Schools Archives | South Lake Tablet

Lake Technical College Earns First Place in Technical Excellence at Florida’s Statewide Welding And Fabrication Challenge

Michelle Delaney — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 16:31:52 +0000

submitted by Diana Marquez, Lake Technical College

Lake Technical College is proud to announce it has been awarded First Place in the Technical Excellence category among Florida’s technical colleges in the Florida Department of Education’s Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge, a statewide competition commemorating America’s 250th Anniversary.

The award-winning sculpture, titled Wings on Overwatch, was designed and fabricated through a collaborative effort between students and instructors from Lake Technical College’s Welding Technology and Advanced Manufacturing programs. The piece will serve as a permanent installation on the Lake Tech campus, honoring the nation’s founding and the skilled trades that continue to build America’s future.

The Statewide Welding & Fabrication Challenge invited students from Florida’s public secondary and postsecondary institutions to design and create original metalwork inspired by the 250th anniversary of the United States. Projects were evaluated on craftsmanship, creativity, technical skill, and overall execution.

“Earning First Place in Technical Excellence is an incredible honor for Lake Technical College because it reflects exactly who we are and what we do,” said Melissa Stephan, Vice President of Curriculum and Instruction at Lake Technical College. “Every day, our students learn by creating, building, solving problems, and developing skills that directly translate to the workforce. This award recognizes their talent, dedication, and craftsmanship.”

The sculpture features a soaring eagle standing watch over a globe, symbolizing freedom, strength, vigilance, and the enduring spirit of the United States. The title, Wings on Overwatch, reflects the eagle’s role as a guardian and honors the generations of Americans who have protected and advanced the ideals established in 1776.

“When I look at Wings on Overwatch, I don’t just see a sculpture—I see hundreds of hours of learning, teamwork, creativity, and craftsmanship,” said, DeAnna Thomas, President Lake Technical College. “This project perfectly showcases what career and technical education is all about: giving students the opportunity to create something meaningful while developing skills that will serve them throughout their careers.”

The project was a true interdisciplinary effort, bringing together welding, fabrication, machining, design, and manufacturing skills. Students participated in every phase of development, from concept refinement and material preparation to fabrication, assembly, welding, and finishing.

The Florida Department of Education announced the winners on June 23, recognizing institutions across the state for outstanding student craftsmanship and creativity. Lake Technical College was named the Technical Excellence winner among Florida’s technical colleges, joining Martin County High School and Indian River State College as winners in their respective categories.

The recognition highlights the quality of workforce education programs offered at Lake Technical College and reinforces the institution’s commitment to preparing students for success in high-demand careers through hands-on, industry-driven training.

Lake Technical College is a public, post-secondary institution that offers high quality training for over 30 career and technical programs, as well as, adult education classes for GED and ESOL. The main campus is located at 2001 Kurt St., Eustis. The Institute of Public Safety is located at 1565 Lane Park Cutoff, Tavares. Visit the website www.laketech.org, or call (352) 589-2250 for more information.

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Coach Kerry Whetro Retires After A Fulfilling 42-Year Career

Michelle Delaney — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 16:12:22 +0000

by Chuck Seaver, South Lake Tablet

For the high school baseball world within Lake County, it is hard to say “play ball” without thinking about Coach Kerry Whetro and his lifetime of dedication to America’s favorite pastime and hundreds of high school athletes that he has had the opportunity to not only coach, but also mentor in a way that only a hometown-style coach can do.

Coach Whetro officially wrapped up a 42-year career at the closure of this school year. A career that would include a move to Florida from Ohio and 600+ total baseball game wins. Coach Whetro speaks with fondness regarding his childhood memories that would eventually lead to his lifetime of commitment to youth baseball coaching. “My dad, Hal, was a big influence on my life and my interest in baseball. My dad was a referee, umpire, and Little League coach for 50 years in our small and very rural hometown of Edgerton, Ohio,” says Coach Whetro.

The Coach recalls family vacations every year that included traveling to the Little League World Series. “I was playing little league myself then, so the trips were very exciting. We had the opportunity to meet baseball greats such as Tommy John (also known as the Bionic Man), Pete Rose, and Cal Ripken (also known as the Iron Man), while at the World Series,” says Coach Whetro.

