stats: 18, Senior at Churchill Academy
notable: Student Council President 2019-2020, Former Civil Air Control Cadet, Student Council Vice-President 2018-2019
quotable: “You get more out of life and those around you by being kind.”
his story: Tanner is excelling at Churchill Academy, despite his struggle with dyslexia. He shared, “My dyslexia has presented challenges as I pursue my academic interests, however, I have managed to maintain a great grade point average.” Tanner is able to maintain this high GPA all while serving as president of Churchill’s Student Council. When asked to share what he enjoys the most about attending Churchill, Tanner replied, “Being that it’s a smaller school, you have a chance to grow a stronger bond with your teachers.” In all he does, Tanner wants to be remembered “for being someone that did it their way and didn’t settle.” He added, “I would like to do something substantial and important. I don’t know what that would be just yet, but I would like to do something important.”
what’s next: Tanner sees music as a big part of his future. He explained, “I’m very interested in music all around, from making music to the business itself. Music has been an outlet for me— I enjoy making my own compositions and experimenting.
PG (parental guidance) rating: Tanner shared, “Both of my parents have made huge sacrifices for me in my education. I owe them the world for this.” When asked to name something about his family that makes him proud, Tanner replied, “My father has worked for International Paper for 25 years. It’s a tough job, but he’s always bragged on for his work ethic.”
parents’ perspective: Shelain and Twymine explained, “Tanner’s confidence and character two of the attributes we find most admirable about our son. Shelain added, “Tanner is a very down-to-earth, personable young man. He enjoys a variety of diversified relationships with both peers and adults. Tanner seems to see the person first when others might only see things like color or disability.”
parent-to-parent: Shelain shared, “The best advice that I could give to a parent would be to “minister” to the whole child. For example, a great education means nothing if your child’s emotional needs are not met. Do take time to allow your child to thrive and flourish within his/her areas of strength.” She added, “May the decisions you make today allow your child to have opportunities to be as independent and capable as possible in his/her adult life.”
