Shown, from left, are TFS senior harriers Haokun David Cheng of China, Sarah Edwards Sautee Nacoochee, Sophie Alexander of Sautee Nacocchee, Maria Whitson of Alto, Laurel Smith of Clayton and Chris Geiger of Sautee Nacoochee. (photo/TFS)
The Tallulah Falls School cross country program honored six seniors at this season’s final home meet, the Harrier Harvest. Seniors Sophie Alexander, Haokun David Cheng, Sarah Edwards, Chris Geiger, Maria Whitson and Laurel Smith were honored before the meet. With several hundred spectators, including runners from a wide range of schools in attendance, the honorees were escorted to the victor’s platform by parents or selected members of the TFS community.
Two-year captain Sophie Alexander of Cornelia was escorted by her mother Christy Harris and father Matthew Alexander. Sophie is a four year, three-sport athlete in cross country, basketball and track and field. She is a member of the National Honor Society, an FCA Huddle Leader, Presidential Scholar, TFS Ambassador and Georgia Certificate of Merit recipient. Alexander plans to study biomedical engineering at college.
Senior Haokun David Cheng of Beijing, China was escorted by her cross country coach and English teacher Jennifer Walker. Cheng is a four-year member of the TFS tennis team and is the president of both the Math Club and the Key Club as well as a three-year National Honor Society member. He is also a TFS Presidential Scholar and TFS Ambassador. After graduation, Cheng plans to attend Duke University, where he will study computer science and hopes to create programs to help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.
Sarah Edwards of Sautee Nacoochee was escorted by parents Chuck and Millie Edwards. Edwards is a multi-year letter earner and a Coach’s Award recipient on the TFS swim team. She is a three-year National Honor Society, Juniorettes and FCA Huddle Leader. Edwards is also a three-year TFS Presidential Scholar, four-year TFS Ambassador, 2019 Habersham EMC Washington Youth Tour delegate and 2019 Georgia Merit Scholar. She plans to attend UGA to major in chemistry, then further her education at Augusta University to become a dentist.
Chris Geiger was escorted by his mother, Catherine Brooks-Geiger. Geiger has lettered in cross country in 9th and 10th grades and in swimming and track & field the last three years. He is a member of the National Honor Society, Interact Club and Cinema Club. Geiger is also a TFS Ambassador, Indian Athlete of the Year recipient and has received President’s Commendation honors for four years. Geiger plans to attend Lanier Technical College and Kennesaw State University to study mechanical engineering.
Team leader Laurel Smith of Clayton was escorted by her parents, Lori and Tim Smith. Laurel has participated in cross country since the 7th grade. She has earned varsity letters in cross country, tennis and track & field. Smith is an FCA Huddle Leader and member of the National Art Honor Society. She has received the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Citizenship Award and recognized as a Rotary Student of the Month. Smith is also a TFS Ambassador and received President’s Commendation honors. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in science so that she can serve others in her community.
Senior Maria Whitson of Alto was escorted by her parents Chris and Sheryl Whitson. Whitson earned three varsity letters in cross country and is a recipient of the GREAT Teammate Award. She has also lettered in soccer and track & field. Whitson is a member of the National Honor Society, Juniorettes, FCA and Key Club. She is also a TFS Ambassador and three-year Presidential Scholar. Following graduation Whitson plans to study biology and pursue a medical career.
