Students who help students. Vote now in The Tennessean's Student of the Week poll

Yahoo

05-05-2025

Students who help other students is the latest category for The Tennessean's Student of the Week poll, which saw nine nominees.
These are students who give of themselves in such ways like helping peers with special needs, tutoring other students, helping with athletic teams, working with younger students and more.
Most weeks during the school year, The Tennessean asks Middle Tennessee high school principals, guidance counselors, teachers and staff to send us their best students in different categories for our Student of the Week feature.
We then allow you, the reader, to vote for the student who most deserves the title. Votes will be accepted through noon, Thursday, May 8.
But, before you cast your votes, let's take a closer look at the nominees:
A second-year peer mentor who works in the self-contained classroom with students who have the most complex disabilities. Anais consistently arrives each day with an exceptional attitude and readily assists in all situations, Comprehensive Development Classroom teacher Coach Daniel Cozine said. Anais was also described showing remarkable skill working with the most challenging students, effectively navigating communication and feeding challenges. Anais plans to pursue a nursing degree this fall.
Lukas has served as a peer mentor for Comprehensive Development Classroom students for the past two years, teacher Debra Tuberville said. "He is an outstanding young man who willingly works with any student, regardless of their disability. Many students request to work with him on a daily basis," Tuberville said. Lukas frequently volunteers to support students who are having a difficult day, something he takes pride in. "He is a true inspiration to all who know him," Tuberville said.
The senior "comes to school each day with a positive attitude towards students and staff. Gatlin is the type of student that, if all were as good as he is, would put all principals out of business because he is that outstanding," Principal William Gray said in his nomination. "Gatlin is the most respectful student I have ever encountered."
The senior has been a peer helper in special education classrooms at Green Hill for two years. Ella has also been an active member in the school's Best Buddies club and serves as the Buddy Director on the leadership team for Best Buddies. Ella is also an active member of Green Hill's Special Olympics Unified Fitness club and has been a helper with the school's Unified Track and Field Athletes. "Ella strives to learn more about how to not only be a friend to people with disabilities but also how to better include, advocate, and interact," Green Hill Comprehensive Development Classroom teacher Victoria Croasmun said. "She has been a great role model for these students and has helped these students achieve goals. She cultivates genuine friendships and has provided opportunities for these student s to have a typical high school experience inside and outside of school. She represents a heart for inclusion."
A Comprehensive Development Classroom peer described by Principal Phillip Holt as "an outstanding role model who cares deeply about all students, Brianna is willing to work with anyone in need." Brianna has volunteered at both fall and spring Special Olympic events, is president of Inclusion Club and has helped plan and coordinate events throughout the year for the Comprehensive Development Classroom including the annual high school spring dance here on campus for all Sumner County schools. Brianna plans to become a special education teacher one day herself.
Cosmetology & SkillsUSA Advisor Laureida Dooley pointed to an example when Timothy helped with an annual prom fashion show and partnering with a senior girl with Cerebral Palsy for the couples dance. "This young man was patient, kind, considerate, attentive, and made this experience for her as special as it could be," Dooley said.
Ryan has been a peer tutor for Riverdale's special education department. "Ryan arrives with an upbeat, exciting energy that uplifts all of our kids," his nominator said. Ryan is described as always ready to lend a helping hand when needed and works well with even our most struggling students. We have been blessed to have him on our team."
As a peer tutor in Siegel's Structured Instruction classes, Addison helps students in class and also participates in after-school events for special needs students. Described as kind, helpful who always goes above and beyond to befriend students to lend a listening ear.
The senior has been a student peer helper in one of the school's Comprehensive Development Classroom classes last semester. 'It taught me a lot about patience, understanding, and empathy," Emery said. "I learned how to communicate in different ways to adapt to each kid's uniqueness. I enjoyed building puzzles and playing bingo with them. I helped with reading, writing, and some math.' Emery also played volleyball for four years and competed one year on the track and field team in the discus. Emery has also volunteered at her church Vacation Bible School for four and given volleyball lessons to youth for the past two years. She has taken multiple Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment classes and achieved a 4.3 grade point average. Emery will be attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy this fall to study Marine Engineering and play volleyball.
Reach Andy Humbles at [e-mail] and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Vote for The Tennessean Student of the Week poll for students who help