April 28, 2020
Evensville, TN -- Zoe Partin, the daughter of Leanna Wiggins is a 2020 Rhea County High School senior. Zoe attended Soddy Elementary and Soddy Daisy Middle School before attending Rhea County High School. Zoe and her classmates saw their senior year cut short due to the COVID-19 virus. Rhea County Magazine had a chance to ask Zoe some questions for glimpse into her senior year and beyond.
What are some of your activities you participated in growing up?
"Growing up I played softball with Soddy Daisy kids club as well as cheering for football and basketball seasons. I danced with Center Stage Dance Company. I have spun for the colorguard at salecreek and Rhea county high school. My senior year I started caching colorguard at Salecreek High School and Middle School."
What are some interests and hobbies outside of school.
"I love modeling and have a strong passion for the environment."
Who was your favorite teacher throughout academic career?
"I can’t choose just one favorite teacher. The two teachers who impacted me the most were Mr. Webb and Mrs. Sutton. They have both taught me so much during my time at Rhea County and I would be completely different without their contributions."
What are your plans after high school?
"After high school I will attend the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and get my bachelors degree in environmental science (focusing on conservation in particularly). After getting my bachelors in environmental science I will attend graduate school for marine biology. After graduating with both degrees I hope to be able to help rehabilitate and conserve our oceans."
What is your favorite moment during your high school sports career?
My favorite moment was ETPAA (East Tennessee Performing Arts Association) championships last spring. It was my last time spinning with my guard family and the coach at the time. I ended up not being able to spin at all during the winter season from an injury, but with about three shows till championships, I was able to be put in as a soloist and perform for the last time. We brought home the bronze metal."
What was impact of losing your senior year?
I coached colorguard at Sale Creek Middle annd Sale Creek High School this year. The impact of losing half a year with the girls there was tremendous. I have grown to love them all in there special and unique way and I can’t wait to start next season off with a good start."
What was impact of losing out on last three months of school?
"The impact of losing the last three months of school for me is difficult. I missed my last FFA trip to gatlinburg,senior awards day, prom, and graduation. I've been looking forward to these moments all year and to not be able to experience these is hard."
What has been the impact of going through the COVID-19 crisis?
I haven’t really had a big impact from going threw this pandemic, but I learned that our medical community deserves much more respect then what they get.
Has COVID-19 changed your view of day-to-day living?
Covid-19 has made me realize that how important the people who work in the medical field are.
Did you learn anything new during your time away from school or did you rediscover something you used to enjoy?
During the break I have focused in getting everything ready to go to college.
Favorite bible verse if you have one or/and favorite quote.
“Don’t let what you want eclipse what you need. He’s very dreamy, but he’s not the sun you are.” - Christina Yang
What was your favorite class in school?
"My favorite class was agriculture. Being in agriculture, I became part of the FFA(Future Farmers of America) and I received so much encouragement. Future Farmers was like a family."
Do you have a coacch who influenced you in a positive way?
"Carrie Williams is an amazing coach. In the 3 years that I did colorguard she was the person I became the closest with. If there was a problem or I just needed someone to talk to I would always go to her. She was always the guards number one fan and I’m so excited to be able to spin with her as my coach in college."