Unicoi County High School students honored for Hurricane Helene flood relief efforts

Twenty-four dedicated students from Unicoi County High School’s Future Health Professionals chapter were honored Wednesday for their volunteer efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The students provided crucial assistance, demonstrating compassion, leadership and resilience during a time of great need, even while dealing with losses of their own.

To recognize their hard work, a special ceremony and pizza party, catered by Rocky’s Pizza, was held in their honor. Teachers, administrators, Ballad Health representatives and local officials gathered to celebrate the students’ selfless contributions and commend their commitment to service.

“When Hurricane Helene swept through our community, it left devastation in its wake — homes were damaged, families were displaced and many lives were changed forever,” said Jennifer Harrah, administrator of Unicoi County Hospital. “In the face of that hardship, these courageous students chose to step forward, and instead of standing by, they took action. I know that for some of them, this was personal. They were dealing with their own challenges, their own losses. Even amid uncertainty, they still showed up to help others. That kind of courage and compassion is rare. It speaks volumes about their character.”

Students honored included:

• Rhett Allen
• Rosalin Andrade
• Natalie Black
• Peyton Bowling
• Brianna Butler
• Kinley Carver
• Karrah Dean
• Nancy Diaz
• Kyndal Engle
• Chloe Fletcher
• Piper Foltz
• Sadie Griffith
• Peyton Higgins
• Isabella Laws
• Alexis Menkowitz
• Abigail Petterson
• Norah Ray
• Melissa Reynoso
• Issabella Sams
• Candy Scott
• Abigail Silva
• Abigail Vidrio
• Laci Wall
• Matthew Whitson

“At Unicoi County High School, we believe education extends far beyond the walls of our classrooms,” said Chris Bogart, Unicoi County High School principal. “It is about building character, fostering leadership and encouraging a spirit of service. These students have embodied those values by stepping up when their community needed them most.”

Future Health Professionals, formerly known as Health Occupations Students of America, is a global student-led organization recognized by several federal and state agencies. HOSA’s mission is to empower students to eventually become leaders in the global health community, through education, collaboration and experience.

“Healthcare isn’t just about science and medicine — it’s about people and stepping up in moments of need, offering care, providing comfort and making a difference in the lives of others,” said Dr. Matthew Loos, Ballad Health’s chief academic officer. “And that is exactly what these students have done. The experience they’ve gained through this volunteer work will stay with them, no matter what career path they choose."

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