Smith County High School announces Top 10 seniors, Top 25% of 2020 graduating class

March 9, 2020

This article was first published on March 9, 2020 and was updated with additional information about the members of the Top 10 on April 2, 2020.

On Friday, February 28, 2020, Smith County High School recognized the Top 10 students and the Top 25% of the 2020 Senior Class.

The Smith County High School Top 10 Seniors in the Class of 2020 are pictured from left to right according to class rank.

Students in the Top 10 placed as follows:

  • Valedictorian -Janna Abou-Rahma
  • Salutatorian – Dominique Hebert
  • 3 – John Ross Hord,
  • 4 – Joey Gantenbein
  • 5 – Chale’T Smith
  • 6 – Olivia Phillips
  • 7 – Kathryn Elmore
  • 8 – Bo Broyles
  • 9 – Braxton Washer
  • 10 – Mallory Dillon

Janna Abou-Rahma

Janna Abou-Rahma is the Valedictorian of the 2020 graduating class of Smith County High School. She is the daughter of Sharifa and Mark Abou-Rahma. Throughout her high school career at SCHS, Janna has been involved in several extracurricular activities, including Science and Math Club, Beta Club, HOSA Club, Spanish Club, French Club, Theater Club, Student Council, while also being a part of Smith County Youth Leadership. Janna has been the recipient of several honors and awards including the Barbara James Service Award, Leadership Award, and Honor Roll all four years while in high school. In addition, she has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award for 2016-20 while also completing dual enrollment class through Vol State. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, painting, cooking, watching movies, and being with friends. An interesting fact about Janna is her fluency in the Arabic language, and that she is originally from Palestine. Her volunteer experience includes assisting with Kidz Central Celebration, helping with William Walton Day, tutoring with the SCHS After School Program, volunteering with bingo at our local nursing home, serving as a guide for SCHS parent/teacher conferences, and fundraising for local organizations. Janna plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University for a Biology degree and plans to complete medical school at Vanderbilt University to one day become a cardiologist.

Dominique Hebert

The salutatorian of the SCHS class of 2020 is Dominique Hebert. She is the daughter of Jim and Melissa Hebert, and she is the granddaughter of Velma and Norman Reser. While in high school, Dominique has been involved with many clubs and activities: Smith County High School Student Council Treasurer 2019-20, Smith County High School Student Council Representative 2017-19, Beta Club Honor Society-Vice President 2019-20, Beta Club Honor Society Member 2013-20, Youth Leadership of Smith County 2018-19, Girls State Delegate 2019, Smith County High School HOSA Club 2016-19, Smith County High School French Club 2016-19, Smith County High School Spanish Club 2018-19, and Smith County High School Cheerleader 2016-19. Dominique’s interests and hobbies include working at Teresa’s Gifts, working at The Candy Bar, cheerleading, spending time with friends, and playing with animals. Dominique has collected many accolades while in high school including: Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award 2016-20, Tennessee Scholar upon graduation, Vol State Dean’s list, Miss Fairest of the Fair-Smith County 2019, Smith County High School Beta Club Representative for State Convention – 2018-20, Smith County High School Sports Academic Award 2016-19, Smith County High School FFA Horse Judging Team – 2018-20, Regional Math Competition Representative of Smith County High School 2017 and 2019, Renaissance Conference Representative of Smith County High School 2016-17, Honor Roll 2016-2020, and Smith County Elite Competition Cheer Team. Along with these many awards, her volunteer experience includes giving support as a peer coach for Smith County Special Needs Cheer Team, volunteering with Smith County Celebrates Nobel Peace Prize 2017-2019, assisting with Pageants With a Purpose 2018-2019, helping as a Ronald McDonald House volunteer 2016-2019, serving with the Jordan Hackett Foundation 2016-2019, and helping with Relay for Life 2017. Dominique plans on attending MTSU and majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in marketing. She then plans on attending medical school to pursue her goal of becoming a dermatologist and to one day open her own dermatology office along with creating her own skin care line.

