Two local students were recently selected as Niswonger Scholars, a program which invests in five exceptional students from the region annually.
Elijah Charles “Bo” Pless, a student at Elizabethton High School, and Savannah Rose Agan, of Unaka High School, were selected and will now have the opportunity to attend any college in the United States as well as numerous training and leadership development opportunities.
Students are chosen through a nomination process that seeks to identify the region’s most promising leaders. Criteria include evidence of leadership in schools and community, academic excellence and intellectual curiosity, family financial need, personal integrity and a commitment to return to Northeast Tennessee.
According to the Niswonger Foundation, scholars participate in a four-year leadership development program with personalized and group activities that emphasize business management, community service and ethical decision making. Their academic advisement, technology needs and travel expenses are provided along with training by a myriad of successful regional, state and national leaders. They are encouraged to study abroad and participate in internships to become model citizens.
Pless has served as executive board member and senior class secretary for the EHS Student Government Association, vice president of the Carter County Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Group, and a member of Calvary Baptist Church’s Student Leaders in Christ Council. His awards include, Tennessee Division 2 Class AA State Marching Band Champion, Most Outstanding Band Student, Wynell White Biology Award and Paul H. Pless Award. He has co-authored the book Footprints of Appalachia. He is active in Varsity Basketball and Varsity Baseball at EHS. His community service experience includes work with Mission Fuge Camps, Hale Community Ministries, Carter County Chamber of Commerce and Race for Wandell. The son of Eddie and Kim Pless, he intends to major in engineering.
Agan has served as Chapter Future Farmers of America (FFA) president, as secretary for the Eastern Region FFA and for the Appalachian Fair Youth Board. She is a member of the 4-H Wildlife team, 4-H Forestry team, and FFA Agricultural Sales team. Her awards include, FFA GOLD Leadership Award, State FFA Degree recipient, state finalist in Agricultural Sales Competition, and state finalist in Small Animal Production and Care Proficiency. Savannah has completed community service with the National FFA Organization, Health Occupations Students of America, 4-H, Johnson County High School and the Key Club. The daughter of Jerry and Amanda Agan, she intends to major in agriculture.
The fundamental goal of the program, according to the foundation, is to make a positive impact on the future of this region by following the Niswonger philosophy of “learn, earn, return.” Scholars commit to returning to the First Congressional District to work in their chosen careers, while serving their communities.
Founded by Greeneville, Tennessee businessman and philanthropist Scott M. Niswonger, the foundation has now selected 25 scholars and additionally supports the current network of 57 alumni from the program.