Credit was also given to Coach Whetro’s school math teacher and baseball coach when he was growing up. Coach Peverly was not only a coach but a man who took the extra step in helping his players and his students. “He taught me a lot, about a lot of things. Mr. Peverly’s math skills taught me how to use protractors and calculate dimensions such as square footage and yards,” says Coach Whetro. Those skills would eventually help Coach Whetro to lay out the brand new and first baseball field at East Ridge High School in 2003.

From the early days of volunteering at the local recreation department in Edgerton during his early teen years, Coach Whetro would go on to play high school baseball before graduating high school and then earn his first degree in physical education at Mount Vernon Nazarene University in Ohio. He would later earn his master’s degree in education leadership at Indiana Wesleyan University, where he also helped coach a local Little League team. “Edgerton was a small farm town with little to offer long term – the only way out for kids graduating high school was sports or college,” says Coach Whetro.

When asked about memorable moments, Coach Whetro credited his hometown environment for his determination and unwillingness to give up on things that seemed impossible. “I was raised in a small community with a single small school, kindergarten through 12^th grade, and the small towns in Ohio were very judgmental about their local sports,” says Whetro. The coach recalls one such time when a rumor reached him outlining the opinion of a few parents that the team he was coaching at the time would never win a game due to the team’s size and small selection of talent to choose from within the town. Coach Whetro recalls, with a spirited smile, that the team not only won a majority of its games that year, but also advanced to the state finals that season. “We were only one pitch away from advancing to the final 4 that season – a little disappointed but the team, and parents were very pleased with the season,” says Coach Whetro.

For the next 14 years, Coach Whetro would teach elementary physical education and middle school math, as well as coach high school baseball at his hometown school in Edgerton. During that time, Coach Whetro was named coach of the All-Ohio Baseball Team in 1997. “I really enjoyed teaching just as much as I did coaching, especially when I got to see a kid go to college and make their dreams come true – a sentiment that continued through my entire career,” says Coach Whetro.

Coach Kerry Whetro and wife Paula

Life would lead to a brand-new opportunity for Coach Whetro and his wife, Paula, when the couple made the move to Florida in 1999. The family was truly travelling to Florida on spiritual faith, as the future was not certain, but the feeling of “a calling” was. Coach Whetro’s wife was working on a plan to create what would later become Building Blocks Ministries, an assistance program for adults with disabilities in south Lake County. This dream became a success and is still in operation today. Coach Whetro, at the same time, had been interviewed by phone with success and acceptance for a teaching position at the brand-new Windy Hill Middle School in Clermont. He began his Florida baseball coaching career at South Lake High School.

In 2003, Coach Whetro was asked to take on the Varsity Coaching position and set up the new baseball field at East Ridge High School. Coach Whetro led the school’s first baseball team to an 18-14 season. The team, which had no senior class that year, played in the regional final, making it to the final 8 in the state. The team was also the district runner-up that year.

The next year, Coach Whetro transferred to South Lake High School, where he enjoyed 9 continuous years of coaching with an impressive record of 175 wins against 92 losses, including one regional appearance in the final 16 and 1 district championship.

In 2019, Coach Whetro would make his final move to Lake Minneola High School, where records would be set, and young lives would receive opportunities that could make dreams come true. With a compilation of 169 wins vs 60 losses and one district runner-up, Coach Whetro also led the hard-working team to 7 district championships and 7 regional appearances. The team also finished in the Sweet-16 three times – a school record. One regional finals appearance also set a school record for the team advancing to the state playoffs.

Coach Whetro maintains an impressive career history, but he is quick to acknowledge the successes of students off the field as well as on. Sixty team players from Lake Minneola High School went on to attend college after graduating high school during Coach Whetro’s watch of 22 seasons. “It is harder for students/team players in Florida because there are so many kids here that are really good at playing baseball. Their work ethic is strong, and they are determined. I saw many half-day students attend workouts hours before ball practice began. Kids here care about their future and their present,” says Coach Whetro.

Coach Whetro and Mama Hawk Linda Shephard Miller

To many who know Coach Whetro, that determination and desire reflect not only his coaching abilities but his personality as well. Former Lake Minneola High School Principal Linda Shephard Miller – Mama Hawk, is quoted as saying in a 2021 Daily Commercialinterview honoring Coach Kerry Whetro’s 500^th win, “that she considered hiring Coach Kerry Whetro as one of the best decisions that she’s ever made for the school’s athletic program.”

