Union County, a small part of Tennessee and an even smaller part of the United States. With a population of approximately 20,000 in 2019, we often wonder what is produced by the endeavors of our families, teachers, and leaders.
One story that I would like to begin to tell over the next few months, is the story of successes that have come from our small part of the world.
“If you have a dream, do everything you possibly can to follow it. When you are seeking out a path, an opportunity will almost always present itself. Be willing to put yourself out there and to take a risk,” Collins said.
One such success is Hunter Collins, a Union County High School (UCHS) graduate, a graduate from Tennessee Tech University and on May 20th he will be graduating with a Master of Music in Performance from Louisiana State University.
Collins, the son of Chaunta Boggs, grandson of Rita Grahl and great-grandson of the late Losie Miracle was involved in the Union County High School Band and Beta Club.
These activities in high school along with the influence of Rodney Brown, the former UCHS band director, Hannah Haynes, the current UCHS music teacher, and Hannah Richardson, a UCHS English teacher have aided Collins in his chosen academic and career path.
After graduating from UCHS, he received his Bachelor of Music in Performance in May 2020. While at Tennessee Tech University in Cookeville, Tennessee Collins was in the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, University Orchestra, Golden Eagle Marching Band and the Bryan Symphony Orchestra
The Bryan Symphony Orchestra is a professional orchestra that Collins won an audition for and had the opportunity to be with them for three years.
Along with this, Collins was initiated as a member of Pi Kappa Lambda, an international music honor society that strives to recognize and encourage the highest level of musical achievement and academic scholarship.
Collins also held the office of Chorister for Mu Phi Epsilon, a professional music fraternity that is missioned with bringing together music, friendship and community
Once Collins graduated from Tennessee Tech University, he was awarded a graduate teaching assistantship that fully waived his tuition and provided a stipend that covered his living expense. Through this, Collins has been able to attend graduate school debt-free.
“The assistantship provided many opportunities and experiences. I have been the instructor of record for two undergraduate-level courses, I have performed with the LSU Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, Graduate Woodwind Quintet, and the Constantinides New Music Ensemble,” Collins said.
Collins is the first in his family to attend a four-year university and is now on his way to receiving his second degree. He credits these achievements to following opportunities and working hard in their pursuit.
While many students may struggle to find their place at a university with transitions from a small high school to a college campus, Collins was fortunate to have found a home in the School of Music at Tennessee Tech. This academic college was roughly the size of a graduating class from UCHS which allows him to quickly find a circle of friends to lean on. This support system allows for a new environment to feel smaller and more manageable.
By the end of the month, Collins will be back in Maynardville for a little while. During his time back home he will still travel occasionally to Louisiana to continue to work in the Baton Rouge Symphony. Collins is hoping to spend time giving back to the community that he grew up in by sharing what he has learned about music.
Collins will also be working on and submitting applications in the fall in hopes of getting accepted into a Doctor of Musical Arts program.
“Your upbringing is a major part of who you are, but it does not define you and it certainly should not restrict you or impeded your progress,” Collins said.
Collins is only one story of many that make our county so unique and special, if you know of a graduate from Union County High School that you believe would be a good addition to the Union County Success Story series, please email them to me at khill9126@gmail.com.