Riverdale's Danielle Clark named The Tennessean Criminal justice Student of the Week
Riverdale High School student Danielle Clark secured the top spot in The Tennessean's Student of the Week poll featuring the best and brightest criminal justice students in the region.
Clark raked in more than 70% ― or 41,509 of the almost 60,000 votes cast ― in this week's online poll to secure the Student of the Week title.
Riverdale High officials nominated Clark for her natural leadership ability, dedication to her classes and commitment to club organizations like Skills USA Criminal Justice and JROTC at Riverdale High School, they said.
'Both SkillsUSA (Criminal Justice) and JROTC require a lot of dedicated time outside of school hours. Danielle exceeds any expectations a teacher could have, in time management and dedication to the programs she serves in,' Riverdale High School Criminal Justice Teacher Mick Rea said.
'Danielle is a student that teaches me as much I teach her. As we have many students that stand out for this nomination, Danielle continues to stand out in her programs.'
Despite a flurry of recent snow days that resulted in days-long school closures for some Middle Tennessee districts, school officials didn't disappoint when it came to nominating their top criminal justice students for this week's poll.
Eleven names were submitted. The nominations are sent to The Tennessean by principals, teachers, administrators and staffers at participating Tennessee high schools.
The Tennessean plans to honor outstanding dance students in its next poll, which will publish online at Tennessean.com at 5 a.m. on Monday. Voting will remain open until noon on Thursday. Results will publish online at the end of the week and in our Sunday print edition.
Be sure to cast a vote for your favorite student in the lead up to spring break. The Tennessean will take some time off to enjoy the break along with our students and teachers. The Student of the Week feature is set to return with its next online poll after spring break on March 31.
Now, let's take a look at this week's student nominees and what makes them stand out. From law enforcement and forensics to courts and corrections, these students are passionate about criminal justice and all it entails. Learn all about these accomplished high schoolers from the people who nominated them:
Spring Hill High School senior Sage Berryhill fits the definition of criminal justice student of the week, school officials say.
'She is doing amazing things at the high school level and will continue to make a name for herself as she pursues a career in the forensic psychology world,' Spring Hill High School Criminal Justice Teacher and SkillsUSA Advisor Kayela West said.
Berryhill serves as lieutenant in her school's Criminal Justice Club and is part of a three-member crime scene investigation team that was recently awarded second place in the SkillsUSA Midwest Regional competition.
The team is scheduled to compete against nine other teams across Tennessee at the state conference in a about a month, West said.
In addition to being a leader and key member of her team, Berryhill has been accepted into several universities and is set to graduate with several honors and awards including being in the top 10 of her class.
Danielle Clark has successfully completed Criminal Justice I and Il as a student at Riverdale High School, where Criminal Justice Teacher Mick Rea has had the pleasure of teaching her for the past two years.
As a member of the SkillsUSA Criminal Justice club, Clark has competed in various aspects of SkillsUSA such as radio communication, a competition displaying the use and knowledge of police radio and dispatch communications over the airwaves.
Clark embodies a natural leadership role in classes and club organizations.
'Danielle exemplifies the ethical and moral compass of doing the right thing, even when no one is watching,' Rea said.
Community High School freshman Kamryn Farrell serves as sergeant in her school's criminal justice student organization, a designation she earned by outscoring other student applicants during an interview panel.
School officials say Farrell excels in law enforcement procedures and tactics, having completed the first level of criminal justice with an A grade.
Farrell recently competed in one of the largest competitions in the country, demonstrating tactics and skills relating to law enforcement officers being shot in the line of duty, Community High School Criminal Justice Instructor Chris Hobbs said.
Over the holiday season, she helped organize and conduct a toy drive for children in her community.
Farrell led 76 student members under her command and ensured that no child was left without, demonstrating leadership through action.
'It is a privilege to have the opportunity to teach such an outstanding young lady with such a bright future,' Hobbs said.
She hopes to one day have a career in law enforcement.
Senior Kori Fitts has completed all three levels of Criminal Justice at Portland High School, school officials noted among other outstanding academic achievements such as receiving six college credits through Volunteer State and — during graduation later this year — becoming the first recipient of an honors graduation cord for criminal justice at his school.
Since the 2023-2024 school year, Fitts has been an active member of his school's Criminal Justice Club and part of the school's regional school competition CSI team.
His efforts resulted in a first-place finish in two CSI competitions last school year.
Fitts has also served as a member of the Appellate Court argument team in competitions.
'He has proven the ability to conduct research, develop appropriate case laws and prepare a well thought out argument for each fact pattern he is provided with,' Portland High School Criminal Justice Teacher Scott Pascarella said.
'Through Kori's dedication to our Criminal Justice program, not only in the classroom but within our club, he would be an outstanding recipient of this award,' Pascarella said.
Fitts is scheduled to compete on Feb. 28 and Mar. 5 as leader of the CSI team.
Northwest High School officials nominated student Jesse Garrett for her dedication and academic prowess.
Garrett's dedication is evident in her perfect academic score in criminal justice studies, a testament to her diligence and meticulous attention to detail, Northwest High School Criminal Justice Teacher Chris Bedell said.
