Chandler Stevenson
Senior Chandler Stevenson shares his dedicated lifestyle.
Chandler Stevenson (12) is a diligent student, talented musician, and leader.
Photo courtesy of Chandler Stevenson
Krystal Wu, Staff Writer
Student by day and flutist by night, Senior Chandler Stevenson juggles many trades and talents in his high school life.
In their final year of high school, one would foresee stress and pressure- applying to prospective colleges, maintaining satisfactory grades, and preparing for one’s future is no minuscule task. However, despite these odds, Stevenson challenged himself, taking five Advanced Placement (AP) classes, with band as his only non-AP class.
“I first met Chandler when he was in my fifth period AP Lang class last year,” Elizabeth Lake, Stevenson’s former AP Lang teacher, said. “Chandler is amazingly dedicated. Whatever the activity, whether music, mock trial, debate, 4H, or any of his other passions, Chandler throws himself into it with all his heart.”
Stevenson is a studious teenager with many interests and an abundance of drive to pursue them. A prominent talent of his is music, as a flutist of 11 years. Not only is Stevenson currently in the top band at Northview, but he is also section leader of the marching band flutes, and a member of the Alpharetta Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Wind Ensemble as well. Kelly Dickerson, Northview’s band teacher, describes him as a consummate professional, an exceptionally talented musician, and a humble young man who pays great attention to detail.
“Chandler is one of those students that I wish I had 20 of in a band. He participates, builds others up around him, and you can tell he genuinely loves music,” Dickerson said.
His continued growth inspires the people around him as well. Stevenson’s numerous extracurriculars and extensive school courses are all a part of his future. He discusses his aspirations and goals in life.
“My dream college has always been Brown University,” Stevenson said. “I plan to become a patent lawyer and hope to better the world through the fusion of law and technology.”
Stevenson impresses peers and teachers alike with an amiable personality. Stevenson has not always lived in Johns Creek. As an only child, he lived with his family in Cherokee County until his sophomore year of high school. When he moved to Northview, he created new friendships and relationships, meeting fellow senior Vedu Madella in his Honors Chemistry class that year.
“He’s smart and works hard. Other than that he’s really funny and makes jokes all the time,” Mallela said. “There was one time in Honors Chemistry where everyone in my group left quickly, and there was a huge mess that I had to clean up, and we were both in sixth period, but Chandler stayed after and helped clean up.”
Mallela shared this story as a special memory the two shared. After meeting and befriending Stevenson in sophomore year, Mallela plans to remain close with him even after high school. Mallela also recounts Stevenson’s kind and hard-working manner, his leadership skills within the classroom, and his sense of humor; despite the current pandemic, this description of Stevenson still holds true.
“I would’ve never imagined part of my senior year being in this online setting, but with any task, we must learn to adapt and overcome,” Stevenson said. “I’ve learned to push myself academically and physically and have explored topics that pique my interest.”
Quarantine has affected everyone in one way or another. For most seniors, having to experience their final year of high school online could be a saddening realization, but to Stevenson, this is but the next great adventure, as he continues to stay involved and learn new things. Some of his favorite pastimes include fishing, biking, camping, and going on runs; he has a big heart for nature.
“As a leader to many, my role model will always be the people I serve whether it be members of the community or peers at school, the people around me serve as a continual inspiration for the betterment of myself,” Stevenson said.