One of Coach Whetro’s traits was his ability to communicate the word of God to students and players when they approached him with spiritual questions. “I couldn’t approach them, but if they approached me, I could share the word of God without preaching scripture. There are ways to do that without causing problems – referring to the public-school policies of church and state,” says Coach Whetro. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes would often hold pregame devotions and post-game prayer for those who wanted to participate.

Coach Whetro attributes his success to family, especially his wife Paula, who has remained at his side from the beginning of their marriage. His other coaching assistants include daughter Lora, son Bryan, daughter-in-law Veronica, and three grandchildren, Sophia, Wyatt, and Savannah.

What’s next for Coach Whetro, one might ask. It likely is not a couch and remote control as Coach Whetro and his wife continue their ministry of preaching the gospel in the Clermont area. The coach enjoys helping and watching his grandson Wyatt’s baseball team in Eustis. The couple enjoys vegetable gardening and is researching fun ways to grow food. The couple is also active members of the Kiwanis Club of Clermont, and Paula remains an active founding board member of the Building Blocks, the organization that she founded.

The staff at South Lake Tablet sincerely thanks you, Coach, for your many years of service to youth and community. We wish you and your family the best in your next chapter of life.

(Photos obtained from Coach Whetro)

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Community Foundation Of South Lake Celebrates Local Scholarship Recipients At 2nd Annual Reception

Michelle Delaney — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 14:54:46 +0000

Community Foundation of South Lake recently celebrated its second annual Scholarship Reception.

The event brought together students, families, donors and board members to recognize scholarship recipients and celebrate the role community investment plays in helping students pursue higher education.

Among those honored was Nena Mitchell. Mitchell received a Clermont High School alumni scholarship and plans to attend University of Central Florida to study health sciences before becoming a pediatric physician assistant.

Isaiah Owens, recipient of the Donald C. Wickham Scholarship, prepares to enter nursing in Georgia and contribute to the region’s medical community.

Hailey Bronson, a Lake County fifth generation resident received a Clermont High School alumni scholarship and plans to attend Lake-Sumter State College to study nursing before eventually earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

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Montverde Academy Upper School Students Partner with AdventHealth for ‘No Sew Heart’ Service Project

Michelle Delaney — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 16:03:38 +0000

By Mrs. Margaret Price, Assistant Dean of Students for Multiculturalism, Leadership, and Student Programs

Montverde Academy Upper School students are invited to participate in on‑campus service projects twice a month, typically on the second and fourth Saturday morning of each month, creating consistent opportunities to serve others while living out the Academy’s core values. Recently, students partnered with AdventHealth volunteer coordinators for the No Sew Heart project, an initiative centered on providing comfort and encouragement to patients and families during moments of stress or healing.

Through this project, students created handmade fabric hearts to be distributed throughout AdventHealth units, including the ICU, medical surgery, and imaging. These hearts, often accompanied by comforting notes written by students, are shared with patients or family members who may be experiencing anxiety or uncertainty. For AdventHealth, the partnership serves as a meaningful reminder of the power of small acts of kindness.

Cristine Rojas, AdventHealth’s Volunteer Program Manager, reflected on the impact of the collaboration: “We absolutely appreciate the students from Montverde Academy who take time to serve. Sometimes, if a parent goes in for imaging, we give the heart to their child to help ease anxiety. Although we don’t have a pediatric floor, some hearts go to children who are visiting loved ones in adult units. I’ve given a heart to a patient and returned the next day to see them holding it in bed. It’s warm, cozy, and includes a comforting note from the students—support that makes a real difference for patients who need a little extra care. This is truly a special project.”

Students also shared reflections on what the experience meant to them, highlighting both joy and personal growth through service.

“This No Sew Heart project was fun, knowing that it will have a positive impact on others,” shared freshman Samriddhee Baishya.

“This is a meaningful project where I am able to share my love for helping others,” added sophomore Hung Lam Quoc Nguyen.

For sophomore Isadora Casagrande Santiago, the project expanded her perspective: “This project allowed me to become more aware of different ways to help children in hospitals.”

Junior Maria Mora Valenzuela reflected on the importance of simple gestures:“This project helped me see how even little things like this can help others feel better.”

