Student Spotlight: Lola Matheny
(Sept. 3, 2024)-- Lola Matheny, a 12th grader at Lookout Valley High School, embodies leadership, dedication, and a deep sense of community. Raised in Chattanooga, Lola has been a part of the Lookout Valley school community since elementary school.
“Lookout Valley can sometimes be overlooked because it's a smaller school. People may not think a lot comes from it, but for me, it's the opposite,” Matheny said. “Lookout Valley has changed how I go about life and has shown me how smaller communities can connect and make a difference.” This sentiment highlights Matheny’s dedication to her school, evident in her leadership roles in the school band and active participation in student government.
Music has been a cornerstone of Matheny’s high school experience. Since joining the band in 6th grade, she has become a versatile musician, playing the trombone in marching, jazz, and concert band. Her dedication has also earned her spots in All County and All State East bands. “I want to do something with a marching band in college. Maybe even a leadership role — that would be awesome,” she shared, with the University of Tennessee Knoxville in mind as a potential destination. As the current band captain, brass captain, and section leader, she embraces every opportunity to lead.
Beyond music, Matheny’s involvement spans a wide range of activities. She plays both basketball and softball, excels in honors and AP courses, is a QuestBridge Scholar, a member of the National Honor Society, and is class president. Matheny also enjoys volunteering and being helpful wherever she can, whether it be for fundraisers such as Lookout Valley’s Jacket Jog 5k, or during her work-based learning at Lookout Valley Elementary. However, Matheny’s volunteering does not stop at school. She also volunteers with a local nursing home, decorating for the seasons and being a welcoming personality. Lola finds joy in giving back. “I really enjoyed decorating for the nursing home,” she recalled. “And they enjoyed it too. You could see all of their smiles — I loved that.”
Outside of school, Matheny is an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, often spending time with her dog, Jovi. Her interest in environmental science and conservation drives her ambition to pursue this field in college. “I want to be out in the field, hands-on,” she says, mentioning her hope to protect the natural world.
Matheny attributes much of her success to the support of her teachers and the strong sense of community at Lookout Valley High School. Teachers like Jacob Hutson, her English teacher, have encouraged her to focus on intellectual growth beyond just grades. “He introduced us to a different type of scenery and he encouraged us in a different way. He wanted us to grow outside of just getting a good grade,” she explains. Similarly, Julie Tumey, her high school counselor, has provided invaluable positivity and guidance. “She has been fundamental to my success. She’s so positive and has introduced me to opportunities I wouldn’t have known about without her.”
The past year has been particularly challenging for Matheny following the passing of her father. Yet, the support from friends, teachers, and the Lookout Valley community during this time of loss has been a testament to the strength of the bonds she has formed over the years. “At my dad's celebration of life, I had friends come and a lot of teachers that I had no clue would show up, showed up. I think that's just part of that small community that really is there for each other, ” she reflects.
Looking ahead, Matheny and her classmates are planning an exciting senior year filled with new events, fundraisers, and hopefully a senior trip. As she prepares for her next chapter, Lola Matheny remains a shining example of what it means to be a leader, a learner, and a caring community member. While her path after high school may still be taking shape, one thing is certain: wherever she goes, she will continue to make a positive impact.