Danny Carson is a dedicated educator and coach with a rich history of service to the Cleveland High School community. A graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga with a Bachelor of Science in Education, and Tusculum University with a Master of Arts in Education, Danny spent decades shaping the lives of young athletes. He began his career at Cleveland High School, where he served as an assistant football coach from 1976 to 2004, assistant baseball coach from 1977 to 1981, head baseball coach from 1982 to 2000, and returned as an assistant baseball coach from 2001 to 2011. His coaching excellence was recognized with numerous awards, including District Baseball Coach of the Year in 1988 and 1993, and the 2006 Tennessee Valley Athletic Conference 2-5A Football Assistant Coach of the Year. Beyond his coaching duties, Danny made a significant impact on the community, volunteering as a bus driver for athletic events to save funds and contributing to the renovation of the CHS baseball field.

A 1970 graduate, Danny's legacy is deeply intertwined with Cleveland High School's football history. He played in the school's first state championship football game under Coach Bobby Scott, an experience that instilled in him the champion mindset. This came full circle when he served as the defensive coordinator for all three of Cleveland High's state championship victories in 1993, 1994, and 1995 under Coach Benny Monroe. Danny was also an assistant coach during the runner-up state championship appearance in 1982, making him a key figure in all of the school's state championship football games, either as a player or a coach. Now retired, Danny remains a 45-year active member of Wesley Memorial Church and is cherished for his lifelong commitment to the students and athletes of Cleveland.

Tony Cavett, a 1972 graduate of Cleveland High School, dedicated his life to the sport of tennis and to his community. After attending Cleveland State Community College and earning an Associate's degree in 1975, he continued his education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga from 1975 to 1978, eventually completing a Bachelor’s degree at Tusculum University in 1991. Tony’s passion for tennis led him to a 35-year career as a Tennis Professional and Coach at Cleveland Country Club. He also served as the Men’s Tennis Coach at Cleveland State for six years and the Men’s and Women’s Tennis Coach at Lee University for 17 years. His dedication to the sport and his players earned him the prestigious Trans South Coach of the Year award in 2002, and in 2019, the Tennis Facility at Tinsley Park was named in his honor.

Tony’s influence extended far beyond the tennis court. He was deeply committed to his community, working with local city and county school teachers to introduce the "Sport of a Lifetime" to students of all ages. His collegiate teams were involved in various community service activities, including assisting with the Special Olympics, The Trousdale School, and local camps. Notably, Tony developed tennis tournaments specifically designed for wheelchair-bound individuals, ensuring that the sport he loved was accessible to all. Despite not playing tennis in high school—opting instead for football and track—his experiences and the mentorship of coaches like Bobby Scott and Bill Talley profoundly shaped his coaching philosophy. In recognition of his lifetime of service and dedication, Tony will be posthumously inducted into the Cleveland Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as a beloved coach and community leader who believed in teaching tennis to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

Mitul "Mitch" I. Patel, a 1987 graduate of Cleveland High School, has built an impressive career in the hospitality industry. After earning both a B.S. in Civil Engineering and an M.S. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Transportation/Traffic Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Mitch began his professional journey as a Traffic Engineer in Atlanta. In 1997, with a modest $3,000 in savings, he founded Vision Hospitality Group, Inc. Under his leadership, Vision has grown into a nationally respected hotel management and development company, boasting a portfolio of 42 hotels across nine states, with a market valuation nearing $1 billion. Mitch's innovative approach and dedication to excellence have earned him numerous industry awards, including the Marriott International Development Partner of the Year Award and the Ruth Holmberg Arts Leadership Award.

Beyond his professional achievements, Mitch Patel is deeply committed to community service, particularly in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He serves on various owner's advisory councils for Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide and holds leadership roles in several community and industry organizations. Mitch is a passionate advocate for education, the arts, and economic development, and he has been a strong voice in the fight against human trafficking within the hospitality industry. His commitment to integrating local culture into his developments is evident in properties like The Edwin Hotel in Chattanooga, which features over 200 pieces of local art. Mitch credits his high school experiences in the Art Club and Math & Science Club, along with the mentorship of teachers like Martha Kidwell, as foundational to his success, allowing him to blend creativity with strategic problem-solving in his career.

