Homecoming can be one of the most memorable moments of high school, especially for the gentlemen nominated to be on homecoming court with their peers and friends. Peter Shepard (12) was voted by his classmates to be a part of this court with his friends and teammates. He talks about his experiences with his friends and the many opportunities that they enjoyed together.
Pete is known around the school for his encouraging spirit, sense of humor, and dedication to the school. He is part of FCA, the basketball team, the school’s advanced Singers choir, and makes YouTube videos with Mr. Baldwin’s A/V Production class. He talks about how his extracurriculars and classes have benefitted him. They have helped give him his foundation and support system.
“FCA is where I take everything, school, and basketball. I can clear my mind from everything and go worship and listen to Jesus, and listen to God’s word. FCA is where I can go zone everything out and just find my peace,” Shepard said.
Another part of high school that has allowed Peter to find himself and enjoy his time with his friends has been A/V Production.
“In A/V I like just making videos, making funny videos, and just being idiots. It’s a class where you can be an idiot but also it can help yourself and others find out what you are interested in,” Shepard said.
However, the largest and most impactful part of high school for Pete, so far, has been his basketball career with his teammates and coaches. Multiple other homecoming court members are also on the basketball team. This unity through the sport has strengthened the boys’ friendships on and off the team. Pete’s relationship with his team and coaches has helped him thrive and always feel supported.
Coach Brewster inspires many athletes to be more disciplined and motivated, but Peter especially explains how much he appreciates their time together in high school and reflects on what he has learned from that time.
“Number one thing [that has impacted me] has been basketball. Just things I’ve learned, the relationship I’ve had with Brewster because he’s kind of been a dad through it all. I enjoy getting to play with my best friends, compete, and watch all the hard work pay off to see where it can lead you,” Shepard said.
After graduation, Peter plans to attend Pellissippi State Community College to explore the fields of exercise and health.
“After those two years [at Pellissippi], I’m going to probably go to university and try to get my master’s degree in kinesiology and exercise science. I would like to take physical therapy and sports training to a professional level like college,” Shepard said.
College plans and the future can often make one look back on their time in high school and appreciate the time they had with their friends and mentors. Pete talks about how his time on the homecoming court has allowed him to reminisce and value his high school career because of the support from all of the people who helped him be on the court.
“When I was nominated it kind of made me look back to when I was a freshman and how like I was not really known and just how I’ve worked my way up and grown so much. It’s how you set an example for other people and how they look up to you now is amazing to look back on,” Shepard said.
Pete’s initiative and confidence made him stand out along with support from many others. His school spirit and devotion to the things he loves show how deserving he is of this opportunity.
