, ‘Liv’s Boutique.’

What you should know: “Knowing that I have the ability and opportunity to encourage and positively influence (others) makes me truly want to use that "power" – so to speak – for good. How can I encourage and influence others? (Knowing) that we can "make or break" someone's day really pushes me to be as encouraging and loving as I can. It also makes me want to be a positive leader for them.”

ELIZA SMITH Volunteer High School Church Hill, TN

High school highlights: A selfpublished novelist who has also won numerous state- and national-level awards for writing and speaking, Eliza has always been captivated by the power of words. She is also passionate about serving and leading, whether at school – where she was VP of Key Club, president of Beta Club, founder of First Priority, competed on the swimming and cross-country teams, and acted with the Drama Club – or in her community, as a member of Y.E.L.L. Mayor’s Youth Council. Eliza also attended Volunteer Girls State and was an Appalachian Highlands Twenty Under 20 honoree.

What you should know: “I love mobilizing people and don’t back away from a challenge … I am very spirited, I strive to give my all, and will invest fully in anything I am part of.”

Reagan Sparks

Mitchell High School

Spruce Pine, NC

High school highlights: Reagan, who attended Tar Heel Girls State in 2022, was also a three-sport varsity athlete: volleyball, track, and basketball – in which she earned all-conference honors. President of her school’s Book Club, Sparks volunteered with the Mitchell County summer reading enhancement program for children, helping kids improve their reading ability and fostering a love for reading.

What you should know: “I’m passionate and competitive in everything I do … If I am going to do something, I am going to do my absolute best at it … and I enjoy encouraging others to do the same.”