Rotary Club recognizes students of the quarter

The Rotary Club of Thomasville recognized students of the quarter on Thursday. Certificates were presented to Brookwood, Thomasville High School, and Thomas County Central students, who were nominated by their teachers.

Youth Services Director Chandler Giddes explained the students chosen exemplified what Rotarians stand for.

“They are character pillars of honesty, good students, good athletes, and service in school,” he said.

With that, Giddes invited each student to briefly share their involvement at school and their future plans with the club.

THS Senior Emma Poole was the first Student of the Quarter recognized.

Poole attributed her success as a student to her time at THS and the faculty who helped her along the way.

“My time at Thomasville High School and the Scholar’s Academy has taught me a lot about how to succeed both academically and in my own personal life,” she said. “I will always remember the unwavering support I’ve received from my teachers and administrators.”

Poole said that while she will miss the bonds she’s made during her time in high school, she’s excited to attend Kennesaw State University in the fall, where she intends to pursue a degree in Biochemistry.

Brookwood students were then recognized. However, one of their students, Isaac Nunnally was unable to attend, due to participating in a Literary meet. Giddes still wanted to recognize Nunnally, who has been invited to receive his award at a later date.

Giddes then invited up Brookwood senior Emily Grace Tuten.

Tuten has attended Brookwood for three years, but said during her time there, she has never felt more welcomed or at home.

“Throughout my three years at Brookwood, Brookwood’s ideals and high expectations have me realize who I am and why it’s important to always put your best foot forward,” she said.

Over the course of the last three years, Tuten said she has immersed herself in clubs, organizations, and sports, dedicating her time and commitment to serving her classmates.

“A huge part of who I am involves commitment,” she said. “I’ve found that true commitment inspires people. Brookwood has taught me this, and I truly value it.”

Outside of school, Tuten said she has committed her time at South Georgia Ballet, where she is now a senior company member.

“I’ve danced since I was two years old,” she said. “It was at dance that I found what true passion was and how deeply you can feel that throughout your entire body.”

Tuten’s commitment to upholding the ideals of Brookwood has led her to want to practice law in the future, as she looks toward graduation.

With a round of applause, Brookwood’s Katherine Jones was then introduced.

Jones, also a senior at Brookwood, felt that the Brookwood community had played a major role in shaping who she is today.

“I have been blessed with many impactful teachers at Brookwood,” she said. “I’m particularly grateful for my art teacher, Trellis Payne, and junior year AP Biology teacher, Adam Slaton.”

Jones said art is not only a large part of her life inside the classroom, but something she enjoys regularly during her personal time.

As a lover of the arts, Jones said she plans to attend Auburn University in the fall and major in architecture, so she can continue to enjoy her greatest passion for the rest of her life.

Concluding the Brookwood students, Giddes invited the TCC students to be recognized, first introducing Braxton White.

White said he had been a part of the County School System his entire life and was thankful for the countless teachers, especially Josh Niswonger, who pushed him forward to be the best he could be.

With the education gained at TCC, White told the club he plans to attend the University of Georgia in the fall and major in Engineering with hopes to one day work for an Aerospace Engineering company.

Senior Veronica Vanlandingham, also a senior at TCCHS, brought along her dad, who she said inspired her with what she wants to do next, along with her teacher, Maria Pittman.

“Her classroom has always been the most welcoming place in the school and she has always been there when I needed her the most,” Vanlandingham said.

With Pittman and her father’s encouragement, Vanlandingham announced she will be attending Valdosta State University in the fall where she will major in Computer Science.

The final student recognized was TCC senior Sara Connell.

Connell brought along her parents and teacher, Amy Ponder, who she said has made a huge difference in her time at TCCHS.

“I took her class for AP Psychology and came back this year to take AP Art History because my senior year would not have been the same without her,” Connell said.

These are only two of the 11 AP classes Connell has taken, earning her the title AP Scholar with Distinction.

According to Connell, this distinction has helped her achieve acceptance into her dream college, the University of Georgia with the intended major of Political Science.

Connell was cheered on with a rousing “Go Dawgs” to close out the Student of the Quarter ceremony, as she thanked the Rotary Club for having them once again.