FHS All-Star Committee hosts Anchors of Hope
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Farragut High School student Dylan, right, gives high fives to the school’s men’s basketball players at Anchors of Hope. - Tammy Cheek
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Farragut High School student Peyton (in wheelchair) was escorted through the line by her teacher, Melanie Sharpe, at Anchors of Hope, organized by the Leadership 3 All-Stars Committee, in FHS gymnasium Friday, Dec. 12. - Tammy Cheek
Farragut High School’s Leadership 3 class members are not only learning leadership skills, they are paying it forward.
The All-Star Committee, consisting of students from that leadership class — Noah Haag, Moses Burnette, Ella Schlomer and Alexa Shrader — organized an activity, the 2nd Annual Anchors of Hope event, in FHS gymnasium Friday afternoon, Dec.12, to give the school’s special education students an opportunity to play basketball.
“This event is about the student body making connections with students who are part of our special education program,” Schlomer said. “It allows for all of the students to shine in their own unique way.”
“Their joy, determination and teamwork inspire all of us,” Burnette said. “These events aren’t about winning; they’re about celebrating every student.”
“The goal for this event is to encourage and love on our special education classmates,” Haag said. “We hope it increases the spirit of community within our school, too.”
“Our student body is very invested in our special ed students, so planning an event where we all get to come together to celebrate them individually has been really fun,” Shrader said.
Haag said the event consists of three stations for warm-ups.
“Following that is a four-quarter game,” he said. “The stations are dribbling, shooting and layups.”
And, “the student body will be able to attend this event during their lunch period and cheer on their classmates,” Haag added.
“Last year’s Leadership 3 students — who were seniors from the class of 2025 — came up with this event,” he said. “Their committee was also called the All-Star committee. The four of us have taken their place,” said Haag, adding the class, led by math teacher Abbey Ellis, consists only of seniors.
“The planning and execution of this event is not for a grade; however, at the end of the semester, everyone in the class makes a portfolio that shows their accomplishments and growth in leadership,” he said. “Last year, I was in [social studies teacher] Mr. [Ben] Collins’ Leadership 2 — a class just for juniors,” Haag said. “It was all about evaluating myself as a leader and what I can bring to the table.
“Now in Leadership 3, I’m able to apply my leadership skills in the real world, my school and community and effectively collaborate with others,” he added.
Also, “this event is a huge group project that takes a lot of planning and teamwork,” Haag said. “Our committee is very energetic.
“We’re dedicated to making this a memorable day for our classmates,” he said. “Everyone in our Leadership 3 class is kind and fun to work with. We work really well together.
“I’ve had so much fun planning this event with our committee. Seeing the smiles on the faces of our special education students is truly amazing,” he said.
