Academic All-Star – Fairview High School

Published February 23, 2017

The Academic All-Star award is given to students who exhibit a positive attitude and a commitment to excellence in the classroom. Each Academic All-Star is chosen by his or her principal and receives a framed certificate, free food from Chick-fil-A and Sonic Drive-In and a free gift courtesy of Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More in Franklin.

Fairview High School senior Dakota Stinson isn’t the type of student who loves school. In fact, it wasn’t long ago that Kody, as he’s known to his friends, was struggling with both his grades and attendance.

But thanks to the help of some of staff members at Fairview High and the realization that things had to change, Kody has pulled a complete 180 and is now on track to graduate. That’s why administrators at Fairview chose him as their Academic All-Star for the 2017-18 school year.

“Kody’s lack of passion for school challenged everything across the board,” said Ellen Browne, assistant principal. “This year, through hard work, determination and a gigantic change of attitude, he has completely turned it around. He shows up to school with a smile on his face; he is engaged in classes; and he is truly pleasant to be around.”

Although he’s not a fan of math and science, Kody says history is probably his favorite subject. When he’s not in school, Kody can be found working or hanging out with friends.

As for life after Fairview High, Kody plans to enter the heating, ventilation and air conditioning program at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology in Dickson. It’s a future Kody wasn’t sure might happen just a few months ago.

“At a certain point I just realized I wanted to graduate,” said Kody. “I want to get my diploma; go to college; and make some money. You can’t do that if you don’t have the grades.”