The No Sew Heart project exemplifies how regular service opportunities can foster empathy, connection, and purpose among students while making a tangible difference in the wider community. Through partnerships like this one with AdventHealth, Montverde Academy continues to cultivate a culture of compassion, leadership, and care.

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Celebrating the Class of 2026 at Montverde Academy’s 113th Commencement Ceremony

Michelle Delaney — Sat, 23 May 2026 16:19:17 +0000

Submitted by Montverde Academy

On Saturday, May 16, Montverde Academy graduated 189 students during its 113th Commencement Ceremony, with Dr. Akshay Naraine (MVA alum ’13) serving as the keynote speaker. The Class of 2026 earned $4.6 million in academic scholarships and included 42 Distinguished Scholars and 37 Cum Laude Society inductees, including the valedictorian and salutatorian.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Mr. Jon Hopman, Head of School, welcomed those in attendance and invited Mr. David Bernatavitz, Assistant Head of School for Upper School and Student Affairs, to introduce salutatorian Cobi Wu, who delivered the welcome address to the Class of 2026.

Cobi has been a student at Montverde Academy since eighth grade. During his time in the Upper School, he completed 12 Advanced Placement courses, earned recognition as a Distinguished Scholar, and was named an AP Scholar with Distinction.

A student-athlete on the successful MVA swim team, Cobi holds multiple school records and national-level qualifications and is a former age-group state record holder. He also served as head of the Disciplinary Committee, a Prefect, and a member of the Head of School Student Advisory Committee, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, French Honor Society, and Cum Laude Society.

Cobi will attend the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada, this fall, where he plans to major in mechanical engineering while competing on the university’s varsity swim team. In his address, he encouraged the Class of 2026 to enjoy the moment and appreciate not only life’s major milestones but also the ordinary moments.

“So the next time you spill a cup of water at lunch,” he told his classmates, “I hope you see more than just a mess. I hope you see a moment—a moment of goofiness that one day you look back upon and smile.”

Mr. Hopman then presented the H.P. Carpenter Award to Adam Townsend. Named in honor of Mr. H.P. Carpenter, who, along with his wife, founded Montverde Academy in 1912, the award recognizes the senior whose contributions and performance have had a significant impact on the life of the school.

Mr. Hopman also presented the Dalton P. Monroe Award to Addyson Thomas. Dalton Monroe served as a houseparent and mentor to many students during his tenure at the Academy. The award is presented to a senior who maintains a positive outlook and sense of humor despite adversity and who has overcome challenges to achieve success at MVA.

Valedictorian Michelle Su then addressed the Class of 2026.

Michelle has attended Montverde Academy for the past six years. A Distinguished Scholar, she completed 12 AP courses, earned National Merit status, was named an AP Scholar with Distinction, and is a member of the National Honor Society and Cum Laude Society. She maintained a 4.54 GPA and earned an A+ in all of her courses at MVA.

Michelle also served as captain of the varsity golf team that won the 2024 Florida Class 1A State Championship. In addition, she is an athlete at the International Junior Golf Academy, a member of the Chinese Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and served on both the Head of School Student Advisory Committee and the Arts and Athletics Leadership Committee.

This fall, Michelle will attend Wellesley College, where she plans to double major in economics and psychology while competing in Division III golf. In her address, she thanked last year’s valedictorian, Madeline Xie, whom she described as her greatest role model and mentor.

“What I want to encourage you all to do is to seek out mentors,” she told the class. “As Mr. B once said in a character session at IJGA about the importance of mentorship, ‘Surround yourself with the people that can bring out the best of you.’”

Following her remarks, Mr. Hopman presented the Roger R. Ross Head of School Award to Jacob Novis. Named in honor of Roger R. Ross, who served as Dean of the Upper School from 2000 until his passing in 2014, the award is presented on behalf of the nine Heads of School who have served Montverde Academy since its founding in 1912. It recognizes the student who has achieved exceptional excellence in academics and extracurricular activities while maintaining the highest standards of character.

Mrs. Renee Stephens Lundy, Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees, then presented the Trustee’s Leadership Award to Lyder Reksten. The award honors a student who has attended Montverde Academy for at least two years, demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities, served the school community with distinction, and exemplified integrity, loyalty, and character.

