Greenbrier's Timothy Mitcham wins Tennessean's Student of the Week for helping classmates

Yahoo

09-05-2025

Timothy Mitcham of Greenbrier High School was the top vote-getter in a competitive Student of the Week poll that had nine nominees.
The category was students who help other students in ways like peer mentoring, assisting classmates with special needs, tutoring and more.
The Tennessean asks Middle Tennessee high school principals, guidance counselors, teachers and staff to send us their best students in different categories throughout the school year. Those nominated are part of our weekly poll as we then let you, the reader, decide who deserves the title by voting in our weekly poll.
Mitcham received 5,578 votes, just ahead of runner-up Lukas Delaney of Montgomery Central with 4,868 votes. Anais Vazquez of Rossview garnered 1,071 votes.
Cosmetology & SkillsUSA Advisor Laureida Dooley pointed to examples about Mitcham that included the student's help with an annual prom fashion show and support for students with special needs.
Check Tennessean.com on Monday to vote in our next scheduled poll to recognize seniors.
Here is a look at the students nominated for this poll.
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A second-year peer mentor, Vazquez works in the self-contained classroom with students who have the most complex disabilities. Vazquez consistently arrives each day with an exceptional attitude and readily assists in all situations, Comprehensive Development Classroom teacher Daniel Cozine said. Vazquez was also described showing remarkable skill working with the most challenging students, effectively navigating communication and feeding challenges. Vazquez plans to pursue a nursing degree this fall.
Delaney 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. Delaney 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. Cleveland 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. Cleveland 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 students 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." Smith 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. Smith plans to become a special education teacher one day herself.
Zimmerman 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. Zimmerman 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, Fuss 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 was 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," Shelton 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.' Shelton also played volleyball for four years and competed one year on the track and field team in the discus. Shelton has also volunteered at her church Vacation Bible School for four years 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. Shelton 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: Timothy Mitcham of Greenbrier wins Tennessean Student of the Week poll