Seniors from Smoky Mountain High School (SMHS) plan to walk the stage at the Ramsey Center in Cullowhee on Tuesday, May 28 at 7pm. Of the 151 graduates, seven are EBCI tribal members including:
William Arneach is the son of Lloyd Arneach Jr. and is from the Yellowhill community. William is the recipient of the Principal Chief’s award and received a tribal merit award. He was a member of the SMHS Jazz Band. His interests are music, reading and writing. He plans to study music education at Western Carolina University.
Nyasha Deann Bradley is the daughter of Rhoda Bigmeat and Gregory Bradley and the granddaughter of Fred and Kina Bradley. She received a tribal merit award and a New Century Scholar. She enjoys beadwork and reading. Nyasha plans to obtain her associate degree from Southwestern Community College and then transfer to a four-year university to study psychology.
Xavier Jordan Davis is the son of Chena George and Shane Davis. Jordan was a member of the wrestling team and received a tribal merit award. Jordan worked his way through high school at Granny’s Kitchen. In his spare time, he enjoys participating in BMX sports. His plans after graduation are to attend Pitt College in Greenville (NC) and major in business/accounting.
Jerico French is the son of Tracy Tiger and John French and the grandson of Iva Gentry. Jerico participated in wrestling for the past two years and was honored with the Coach’s Award this past season. He also received a tribal merit award. His interests are sports and hanging out with his family and friends. Jerico has been accepted to East Carolina in Greenville (NC), and his plans for a major are undecided at this time.
Thomas Nelson George is the son of Letitia George and Thomas Lee George. He is also the grandson of the late Tom George. Thomas participated in the Cherokee Language Club at SMHS and also received a tribal merit award. He enjoys music and spending time with his family and girlfriend. His plans are to attend Southwestern Community College then transfer to the Art Institute for video and photography. He also plans to continue his education at the Full Sail University in Florida for a degree in music production.
Scottie Marr is the son of Christina and James Marr and grandson of his maternal grandparents, Betty and Bob Smith. Scottie was on the football, wrestling and track teams throughout high school. He received senior awards in all three sports and was awarded the Captain Award in football and also received a tribal merit award. Scottie was a member of the Cherokee Language Club and assisted in football camps. Scottie plans to attend Southwestern Community College and work in construction.
Kaitlyn Brooke Parker is the daughter of Pam Blankenship and Ben Parker of the Wolfetown Community. She is also the granddaughter of Bob and Laura Blankenship and the late Claude and Jean Parker. Kaitlyn was a member of the Arts Honor Society and has received many recognitions for her artistic talents that include: 2012 honorable mention at the Scholastic Art Show in Asheville; awarded the workshop scholarship to the 2012 Summer Institute at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz. where she took first place for her split oak basket; first place for her “Behind Granny’s” photograph at the 2010 art exhibit at the Oconaluftee Institute of Cultural Arts; participated in and had exhibits at Western Carolina University; the 2012 North Carolina Ceramics Student Exhibition in Seagrove; and at the North Carolina Art Education Association Exhibit in Washington, D.C. Kaitlyn also was a recipient of the Principal Chief’s award and received a tribal merit award. In her spare time, Kaitlyn enjoys basket weaving, beading and pottery making. She plans to attend culinary school and one day own a bakery in Cherokee.
SMHS officials related, “Congratulations! The faculty, staff, and administration of Smoky Mountain High School wish all our 2013 graduates a happy and prosperous future.”
– SMHS