Dr. Akshay Naraine ’13 then delivered the keynote address to the Class of 2026. During his time at MVA, Dr. Naraine distinguished himself not only as an exceptional student but also as a leader among his peers. At age 29, he became one of the youngest professors appointed in the 60-year history of Nova Southeastern University.

Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Naraine completed a postdoctoral fellowship in neuropharmacology at the renowned Karolinska Institute in Sweden. He has received numerous honors, including the Nicholson Exchange Scholar Award from the Karolinska Institute and Rockefeller University, the Wenner-Gren Postdoctoral Fellowship, and Nova Southeastern University’s President’s Research Grant. Whether working with university students, engaging with the community, or mentoring young researchers, he embodies the spirit of leadership through service and discovery.

Following the keynote address, Mr. Hopman presented the Old, Vintage, and Ancient Guard Awards to students who have attended Montverde Academy for many years.

Old Guard recipients, recognized for seven years at MVA, included Oliver Anderson, John Drawdy, Daniel Garcia, Thalia Paris, Michelle Su, and Addyson Thomas.

Vintage Guard recipients, recognized for eight to 10 years at MVA, included Ryan Sapp (eight years), Jess Barnhill (nine years), and Nishchay Bhattarai (10 years).

Ancient Guard recipients, recognized for 11 to 15 years at MVA, included Nybia Rivera-Alvarez (11 years); Ashlyn Anderson, Charlotte Newton, and Aria Sallin (12 years); Paolo de Fabrique Saint Tours, Sara Maria Echavarria, and Aaron Kaufman (13 years); and Tatriana Hinds, Dhani Miller, Raymon Ozols-Szoke, Koryn Scott, and Christopher Wathington (14 years).

Mrs. Meristell Shackelford, Dean of the Lower School, presented the final Ancient Guard Awards to students who have attended Montverde Academy since Pre-K3 — a remarkable 15 years. Those recipients included Titus DeClercq, Carington Helms, Brayden Long, Brooke Pacheco, Lucas Paez, Isabella Castro, Christopher Russo, and Audrey Schmiechen-Patterson.

The Music Conservatory Senior Ensemble then performed “A Million Dreams” before Mr. Hopman presented diplomas to the Class of 2026. Senior Class President Lyder Reksten led the graduates in the traditional tassel ceremony, and the Concert Choir Ensemble joined MVA alumni on stage to lead the singing of the school’s alma mater.

The ceremony concluded with Montverde Academy’s traditional benediction from around the world. This year, the phrase “May blessings follow us as we depart one from another” was spoken in 33 different languages. Lyder Reksten then led the graduates in the ceremonial tossing of caps, while Mrs. Mary Mincy, piano instructor, performed “Prelude to the Dance” by David Lanz for the recessional.

Congratulations to the 113th graduating class and Montverde Academy’s newest alumni.

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Montverde Academy Summer Camps And Programs

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:14:44 +0000

submitted by Montverde Academy

Spend the summer at Montverde Academy! Our day camp for ages 4 – 12 features themed adventures, daily pool time, weekly field trips, and hands-on fun. We also offer exciting athletic and specialty camps for kids to stay active and explore new interests—all in a safe, welcoming environment open to the community.

For a complete listing of available camps, visit our website at https://www.montverde.org/summer-programs

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Clermont Woman’s Club Awards Scholarships To High School Seniors

Michelle Delaney — Thu, 21 May 2026 14:27:10 +0000

Submitted by the Clermont Woman’s Club

The Clermont Woman’s Club annually awards a scholarship to a female graduating senior from our South Lake High Schools. Congratulations to this year’s recipients! This year’s scholarships were given to Maia A. Sanderlin-South Lake High School; Cali Pulver- Lake Minneola High School; and Shane George – East Ridge High School.

The Clermont Woman’s Club is a Federated Woman’s Club chartered in 1927. It is a service organization and supports international, national and local charities. They meet the first Tuesday of each month (September through May) at their clubhouse at 655 W. Broome St., Clermont. For further information see http://www.clermontwomansclub.org.

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Montverde Academy Announces the Valedictorian and Salutatorian of the Class of 2026

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:47:16 +0000

Submitted by Montverde Academy

Montverde Academy is proud to announce the valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026. Michelle Jing Su is this year’s valedictorian, and Ting Yuk “Cobi” Wu is this year’s salutatorian.

