Rush Strong School Honors Top 10
The top 10 eighth grade students at Rush Strong School will be recognized for their superlative academic achievement during the school’s annual graduation ceremony. Each of these top scholars stand out among their peers for their scholarship and commitment to excellence.
Logan Ballon, the son of Paul and Amy Ballon of New Market, enjoys math and considers aptitude in the subject an essential life skill. Along with being on the boy’s basketball team, he is also active in Student Council, Beta Club, Scholars Bowl, and Science Bowl. Outside of School, Logan enjoys drawing and playing video games. His career goals is to work for NASA.
Haleigh Cross is the daughter of Angie Fickes of Strawberry Plains. Like Ballon, she considers math the most interesting and challenging subject. She currently enjoys being captain of the cheerleading squad and participating in All-Star Cheer. In addition, she is also a member of Beta Club. At this time, she is unsure as to her specific career goals.
Julianna Frye, who resides in Dandridge, is the daughter of Conard and Jill Frye. A true academic, Frye has consistently ranked in the top 10 since becoming a student a Rush Strong. A Plainsmen cheerleader and Beta Club member, Julianna enjoys playing soccer, shopping, taking pictures, and helping others. She attends Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Dandridge, where she is active in her youth group. She especially enjoys learning math and science, and plans to become a psychiatrist or a photographer.
Rylie Hawks, the daughter of Mark and Shannon Hawks, lives in Strawberry Plains. Although she excels in all subjects, math is her favorite, as well as the subject she considers the most useful. She is currently a member of the RSS cheerleading squad and Beta Club, and she looks forward to cheering next year as a JCHS Patriot. Outside of school, Rylie enjoys shopping, soccer, summertime, and hanging out with friends. She attends First Baptist Church in Strawberry Plains. She plans to further her education and ultimately become a dentist.
Crayten Jones is the son of Steven and Maraya Jones of Strawberry Plains. His favorite subject is math because it interests him and holds his attention. Crayten plays basketball and football for the Plainsmen, and he also participates in travel basketball outside of school. In his free time, he enjoys playing Clash Royale. As for his future career, He would like to become a professional athlete or a brain surgeon.
Jasmain Lee is the daughter of Carolyn and Gary Laws of Strawberry Plains. Her favorite subject is language arts because she enjoys stories and likes to write. She is a member of Beta Club. Voted Most Creative by her peers in superlatives, Jasmain is a gifted artist. While not involved in school or creating, Jasmain also enjoys singing, painting, and puzzles. She aspires to become an architect engineer or an artist.
Jeremiah (J.P.) Mills of Strawberry Plains is the son of Toby and Crystal Mills. His favorite subject is math because it comes easily to him. Also a natural athlete, J.P. plays both basketball and football for Rush Strong, and he is a member of Beta Club. He attends First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains. His hobbies include playing sports and fishing. He looks forward to pursuing a career in dentistry.
Shaylee Pappas is the daughter of Jeffery and Kathy Pappas of Strawberry Plains. She enjoys mathematics and algebra because she considers it easy and fun. In addition to playing softball, basketball and volleyball for the Plainsmen, Shaylee is also a member of Beta Club and Scholar’s Bowl. In her spare time, she enjoys working out and spending time with friends. She attends First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains. In the future, Shaylee would like to become a Marine or pursue a career in criminal justice.
Kaylee Roeske of Strawberry Plains is the daughter of Daniel and Jennifer Roeske. Her favorite subject is math because she enjoys solving problems and equations. Kaylee plays volleyball and basketball for Rush Strong School. Additionally, she is a member of Beta Club, Math Club, and Yoke. Outside of school, she enjoys playing Club Unite Volleyball and watching Netflix. She is a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church. In the future, she intends to become a surgeon.
Jacob Thompson is the son of Carley Davis of Strawberry Plains. Active in athletics, he plays both football and basketball for Rush Strong. In addition, he is a member of Beta Club. He attends First Baptist Church of Strawberry Plains. Although his favorite subject is math, he is undecided on a career path.
