Mt. Juliet Christian's valedictorian: 'An honor I have strived to achieve since 1st grade.'
Mt. Juliet Christian Academy will graduate 35 students at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 27, at the new First Baptist Mt. Juliet Church worship center that is part of the MJCA campus, located at 735 N. Mt. Juliet Road.
Valedictorian
Tanner Jennings
College or career plans: To attend Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "During my time in high school, it seemed that there were select people who wanted to adversely affect me. Through the guidance of friends, family and certain teachers, I learned to put my grudges behind me and overcome the obstacles that had been placed in my path."
Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "I am excited to speak at graduation. This is an honor that I have strived to achieve since the first grade. I am so excited to express my gratitude to the many people who have helped me along the way."
Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Advanced theater, drama club, choir, show choir, chess club.
A person who influenced you during high school: "There are so many people who have positively influenced me during high school that it would be impossible to list them all here. However, if I must mention one person, then it would have to be (instructor of Upper Theatre & Choirs) Ms. Kimberly Overstreet. She opened up the world of theater to me, and it has quite literally changed my life. I have discovered talents and passions that I didn't know I possessed. She even guided me to victory when I won the Tennessee Spotlight Award for Outstanding Dramatic Actor in 2022. Without Ms. Overstreet, I would be a mere shell of the man I am today."
Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: "Sadly, my favorite restaurant is no longer in operation. It was a mom and pop establishment located in Lebanon called Sunset Family Restaurant (closed in October 2021) ... We were treated like family whenever we walked through the doors. I do not have a favorite musical artist, however, I do have a favorite musical. That musical is 'The Phantom Of The Opera,' which, I might add, I saw in New York City this past summer. Thanks mom! 'Star Wars: Andor' is my favorite TV show. I love the acting, characters, set design, music, overall story and attention to detail — so just about everything."
Salutatorian
Noah Kleinmann
College or career plans: To attend Highlands College to pursue a degree in pastoral ministry.
What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Staying strong after our school was hit by a tornado (in March 2020) and our world was hit by the pandemic."
Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "I am looking forward to speaking at graduation, I see it as a great opportunity and privilege to address my peers at graduation."
Extra-curricular activities and outside interests: "I played baseball, football and golf in high school; National Honor Society president."
A person who influenced you during high school: "My parents were always there for me to support me and give me guidance."
Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Chick-fil-A, NF, "The Office."
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Meet Mt. Juliet Christian Academy's 2023 valedictorian and salutatorian
