As Ballad Health Academy nears the end of its first operational year, program administrators in partnership with school administrators and health science teachers identified standout students who will help fill a crucial role in the second year of the Academy: Student Ambassadors.
“We have seen so many students across our seven schools exceed our expectations both in their passion for healthcare careers and in their enthusiasm for bringing other students into Ballad Health Academy,” says Dr. David Timbs, program manager for curriculum Programs. “Their enthusiasm is contagious and they are the greatest recruiters in front of younger students. They make you want to know more about the Academy and be involved in the work. The new role of Student Ambassador gives several of our most enthusiastic students an opportunity to advocate on a larger stage.”
At least two students from each participating high school in Ballad Health Academy were selected as part of the inaugural group of Student Ambassadors. Specialized student leadership training will be provided for these students during summer 2026, and several events throughout the school year will continue their leadership development.
“The most powerful voice in the evolution of Ballad Health Academy must be our students,” says Timbs. “They are in the Academy by choice, and this first group really helped us shape the program throughout the initial year. It only makes sense that they should help lead moving forward.”
Pathway Advisors meet on a regular basis with students at each high school and have developed a deep understanding of the Academy’s students and their talents, passions and potentials.
“I am consistently amazed at the insight of our Academy students, their focus on their futures and the pride they have developed by saying they are an Academy student,” says Jennifer Rouse, Pathway Advisor for both Tennessee High School and Elizabethton High School. “Working with these students has been a highlight of my career in education and watching them grow and gain confidence in their abilities as future nurses has been greatly rewarding.”
The Student Ambassador role will function in many ways, but one of the most important aspects will be serving alongside Pathway Advisors to help both recruit students to the Academy and assist with particular sessions throughout the year.
“Our new Student Ambassadors will be crucial to the continued success of the Academy, and we are committed to investing in their growth. Providing students an opportunity to lead is a key aspect of shaping the soft skills that complement their academic skills,” says Timbs.
Student Ambassadors were selected and announced during the Spring 2026 Signing Day events held at each participating high school.
2026-27 Ballad Health Academy Student Ambassadors
Dobyns-Bennett High School
Kaelynn Lane
Lily Carroll
Elizabethton High School
Asmara Perry
Brooklyn Hurley
Greeneville High School
Noah Janha
Haylee Johnson
Science Hill High School
Isaac Hernandez
Marlie Johnston
Asmin Shaik
Sullivan East Hight School
Faith Leonard
Abigail Milhorn
Jayden Moyher
Tennessee High School
Annalyse Staubus
Sadie Daniels
Abagale Jones
West Ridge High School
Chloe Lane
Kristyn Shoemaker
