Hamilton County Schools

From late practices to early mornings, one of Hixson High’s most recent graduates, Adam Billingsley has never taken the traditional path, and that’s exactly what makes his story one to watch.

For the past seven years, Coach E'Jay Ward has been a supportive and inspiring presence at Tyner Academy. First hired as Dean of Students and boy's basketball coach, Ward has since transitioned into teaching P.E. and wellness while continuing to lead the Rams on the court. His impact reaches far beyond the gym, touching students' lives throughout the school.

Hamilton County Schools is proud of the amazing seniors graduating this year. One of those standout students is Shaniyah Norwood, the valedictorian of Tyner Academy. When asked about her plans after high school, Shaniyah smiled and said, “I’m excited to start college. I’ve worked really hard to get here, and I’m ready for what’s next.” She shared that school has always been important to her, and being named valedictorian was a goal she set early on. “It wasn’t easy, but I stayed focused,” she said. “I knew what I wanted.”

At East Hamilton High School (EHHS), the nurse's office is more than a place for medical care. Thanks to Nurse Lynne Henry, it's also a place of comfort and connection.

Matt Martin didn't initially set out to be a teacher. He was on track to become a doctor, even taking the MCAT, but after reflecting on his goals, he realized his true passion lay elsewhere. "I decided to give teaching a shot," he said. That one decision changed everything.

In the heart of Chattanooga High Center for Creative Arts, there’s a voice that doesn’t just teach music—it lifts spirits, builds confidence, and changes lives. That voice belongs to Ms. Neshawn Calloway, a beloved music educator whose impact resonates far beyond the stage.

For third grade teacher Anna Behrends, education isn’t just a career—it’s a calling sparked during high school swim practices. “My swim coach asked if I would be willing to stay after practice and teach kids how to swim,” she recalled. “Just watching them learn new skills and overcome challenges really inspired me to want to become a teacher.”

Center for Creative Arts senior Charlie Stebbing, a Musical Theatre Major, powerhouse performer, and passionate leader, will head to Belmont University this fall to pursue Musical Theatre.

Kyndall Vaughn has been shaping young minds at Ooltewah High School since 2017, teaching 11th-grade American Literature, ACT Prep, and AP Language and Composition. A proud product of Hamilton County Schools, Vaughn attended Harrison and Wallace A. Smith Elementary, Hunter Middle, and Central High before earning her degree in Secondary Education of English from UT Chattanooga and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University.

This Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate Shaquita Ruiz, a dedicated Pre-K educator at Hardy Elementary, who has been shaping young minds for nine years — seven of those at Hardy! Before joining the Hardy family, she began her journey at Avondale Head Start, but her passion for teaching was sparked long before that.

Hamilton County Schools (HCS) values putting students at the center, leading to positive student learning outcomes on state assessments. The latest data release from the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) recognized twenty-two district schools with Level 5 designation.

From shy freshman to standout senior, Simon Lewis has made the most of his high school journey at Signal Mountain Middle High School. Whether it was in the classroom, on the cross-country team, or leading in student clubs, Simon has grown into a confident and inspiring student leader.