Wilson County's Green Hill High has six valedictorians and four salutatorians. Meet all 10

Green Hill High School's class of 2023 has six valedictorians and four salutatorians through a tiebreaker system.

There are 353 Green Hill students scheduled to graduate at 2 p.m., May 20, at Middle Tennessee State University's Murphy Center in Murfreesboro.

There are multiple criteria for seniors to be eligible for valedictorian and salutatorian, including a 4.25 grade point average, 20 hours of community service and at least four semesters of enrollment in the district. For students who achieve a 4.25 GPA or better, the ACT test score becomes the deciding factor. It doesn't matter how much higher a student's GPA goes above 4.25 as long as it reaches that level.

Among changes to the valedictorian and salutatorian selections next school year will include the highest grade point average to separate students. The ACT score will be a tiebreaker only if eligible student GPAs are identical no matter how high.

The six valedictorians will do a collaborative speech that will be shown on video at graduation, Principal Kevin Dawson said. Two of the valedictorians, Ava and Mya Foley are twins.

Valedictorians

Lindsey Ahrndt

College or career plans: To attend Sewanee The University of the South to major in neuroscience on a pre-med path.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "The biggest challenge that I’ve had to overcome during high school was discovering who I am. Due to personal circumstances, I hadn’t had an opportunity to discover what makes me … to find out what I’m passionate about and enjoy in life. Throughout high school, Iprioritized self-exploration by engaging in various pre-professional opportunities, extracurricular activities, random hobbies, religious experiences, and thorough self-reflection. I started high school lost, in a new home 520 miles away from my friends and family; I left high school finding myself."

Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "I am! I can’t wait to leave parting words to all my friends and thank those who helped me make it this far.

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: president of Health Occupations Students of America, co-president of Karaoke Club, National Honor Society, Wilson County’s Teen Court, Gay Straight Alliance, Prom Committee and Chess Club. Learning about random topics, hanging out with friends, going on dates with boyfriend, spending time outdoors and trying new things.

A person who influenced you during high school: "I want to give praise to my friend, Mikel. She’s helped me stay accountable to my goals, discover and develop my values and spirituality, encouraged me to challenge myself andhelped me discover balance in my life. I’ve grown significantly since I first met her in March 2021, and I know our conversations and mutual support have been a big reason why. I can tell when we haven’t talked in a bit because life will be more challenging overall; if that’s not the sign of a beneficial friendship, I don’t know what is. Although our friendship is an unlikely one, we help each other become better people in every way imaginable. For that, I’ll forever be grateful."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: "I love Sunflower Bakehouse in Nashville. I always get the same meal; a chickpea salad sandwich with a carrot cake cupcake on the side."

Ava Foley

College or career plans: University of Tennessee-Knoxville as a Haslam Scholar. To major in political science with a concentration in international relations.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Like many students, the most significant challenge I faced in high school was COVID-19. I had to navigate college classes, extracurricular activities, a new school, and a global pandemic simultaneously. Moreover, my mom is immunocompromised, and I was terrified of bringing COVID home with me from school. Unfortunately, there were not adequate online learning opportunities due to my advanced coursework, so I had to attend school in person. Despite those challenges, I knew that I had to keep pushing myself academically and get involved with extracurriculars. Fortunately, I was able to make the most of that year and join new clubs and learn new things from my classes."

Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "Yes, I am! I have always enjoyed public speaking, and I am looking forward to the opportunity to publicly thank my teachers and peers for everything they have done for me and our school."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Band, Civic Engagement Club, ALA Girls State, ALA Girls Nation, Student Council, Youth Organizing, Mock Trial, Young Democrats, Tennessee Governor’s School for InternationalStudies, The Beak, Karaoke Club, Her Drive, Girl Scouts, Collegiate Academy, NHS, US Senate Youth Program Alternate, Youth Leadership Wilson.

A person who influenced you during high school: "The person who influenced me most in highschool is Mr. (Jacob) Wheeler. Mr. Wheeler has gone above and beyond for me and all of his studentssince the day Green Hill opened. From sponsoring Model UN and YIG, to writing my letter ofrecommendation for college, I would not be where I am today without Mr. Wheeler.

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Euro Pizza, Taylor Swift and "Drive to Survive."

Mya Foley

College or career plans: Middle Tennessee State University to major in Audio Production.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "My biggest challenge in high school has been transferring to a brand new school. There are a lot of resources established at older schools that can be taken for granted. I have had to be a part of the teams that created all of the clubs and programs that I am in. I would not change it though, as creating standards and establishing legacies for programs has made me a betterperson and leader."

Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "I am looking forward to speaking at graduation. Our class has been through so much, and I want to be able to speak to them, encourage them, and tell them that the future will be bright."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Marching and concert band, Orchestra, Girl Scouts, Student Council, NHS, Interact, Model United Nations, Youth In Government, Jazz Band, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, Interact, Young Democrats, Mid-State and All State Band, Her Drive, Beta.

A person who influenced you during high school: "Kacee Sanders, my former band director, has been my biggest influence in my high school career. She was the advisor of my Girl Scout Gold Award project, in which I created anall-female honor band. She has taught me so much as both a musician and a person."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Amico's New York Pizza, Taylor Swift and "New Girl."