John Ross Hord

Ranking third in the class of 2020 is John Ross Hord. He is the son of Rob and Annette Hord and the grandson of Garry and Jeanne Nesbitt, Diana Holleman, and the late Johnny Hord. John Ross attends South Carthage Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout all four years at SCHS, John Ross has been an active member of several clubs, such as the Beta Club, FFA, FBLA, Student Council, Spanish Club, and the Science and Math Club. One club John Ross played a huge role in by contributing to the community was SCHS Hunters for the Hungry. During the past three years he harvested 31 deer for the program which provided around 5000 portions of venison to those in need. His interests and hobbies include hunting, fishing, kayaking, working out, and being with friends and family. John Ross has also obtained honor roll each year while also completing 24 hours of dual enrollment classes through Vol State. Throughout his high school years, his honors include: Tennessee American Legion Boys State-2019, Smith County Youth Leadership-2018-19, Hunters for the Hungry/Region 2 Top Harvester- 2018/2019, DAR Good Citizens Award-2019, Tennessee Scholar, Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award 2016-20, Smith County High School Football Academic Award 2016-19, and a four-year member of the SCHS football team. While playing football, John Ross received many awards, such as: SCHS Most Valuable Running Back-2017, 1st Team All Region 4-3A-2017, SCHS Defensive MVP-2018, 2nd Team All Region 4-3A-2018, TITANUP High School Player of the Week-2019, The Tennessean Athlete of the Week-2019, DTC Player of the Year-2019, Region 4-3A Offensive MVP-2019, TnFCA Class 3A All State Team-2019, SCHS Most Valuable Player Award-2019, and Nominated-The Tennessean I AM SPORT Award-2019. John Ross has also spent volunteer time assisting his school’s hunting club by having hunting contests to help feed the hungry, reading to students at CES during Read Across America week, and helping with practice for peewee football players and grade school basketball camps. After graduation, he plans to attend the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky where he has the opportunity to play collegiate football. John Ross plans on majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Animal Behavioral Science in hopes to one day work for the TBI, FBI, or join the military after college to work for military security.

Joseph Gantenbein

Joseph Scott Gantenbein ranks fourth in the 2020 Smith County High School senior class. Joey is the son of Brian and Tina Gantenbein, and he is the grandson of Leon Stecklein and Gary and Geral Dean Gantenbein. Throughout high school Joey was an active member of several clubs, such as Math and Science Club-four years, SCHS Hunting Club-four years, SCHS Beta Club-four years, and he was a member of the SCHS Owls football team for four years. During his last year of football, he was awarded the Scotty Yeaman Courage Award during the football banquet. While in high school he maintained perfect attendance, earned 27 college credit hours, and kept his grades at a high level to maintain the honor roll. In addition, he has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award for 2016-20 and Smith County High School Football Academic Award 2016-19. Additionally, he has interests in marksmanship, skateboarding, and football. Besides his academic achievements, Joey was a part of the Tennessee American Legion Boys State during the summer before his senior year. While being a part of this, he served as Senator. During Joey’s senior year, he applied for the Naval Academy where he has received a nomination from Congressman John Rose. Joey has also dedicated time toward community service. He has helped with vacation Bible school at First Baptist Church in Carthage, worked with tornado relief, and participated with community cleanup day for the FBC youth group. Joey’s future plans include becoming a mechanical engineer and/or US Navy.

Chale’T Smith

Chale’T Smith ranks fifth in the class of 2020. Chale’T is the daughter of Brian Smith and Capri Robinson. She is the granddaughter of Melanie Smith and the late Jimmy Smith. Chale’T’s interests include spending time with her family and her son. While in high school she has been a member of the SCHS Beta Club, the SCHS Math and Science Club, and has completed 24 hours of college credit dual enrollment classes taken through Vol State. Throughout her high school years, Chale’T has been an honor roll student, and she has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award for 2016-20. She plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University to earn a degree in forensic science.

Olivia Phillips

Olivia Rae Phillips ranks sixth in the class of 2020. She is the daughter of Mike and Lucinda Phillips and the granddaughter of Jerry and Lucy Baker and the late Ray and Bobbye Jane Phillips. Olivia enjoys spending time working on her family cattle farm in Dixon Springs. Olivia is a lifelong member of Cornerstone Baptist Church, where she volunteers in the ministries of the church. She has been a part of SCHS Beta Club and SCHS Student Council, is a past President and current Vice-President of the SCHS FFA Chapter, and was co-captain of the SCHS volleyball team. Throughout her high school years, Olivia’s honors include being a graduate of the 2018 Governor’s School for Agricultural Sciences, being chosen as a delegate for Volunteer Girls State, attending the Tennessee Leadership Summit, receiving her State FFA Degree, being chosen as part of the 2019 Volleyball All-District Team, and being a Tennessee Scholar. In addition, she has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award for 2016-20 while also completing dual enrollment class through Vol State. After high school, Olivia plans to attend the University of Tennessee and major in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication. After college, she plans to return to Smith County to be an agriculture teacher.

Kathryn Elmore

Kathryn Elmore ranks seventh in the 2020 graduation class of Smith County High School. She is the daughter of Kim and Scott Preston and the granddaughter of Peggy Kemp and the late Barry Wayne Kemp and Jackie and Gale Preston. She has been involved in SCHS Beta Club, SCHS Science and Math Club, SCHS Spanish Club, SCHS Student Council, and National Society of High School Scholars. While at Smith County High School, she has competed in the TMTA math competition and frequently volunteered to work with special needs children. In addition, she has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award for 2016-20 while completing dual enrollment class through Vol State. After high school, Kathryn plans on attending Cumberland University and majoring in Psychology.