Beyond that, Garrett actively participates in class discussions, showing a deep understanding of complex legal and ethical issues, and provides insightful perspectives that enrich the learning experience of her peers, Bedell continued.
'As Ms. Garrett's Criminal Justice teacher, I have had the pleasure of witnessing her exceptional growth and commitment to excellence in the field of criminal justice,' Bedell said.
'Ms. Garrett has consistently demonstrated a work ethic and discipline that are truly exemplary.'
Garrett exhibits leadership qualities and has shown both initiative and the ability to work collaboratively through her involvement in mock trials, crime scene investigation, traffic stops and community policing efforts, Bedell noted.
'Her ability to articulate and stand firm on her understanding, while respecting differing viewpoints, makes her a standout individual who significantly contributes to our school community. Her discipline and high moral standards, coupled with her academic achievements, make her an ideal candidate for Criminal Justice Student of the Week,' Bedell said.
'Ms. Garrett is not only a role model for her peers but also embodies the values and principles that Northwest High School seeks to promote among young scholars in the criminal justice field. I am confident that Ms. Garrett will represent the ideals of this award and continue to excel in her future endeavors.'
Wilson Central High School student Brenna Grady has taken every class offered in her school's criminal justice program, while serving as a member of the Criminal Justice Club.
'(She's) really into forensics … (and) is very well rounded in all criminal justice topics,' Wilson Central High School Principal Dr. Jennifer Ankney said.
In addition to taking a health science course related to forensics, Grady requested copies of her teacher's power points on forensics last semester to study other areas she was less familiar with.
Grady has passed two Vol State Challenge Exams, earning an Intro to Criminal Justice and a CSI credit.
Gallatin High School officials say junior Elise Kirk has excelled in her school's criminal justice program where she currently serves as president.
Kirk has been an instrumental part in winning or placing second in several categories of regional competitions including DUI Enforcement and Crime Scene Investigations, Gallatin High School Criminal Justice Instructor Philip Russo said.
'Elise is leadership driven and runs our club very efficiently,' Russo said.
Law Academy senior Mirola Naguib is passionate about two things; her role in the Cane Ridge High School Youth Court program, where she serves as a lead attorney, and the law.
Naguib takes on mock trials and tackles the law on behalf of clients in the defense attorney role, Cane Ridge High School Criminal Justice Teacher Nikkitta Chatman said.
After graduation, she plans to continue her education at Vanderbilt University College of Arts and Science.
Blackman High School officials say junior Dwight Whitaker is a strong leader in the classroom and Criminal Justice Club.
'He his responsible, respectful, hard-working and intelligent, and volunteers to help at every opportunity,' Blackman High School Criminal Justice Teacher Daniel Parkhurst said.
Mt. Juliet High School senior Kourtney Wilson realized her love for the criminal justice field after participating in a job shadow opportunity at the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation during her freshman and sophomore years.
Since then, she's been involved in the Criminal Justice Club all four years and the CSI unit — where students practice fingerprinting, analyze crime scenes and conduct investigations — at her school.
In her senior year, Wilson holds a leadership role in the CSI unit.
She and other members from the unit are scheduled to compete in a SkillsUSA competition in April.
Wilson also participates in Wilson County Teen Court, a juvenile delinquency diversion and peer justice-based program dedicated to restorative justice.
'This program gives me volunteer hours and the opportunity to speak to important individuals in our community,' Wilson said.
Between September 2024 and January 2025, Wilson participated in the Police Explorers Program with the Mt. Juliet Police Department where she received law enforcement training and worked with officers on assignments.
'This program also gave me volunteer time by helping out in events like Safety Nights at the park, Halloween in the Park and Shop with a Cop,' she said.
'Even though I was not a member for long, this program gave me amazing opportunities to be involved with MJPD and the community itself.'
As a member of these clubs and programs since her freshman year, Wilson has completed more than 70 hours of community service.
Outside her criminal justice studies, Wilson participates in other clubs at her school including serving two years in Key Club, where she led as vice president her junior year, and the National Technical Honors Society senior year.
Wilson participated in volunteer events like Easter in the Park, Fill the Bus and Angel Tree donations during her time in Key Club.
She's maintained a 3.8 GPA throughout high school while taking two Advanced Placement classes, three Honors classes and SDC Criminal Justice her senior year, and working part-time as a host at Jonathan's Grille in Gallatin for over a year.
After graduation, Wilson plans to pursue a degree in criminal justice at Vol State Community College in the fall.
'Mt. Juliet High School has furthered my love for criminal justice by providing me the best mentors and opportunities that I will forever be grateful for,' Wilson said.
Law Academy senior Zyon Wilson serves as a member of the Youth Court Program at Cane Ridge High School, taking on a leadership role in the program to prepare attorneys for Youth Court.
Wilson steps in when things come up with other attorneys and fills in without hesitation, Cane Ridge High School Criminal Justice Teacher Nikkitta Chatman said.
She also mentors younger students, preparing them for senior level of the Law Academy.
After graduation, she plans to become an attorney one day by studying law at Alabama State University.
Katie Nixon can be reached at knixon@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Riverdale High's Clark named The Tennessean Student of the Week
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