Obion County School Board Meeting Highlights Local Talents and Achievements

The Obion County School Board held its monthly meeting on May 6th at South Fulton Middle and High School (SFMHS). The meeting was marked by the announcement of the May Student Spotlight and May Outstanding Alumni by Lauren Kendall, Communications Director, alongside a series of student recognitions made by Laura Pitts, SFMHS Principal.

Student Spotlight: John Wesley Martin

John Wesley Martin, a senior at Obion County Central High School, was named the May Student Spotlight after winning the State Champion title in Motorcycle Service Technology at the SkillsUSA state competition in Chattanooga on April 17th. Under the guidance of his teacher, Mr. Anthony Miller, Martin demonstrated outstanding skill and dedication in motorcycle maintenance, earning high praise from the school board and his community.

Lauren Kendall with John Wesley Martin.Photo byLauren Kendall/Obion Co Schools

Outstanding Alumni: Jeffrey Vaughn

The board also honored Jeffrey Vaughn, a 1985 graduate of South Fulton High School, as the May Outstanding Alumni. Since 2015, Vaughn has been a successful restaurant owner/operator, currently running Vaughn's Corner BBQ in Union City. His prior entrepreneurial venture involved operating C&C Carpet Cleaning for two decades. Vaughn's current roles include serving as a Fulton City commissioner and on the Fulton Electric System board of directors. His commitment extends beyond his professional endeavors, as he actively participates in school activities, church functions, and community fundraising.

Laura Pitts, Jeff Vaughn, Lauren KendallPhoto byLauren Kendall/Obion Co Schools

Achievements in Academics and Leadership

Beta Club Achievements at Leadership Conference

• Collaboration Connection: The team consisting of Ryleigh Johnson, Gentry Wright, Anna Robertson, Addison Stubblefield, and Makaela Harrison qualified for nationals.
• Project Proposal: The team of Addison Stubblefield, Anna Robertson, Daniel Pitts, and Stewart Conner also qualified for nationals.
• Lead Outside the Box: This group, featuring Stewart Conner, Austin Reason, Gentry Wright, and Makaela Harrison, qualified for nationals.
• Joseph Mathias ran for Leadership Representative and placed in the Top 5.

State Convention and National Qualifications

• The high school Beta Club, after competing at the State Convention in Nashville, is preparing to compete nationally in Savannah, GA, in June. Key achievements include:
• • Stewart Conner: 3rd in Social Studies for 11th grade.
  • Anna Kate Lawrence: 4th in Biomedical for 11th grade and 2nd in Black & White Photography Div 2.
  • Callie Tucker: 1st in Language Arts for 9th grade.
  • Addison Stubblefield: 2nd in Scrapbook.
  • Jackson Doss: 2nd in Digital Portfolio and 5th in Digitally Enhanced Art Div 1.
  • Gibson Horner: 4th in Recyclable Art Div 2.
  • Daniel Pitts: 1st in Woodworking Div 2.

Additional Individual Awards

• Daniel Pitts was awarded a $1,000 National Beta Club Scholarship and a $10,000 STATE Beta Club Scholarship.
• Makaela Harrison received the prestigious Dale R. Hughes Award.
• ACT 30 + Group: Om Patel, Malachi Combs, Vance Duty, and Stewart Conner all scored over 30 on their ACT exams.
• State HOSA Competition: Makaela Harrison took 1st place in Phlebotomy.
• Middle School Beta - Kaylin Tucker: 1st place at State for her painting.

School Service and Involvement

• The high school Beta Club has contributed over 5,000 service hours this year, placing them in the top 5 in the state for service hours and earning a top-tier service hours award.

Sports Achievements

• Middle School Girls Basketball Team: Obion County Champions, Area Champions, and Sectional Runners Up.
• Middle School Softball Team: Obion County Champions.
• High School Girls Basketball Team: District Runner Up, Region Champions, Substate Winner, and their first state tournament appearance since the late '70s.

All recognized students.Photo byLauren Kendall/Obion Co Schools

The meeting not only celebrated the individual achievements of students and alumni but also highlighted the collective success of the featured school's programs and activities. Obion County Schools continue to demonstrate a commitment to excellence and community engagement. The recognition serves as a testament to the hard work and dedication of its students, teachers, and alumni.