Bo Broyles

John Bowman Broyles ranks eighth in the 2020 graduating class of Smith County High School. He is the son of Tom and Amy Broyles and the grandson of Jim and Betsy Broyles and Carroll Fowler and the late Frank Fowler. In his free time, Bo enjoys fishing and hunting. Bo has been a member of the SCHS Beta Club, SCHS Math and Science, FBLA, and SCHS Hunting Clubs. Additionally, Bo has played football and soccer for the Owls for four years. His honors include honor roll, being selected as a 2019 Boys State delegate, serving as Captain of the Soccer Team, and being chosen as 1st Team All-Region 4-3A for the 2019 football season. During his senior year of football, Bo received Most Valuable Special Teams Player for the 2019 season. In addition, he has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award 2016-20 while completing dual enrollment class through Vol State and the Smith County High School Football Academic Award 2016-19. After high school, Bo plans to attend Tennessee Technological University and major in Biology before studying to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Braxton Washer

Ranking ninth in the class of 2020 is Braxton Daniel Washer. Braxton is the son of Joey and Stephanie Washer and the grandson of Bobby and Jada Washer and Bobby Neal and Dianna Harper. Braxton enjoys working out and spending time with his family and friends. During his time at SCHS, Braxton was part of the SCHS Beta Club and the SCHS Science and Math Club. Braxton also played football for four years and was selected as part of 1st Team All-Region-4-3A for the 2019 football season. He also received the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman Award for his efforts during the 2019 football season. His honors include Honor Roll, Smith County High School Football Academic Award 2016-19, and the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award 2016-20 while completing 24 hours of college credit dual enrollment classes taken through Vol State. After high school, Braxton plans on pursuing a career in the medical field.

Mallory Dillon

Mallory Dillon ranks tenth in the 2020 graduating class of Smith County High School. She is the daughter of Mark and Gina Dillon and the granddaughter of Lester and the late Ruby Dillon and Shirley Anderson and the late Tommy Burton. During her time at SCHS, Mallory has been a part of numerous clubs and organizations, including the Science and Math Club, HOSA, Beta Club, FBLA, and Spanish Club. Mallory has also played soccer for four years and was a football manager for four years. Mallory’s honors include being on the honor roll for four years, being named Girls State Senator in 2019, winning the William Walton Essay contest, receiving the HOSA Legacy Award in 2018, competing and placing in the top five during state HOSA competitions in 2017-2019 in the category of Public Health, receiving the Lady Owl Award in 2018, being named the Lady Owl Offensive MVP in 2019, and being selected as the 2019 Homecoming Queen. In addition, she has received the Smith County High School Academic Excellence Award 2016-20 while completing dual enrollment class through Vol State and the Smith County High School Football Academic Award 2016-19. She volunteers her free time by entertaining patients with games and Bingo at the assisted living facility, helping HOSA students at the middle school prepare for competitions, and helping with community service projects through HOSA. After high school, Mallory plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University and obtain a degree in Education with the intention of teaching high school literature and eventually working her way up to an administrative role.

The Top 25% of the Smith County High School Class of 2020 – Bottom Row (L to R): 11-Eli Martin, 12-Cameron Spivey, 13-Robert Bingham, 14-Kaytlin Patterson, 15-Caitlin Hooper, 16-Adam Kemp, 17-Robert Stacey, 18-Hailey Harkins, 19-Robyn Huffines, 20-Talon Cothern, 21-Agnes Justice; Back Row (L to R): 22-Zachary Haskin (not present), 23-Makenzi Watson, 24-Kobe Williams, 25-Kalli Woodard, 26-Austin Richel, 27-Savannah Nielson, 28-Olivia Crockett, 29-Alexis Tomlinson, 30-Gavin Lane

Students in the Top 25% placed as follows:

  • 11 – Eli Martin
  • 12 – Cameron Spivey
  • 13 – Robert Bingham
  • 14 – Kaytlin Patterson
  • 15 – Caitlin Hooper
  • 16 – Adam Kemp
  • 17 – Robert Stacey
  • 18 – Hailey Harkins
  • 19 – Robyn Huffines
  • 20 – Talon Cothern
  • 21 – Agnes Justice
  • 22 – Zachary Haskin (not present)
  • 23 – Makenzi Watson
  • 24 – Kobe Williams
  • 25 – Kalli Woodard
  • 26 – Austin Richel
  • 27 – Savannah Nielson
  • 28 – Olivia Crockett
  • 29 – Alexis Tomlinson
  • 30 – Gavin Lane

Congratulations to these students for their hard work and dedication!

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