Montgomery Central's Joseph Reece wins The Tennessean Student of the Week for business
Joseph raked in 8,823 votes in the poll, which specifically recognized outstanding students involved in school Future Business Leaders of America or DECA – sometimes called Distributive Education Clubs of America – clubs.
The poll brought in more than 16,000 votes from across Middle Tennessee.
Mt. Juliet High School junior Claire Warta came in second place with 5,584 votes.
Joseph has been part of Montgomery Central's FBLA program for three years, consistently competing and placing at the state level. He's also placed sixth nationally in Database Applications.
The Tennessean asks Middle Tennessee high school principals, guidance counselors, teachers and staff to send us their best students in different categories throughout the school year for our Student of the Week feature.
We then let you, the reader, decide who deserves the title by voting in our weekly poll. Check Tennessean.com on Monday morning to vote in our next poll.
Here is a look at the 12 students nominated for the most recent FBLA and DECA poll and what was said about them by school faculty:
Ayah Al-Horshi, Overton High: As a two-year DECA member, Ayah has demonstrated commitment to developing her business acumen and leadership skills, consistently striving for greatness in every endeavor. Her aspiration to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) reflects a passion for the business world and her drive to succeed in a challenging and impactful career. Ayah is described as possessing an exceptional work ethic, intelligence and determination make her a standout student and a promising leader who is poised to make significant business contributions in the future.
Emily Angel, Lebanon High: The senior has been a member of FBLA all four years and her team has placed first at every state competition to date. Additionally, they placed seventh at a national competition this past summer. Emily plans to become a teacher and follow in the footsteps of her late mother, who passed away earlier this school year. She already manages her own business, where she teaches youth tumbling. She hopes to expand that one day and operate her own cheerleading gym in addition to her teaching career. She is described as bright, creative, and has excellent work ethic.
Kennedy Cantrell, Greenbrier High: The current president of the school's FBLA chapter who also participated in the 2024 State Leadership Conference.
Kennedi DeMarcus, Hendersonville High: Kennedi has served with FBLA for the past three years and is currently the vice president and "heartbeat" of school's chapter. Kennedi is the first to volunteer her time or talents to Hendersonville's student body and community and the school looks to replicate her leadership within its younger student population.
Luke Elkins, Stewart County High: A four-year member of FBLA, which ignited Luke's entrepreneurial spirit as he turned his passion for fishing into an environmentally conscious business venture. Re-Baits Soft Plastics was born when Luke realized the number of soft plastic lures tossed into the lakes and waterways locally and across the region. who embodies the organization's three goals of service, education and progress. He devised a plan to collect used lures and recycle them into new lures improving our local waterways. Luke is currently serving as his local chapter's Co-President and as Tennessee FBLA State Vice President. A three-time state and national competitor, he has developed his leadership, public speaking, and professional skills. His dedication to academic excellence is evident in his performance across all subjects and demonstrates a strong work ethic.
Taylor Mackenzie Richins, Rossview High: The president of he Rossview High FBLA chapter is described as a student who embodies leadership, dedication, and excellence in everything she does. Has proven herself to be an inspiring leader, guiding her peers with poise and passion. On top of her leadership role, Mackenzie works part time and is a standout member of the dance team, balancing the demands of practice and performance while maintaining a commitment to her academic achievements. Mackenzie's drive, determination, and well-rounded abilities make her a school role model at school and poised for even greater accomplishments in the future.
Carly Mitchell, Wilson Central High: The junior was selected for the Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) Tennessee State Career Development Conference social media team, a highly competitive opportunity. Carly impressed by showing her passion for showcasing the DECA experience and creativity in content creation. As a team member, she will produce engaging TikTok videos and Instagram Reels to promote Tennessee DECA's brand and the 2025 State Career Development Conference. As a member of this exceptional team, Carly will gain exclusive access to insider information, contribute to Tennessee DECA's social media presence and play an essential role in shaping the digital landscape for DECA members and advisors.
Maddox Mooney, Gallatin High: The senior is a driven and dedicated student who showcases strong leadership skills as Gallatin High's DECA President , contributing to a significant growth in membership and student participation. Maddox is also a four-year member of the Gallatin High basketball team, on the tennis team member and actively involved in JROTC. As a leading manager of GreenWave Grounds, Gallatin High's DECA coffee shop, he co-wrote the school's 2025 school-based Enterprise Manual contributing to its operational success and financial growth. As a young entrepreneur, Maddox also owns and operates APEX Exterior Services, demonstrating his commitment to excellence both in and outside the classroom.
Justin Price, Riverdale: Described as an outstanding business student with a bright future in the business and marketing industry. A leader who consistently does top notch work with a smile, going above and beyond every day.
Joseph Reece, Montgomery Central High: The junior has been an exemplary member of the school's FBLA program for three years, consistently competing and placing at the state level and achieving 6th place nationally in Database Applications. As the parliamentarian of FBLA, Joseph he has shown strong leadership skills and he recently earned two Microsoft Office Specialist certifications, achieving a perfect score of 100% on the Microsoft Excel exam. Alongside his FBLA involvement, Joseph is a dedicated Life Scout working toward his Eagle Scout rank and serves as a Cadet Captain in JROTC. He is an officer/leader in numerous prestigious clubs and a member of over seven clubs that highlight his academics and desire to help his community. Described as a student with a commitment to excellence combined with a willingness to take on leadership roles, reflects his determination to succeed in the business field. Joseph's pursuits illustrate his strong character and ability to lead effectively in diverse environments.
Nathan Stevens, Westmoreland High: The senior actively participates in Future Business Leaders of America, winning multiple business competitions and serving as an officer. Described as possessing leadership qualities, a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and a willingness to help others.
Claire Warta, Mt. Juliet High: The junior became a member of Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) since her sophomore year. Claire held the position of reporter as a sophomore and is currently president of the school's chapter. Competed at the State Leadership Conference in Chattanooga and qualified for the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida. Club membership has grown by 63% as Claire has been acting president. One of 15 high school students chosen nationwide to participate in an entrepreneur program called The Journey. Through The Journey, Claire is on track to launch a business this spring. Also a member of the National Honors Society and the National Technical Honors Society. Involved in church, which includes serving Sundays in the children's department. Has maintained a 4.0 weighted graded point average throughout high school career, which inlcudes Honors, Advanced Placement and Dual Enrollment courses. Plans to attend Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona and major Applied Entrepreneurship.
Reach Andy Humbles at ahumbles@tennessean.com and on X, formerly known as Twitter @ AndyHumbles.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Montgomery Central's Reece named The Tennessean Student of the Week
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