Mark Allan Miles, a distinguished educator with over 30 years of experience, is a proud 1989 graduate of Cleveland High School. He pursued higher education at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, earning a B.S. in Mathematics Education, followed by an M.Ed. in Mathematics Education from North Georgia College and State University, and an Ed.S. in Teaching and Learning from Liberty University. Throughout his career, Mark has taught math at both the middle and high school levels, with 25 years dedicated to high school education. Currently, he serves as a Math Teacher at his alma mater, Cleveland High School, where he continues to inspire and educate the next generation of students.

Mark's commitment to excellence in education is reflected in the numerous accolades he has received. He was named the 1998 Murray County High School Teacher of the Year and has been recognized as a STAR Teacher six times at Murray County High School. His outstanding work in Cleveland City Schools has been acknowledged with the Cleveland Middle School Teacher of the Year award in 2015 and the Cleveland High School Teacher of the Year award in 2020, 2021, and 2023. Mark credits his success to the profound influence of his own teachers, including Mrs. Renner, Mr. Ingram, Ms. Lemons, Coach Carson, and Coach Connolly, who shaped his passion for teaching. He is supported by his spouse, Jo Miles, and their three children, Ethan, Emma, and Eli.

Tyrus Smartt, a 1994 graduate of Cleveland High School, has built a distinguished career in the biopharmaceutical industry, currently serving as the Director of Clinical Operations for North America at ICON, plc. After earning his B.S. in Biology from Belmont University in Nashville, TN, Tyrus began his career as a Lab Technician in a Forensics and DNA paternity lab, where he conducted paternity testing for both private cases and television talk shows. In 1999, he joined ICON, plc, a leading contract research organization, and quickly advanced through the ranks from an entry-level role to prominent leadership positions, including Global Project Manager and Director of Clinical Trial Support. In these roles, he played a critical part in overseeing clinical trials that led to the regulatory approval of five drugs and medical devices, including the Pfizer COVID vaccine. His commitment to excellence is further reflected in his appointment as one of 20 Diversity Inclusion and Belonging Advocates within a company of over 40,000 employees, and his achievement of EMCC Accredited Professional Coaching Practitioner status.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tyrus is deeply committed to community service. He has served as Corporate Co-Captain of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Light The Night event and has organized numerous community outreach initiatives, including annual volunteer days and toy drives for underprivileged families. Tyrus also dedicates his time to mentoring high school students, coaching youth sports, and participating in church leadership as a pianist and choir director. His passion for giving back to his community is rooted in the values instilled in him by the teachers and staff of Cleveland High School, who taught him the importance of service alongside academic achievement. Through his contributions to the Bridges To Belmont Scholarship Fund and his work on Belmont University’s Advisory Committee, Tyrus continues to make a positive impact on the lives of minority students and families in his community.

Dr. Ashley (Watson) Johnson is a highly accomplished psychiatrist and a dedicated community leader. A 1996 graduate of Cleveland High School, she pursued her passion for medicine by attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, where she earned a BS in Biology. She continued her education at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, obtaining her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), followed by a General Internship and Psychiatry Residency at Wright State University/Wright Patterson AFB Medical Center. After 17 years of distinguished service as an active duty psychiatrist in the U.S. Air Force, she transitioned to civilian life, where she has made significant contributions to the mental health field. In 2021, she founded Colorado Recovery Solutions (CRS), a multisite outpatient psychiatric clinic in Colorado Springs, CO, that provides cutting-edge treatments for PTSD, depression, addiction, and other mental health disorders.

Throughout her career, Dr. Johnson has been recognized for her exceptional service and compassionate care, receiving prestigious awards such as the Sabuhi Osmond MBBS Award, the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Her commitment to community service is evident in her efforts to support veterans, first responders, and under-insured individuals through CRS, which also contributes to local non-profits like the Springs Rescue Mission and Dream Centers. Dr. Johnson's work is deeply rooted in her belief in comprehensive, integrative care that addresses the whole person, drawing on her extensive experience in both military and civilian settings to create lasting change in the lives of those she serves.