Valedictorian Michelle Su has been a student at Montverde Academy for the past six years. She has taken 12 AP courses and spends every afternoon after school practicing golf. She is the captain of the varsity golf team that won the 2024 Florida Class 1A State Championship; athlete at the International Junior Golf Academy; member of the Chinese club, FCA, and Arts and Athletics Leadership Committee; and a National Merit Scholarship finalist.

Michelle will attend Wellesley College in the fall to double major in economics and psychology and play Division III golf.

During his five years at Montverde Academy, Salutatorian Cobi Wu’s favorite subjects have been physics, chemistry, and mathematics. Cobi has taken 12 AP courses, is part of the swim team, holds multiple school records and national-level qualifications, and is a former age group state record holder. He is also the head of the Disciplinary Committee, a Prefect, and is part of the Head of School Student Advisory Committee.

Cobi will attend the University of Waterloo in the fall to major in mechanical engineering and to participate in their varsity swimming program.

Congratulations to Michelle and Cobi on their outstanding accomplishments. We wish them the best of luck as they continue to strive for academic excellence and continue to impact the world in a positive way.

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Senior Parade Sends Class of 2026 Off In Style

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 19 May 2026 02:10:52 +0000

Submitted by Montverde Academy

Montverde Academy came together for the Senior Parade, celebrating the Class of 2026 in a way that was equal parts nostalgic and joyful.

Dressed in college tees representing their next chapters, seniors proudly paraded through campus, led by the lively beat of drums that echoed with school spirit. Each step forward felt symbolic, a celebration of how far they’ve come and a glimpse into all that lies ahead.

Parents, faculty, students, and staff gathered along the route, smiling, cheering, and capturing the moment. The Lower School students lined the sidewalks with enthusiasm, applauding and eagerly high-fiving their senior buddies. Their cheers added a heartwarming reminder of the journey that begins in those early school years and leads to this milestone moment.

It was a parade filled with joy and just a hint of bittersweet reflection; an unforgettable sendoff for a class ready to take on the world. Class of 2026, you will be missed, but remember, the best is yet to come! 

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East Ridge’s Rhyen Foley Signs With Florida Gulf Coast University

Michelle Delaney — Tue, 12 May 2026 01:35:02 +0000

By Grant Mollett, East Ridge High School

On Friday May 8, at East Ridge High School, ten student-athletes signed their letters of intent to participate in college athletics for the following school year. One of those student-athletes was senior Rhyen Foley, who signed her letter of intent with Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida. Rhyen will join Florida Gulf Coast’s women’s cross country and outdoor track and field teams in fall of 2026.

Rhyen showing off her fourth place medal after the 2024 Class 4A Cross Country State Championships

Rhyen has been a four-year letterman in both cross country and track and field at East Ridge High School. Rhyen’s individual efforts have helped lead her cross country team to great team accomplishments over the years – including two county championships, four district championships, and the school’s first regional championship. Rhyen leaves East Ridge as its fastest runner in school history with a career personal best time of 18:00, which she set her junior year at the New World Fall Spectacular. Rhyen amassed thirty place medals throughout her high school career, to include three district medals, three regional medals, one state medal, and four regular season individual championships. Rhyen’s junior season produced impressive individual results and garnered the attention of several college coaches. However it was in November of her senior year when Rhyen took an opportunity to visit Florida Gulf Coast and meet with Coach Cruz. Now, in May, Rhyen is all set to become an Eagle!

Rhyen with her parents at the collegiate athletics signing ceremony at East Ridge High School on May 8, 2026

When asked who she would like to thank at her signing ceremony, Rhyen had these things to say, “My parents for always providing what I needed to succeed in my athletics. Their encouragement and love kept me grounded at my highest and lowest.” She also thanked her coaches for helping her to see what she was capable of and stated, “I wouldn’t be the runner that I am without their dedication to the sport.”

Academically, Rhyen will major in legal studies, as she plans to pursue a career in criminology or political science.

Rhyen at the New World Fall Spectacular in October of 2024, where she set East Ridge’s school record in the 5K of 18:00

Rhyen did have some words of wisdom to her underclass teammates that she will be leaving behind when she attends Florida Gulf Coast, and that was for them to “Run with confidence and determination…You aren’t going to have a good race every time or even a good practice, it’s not controllable. The only thing that you can control is how you handle it.”

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