WCHS Academic Spotlight

Reagan Goodwin will graduate from White County High School soon, but she has no intentions of actually leaving the educational system for decades.

The White County senior has plans to attend a university in the state – with thoughts of either Tennessee Tech or the University of Tennessee Knoxville at the top of her list – and becoming a teacher. Specifically, Goodwin would like to be a pre-k teacher.

Goodwin’s passion for helping students of all ages has shown while she has been at White County High School In addition to an after-school job at Edu Care Learning Center, which she says has helped to deepen her desire to work with children, she has also served as a peer tutor.“Reagan Goodwin has been a good friend to students with special needs while she has attended WCHS. She listens attentively to what makes them happy or sad. She holds their hand and gives them her time,” Nancy Benningfield, one of the special education teachers at WCHS, said. “Reagan is a compassionate young lady, and I am proud to say I have had the opportunity to be involved in her life.”

In addition to working with students at a variety of ages, Goodwin has immersed herself in the White County schools, participating in clubs, sports, and a variety of activities. She serves as the manager for the Warriorette basketball team, is a member of the White County student council, and is active in both the BETA Club and the Bible Club.  She was also selected to attend Girls State last summer.

Outside of school, Goodwin has stayed focused on serving children as she has volunteered with the Community Hope Chest, at elementary school festivals, working concession stands and gates at school ball games, and has helped her church run trunk-or-treat events.

While she understands that a career in education is going to require a lot of focus, a lifetime of commitment and at times be emotionally draining, Goodwin said she isn’t afraid to do the work to change the lives of her future students.

“’Fear not for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand,’” Goodwin quoted a Bible verse, Isaiah 41:10. “This verse is a daily reminder that having God with me there is nothing I should be afraid of or anxious about.”