Adam Moss is a dedicated educator and Learning Acceleration Programs Coordinator with Cleveland City Schools, where he has served the community since 2008. A graduate of Lee University, Adam holds a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies (K-6), a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and an Educational Specialist (Ed.S) Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. His journey in education began at Cleveland High School, where he graduated in 2003, laying the foundation for his commitment to the local school system. Adam spent nearly a decade as a third- and fifth-grade teacher, achieving "Level 5 effectiveness status" every year in the classroom before transitioning to a role as a building-level RTI Facilitator in 2017, working at Arnold Memorial Elementary School, Ross Elementary, and Yates Primary Schools. His current role as a district coordinator includes overseeing K-12 RTI, tutoring, summer programs, and numeracy support.

Beyond his administrative achievements, Adam has made significant contributions to the Cleveland community through initiatives like the Southeast TN Math Competition, which he founded after being inspired by a math event in Alabama. This competition has grown to include hundreds of students from multiple districts. Additionally, Adam coordinates various STEAM enrichment activities such as Fine Arts Camps and STEM Nights. His deep involvement in the choral and theater programs at Cleveland High School, particularly as part of Thespian Troupe 505, fostered skills that he continues to apply in his educational practices. Adam's ongoing collaboration with his former CHS teachers enriches his role, enabling him to give back to the community that shaped his career.

Melissa Hoffer Barnett, a 2004 graduate of Cleveland High School, has dedicated her career to education and community service. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Exceptional Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Science in School Administration from Tennessee Wesleyan University, she spent a decade as a special education teacher, working in various settings including CDC, resource, intervention, alternative environments, and Algebra 1. She started her career teaching at Cleveland High School. Her commitment to her students extended beyond the classroom, as she also served as a cheerleading coach, significantly enhancing the program by integrating community service and academic achievement into its core values. Melissa's career path led her to roles such as Assistant to the Graduation Coach, CASA-court appointed special advocate, and Program and Social Media Manager for Helping Mamas, a non-profit organization. Currently, she serves as the Athletic Director and Teacher Wellness Coordinator at St. John Neumann Catholic School, where she has successfully grown the athletic program and instituted initiatives to foster school pride and commitment.

Melissa's impact on her community is profound, marked by her leadership in creating the Senior Walk at Cleveland High School and her work with Helping Mamas Knoxville, where she doubled the organization's impact, distributing over 410,000 diapers and baby products to agencies in need within a single year. Her efforts have been recognized through various honors, including being named a Teacher of Distinction in 2016 and receiving the Lululemon Service Award for community involvement. A mentor in the Knoxville Independent School League and a volunteer with the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, Melissa has consistently demonstrated her passion for empowering others, particularly young women and girls. Her journey, shaped by influential teachers at Cleveland High School, reflects her commitment to challenging the status quo, honoring traditions, and paving her own way in both her professional and personal life.

Terrance “T” Goldston, a proud 2012 graduate of Cleveland High School, has dedicated his life to his community and alma mater. Since graduation, Terrance has worked at Posten Animal Clinic, where his commitment to animal care and customer service has made him a respected figure in the local community. His unwavering dedication to excellence was recognized when he received the prestigious Colby Stansberry Heart of a Champion award, an honor that reflects his perseverance, character, and the impact he has had on those around him. 

Throughout his time at Cleveland High School, Terrance was a vital part of the basketball and football programs, contributing his time and passion to support his fellow athletes. He has served as a team manager for over a decade–for multiple teams, and fondly recalls the influence of Coach Reggie Tucker and Coach Chuck Condo, whom he regards not only as coaches but as lifelong friends who have consistently stood by his side. Terrance’s deep connection to Cleveland High is evident in his proud declaration of being a "Raider for life," a sentiment that resonates with his enduring love for his school and the values it instilled in him.