Katelyn Maness

College or career plans: To attend East Tennessee State University to major in biochemistry and minor in piano on post graduate path to medical school and a career in emergency medicine.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Adjusting to a brand new high school amid the covid pandemic during sophomore year was the biggest challenge I faced during high school. It was difficult to navigate a brand-new building, build relationships with teachers and stay academically motivated when you only attended school twice a week. I am glad that things are mostly back to normal now and that, for the most part, I was able to have a traditional high school experience."

Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "I am super excited to speak at graduation! I believe that it's a great honor to be one of the few chosen to speak. Because speakers are so limited, it really gives you the once-in-a-lifetime chance to impact your peers in a way that most students do not get the opportunity to do."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Danced at Artistry in Motion Dance Center since age 9. Classical piano, National Honor Society, Science National Honors Society, "Beak Magazine," HOSA, Interact Club, student council, Karaoke Club and Fiber Arts Club.

A person who influenced you during high school: "My chemistry teacher, Elizabeth Simpkins, has probably been the most influential person to me in high school. She caused me to fall in love with the subject in my sophomore chemistry class and only helped build on this passion when she taught my AP Chemistry class. She has been nothing but supportive and excited for me as I prepare to study chemistry in college, and I couldn't be more grateful."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Oishii Asian Steak and Sushi, Queen and "Breaking Bad."

Emily Norton

College or career plans: To attend the University of Utah and major in biochemistry with plans to go on to medical school to be an emergency physician.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Moving across the country in (my) sophomore year during the pandemic."

Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "Public speaking isn't entirely my thing, but the opportunity is exciting regardless."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Competitive reading, swimming, drawing.

A person who influenced you during high school: Classmate Terumi Stover.

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Cafe Zupas, Sugs, "Arcane."

Terumi Stover

College or career plans: Brigham Young University.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Picking a college, but also learning to not compare myself to my peers and allowing myself to explore a variety of paths and become the best version of myself."

Are you looking forward to speaking at graduation? "Yes, it is an excellent opportunity to commemorate our class."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Art, concert band, taekwondo, recreational softball, Civic Engagement Club, Interact Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Student Council, Women in Stem Club, Mathnasium Tuto.

A person who influenced you during high school: Classmate Emily Norton.

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Her grandmother's kitchen, Julie Fowlis, "Leverage."

Salutatorians

Skyler Baril

College or career plans: University of Tennessee-Knoxville.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "My biggest challenge was when I got out of school suspension for a note."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Track and field.

A person who influenced you during high school: "My mom and dad influenced me the most through high school."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: MoriMori, Ice Spice, "SpongeBob SquarePants."

Alliese Bonner

College or career plans: Yale College to major in Music and minor in Italian Studies.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Learning to do what’s best for me and tune negativity out was difficult; however, I had many people in my life who encouraged me to be strong and not sacrifice my morals."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Nashville Symphony’s Accelerando Program, Curb Youth Orchestra, Blair Children’s Chorus Program Concert Choir and Chorale, employed as a math tutor at Mathnasium of Mt. Juliet,Interactive Music Theory course at the Blair School of Music, President of Interact Club and Tri-M, National Honors Society, principal in GHHS Concert Band and principal in GHHS Vocal Ensemble, babysitting and pet-sitting.

A person who influenced you during high school: "My first private flute teacher, Michelle Browne, encouraged me to audition for clinics, competitions, youth orchestra, and the Nashville Symphony’s Accelerando Program. Becauseof her, I never limited myself, and I found even more opportunities and people who put me on the path to becoming a professional musician."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Demos', The Beatles, "Scooby-Doo, Where are You!"

Ava Heilman

College or career plans: University of South Carolina an Honors Scholar.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "My biggest challenge during high school was tearing my ACL, MCL, and meniscus in the midst of my junior basketball season. My injury challenged both my physical and mental health as my social, academic, and athletic life slipped. However, I was surrounded by a great support system and returned to the sport and the classroom stronger than before."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Varsity and travel basketball, founder and president of Fashion Club, Vice President of Interact Club, Vice President of the Youth Prevention Coalition, National Honor Society and Mathnasium tutor.

A person who influenced you during high school: "My biggest influences are both of my parents, who have repeatedly shown me what hard work and perseverance look like. I am overwhelmingly thankful for the work ethic they have instilled in me, and I am confident I will carry the lessons they have taught me into college and beyond."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Chipotle, Taylor Swift, "Friends."

Hannah Holderby

College or career plans: University of Alabama to major in environmental engineering.

What was your biggest challenge to overcome during high school? "Fighting burnout."

Extracurricular activities and outside interests: Stage manager for theater, Youth in Government, National Honor Society, Student Council, Greener Hill, Mock Trial, women in STEM, MUN, SNHS.

A person who influenced you during high school: "My cat, Constitution."

Favorite restaurant, musical artist, TV show: Burger Republic, The Smiths, "Community."

Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com or 615-726-5939 and on Twitter @ AndyHumbles.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: At Green High, these students are the head of the class