Student Spotlight: Natalie Weiss
Chattanooga, TN- Natalie Weiss, a hardworking and dedicated senior at STEM School, will graduate in 2025 with both her high school diploma and an associate’s degree from Chattanooga State.
Originally from Old Town, Maine, Weiss’s educational journey has been anything but ordinary. After moving to Chattanooga in 6th grade, Weiss attended Chattanooga High School Center for Creative Arts (CCA) before transferring to STEM School in 9th grade. Inspired by her sister’s experience at STEM, Weiss was drawn to the school’s unique approach to learning, including the opportunity to earn college credits while in high school.
“The majors at CCA were all creative arts related. I was in the band at CCA but I knew I didn’t want to pursue a career in something within that. I really wanted to try another challenge. With STEM, I saw that challenge– especially being able to take college classes and high school classes,” Weiss said. Thanks to her 10th grade Chemistry class at STEM, Weiss found her passion for science.
"I always knew science was something I was interested in. That class was very hands-on learning, and you chose your experiments within guidelines. It made me realize science is the way I wanted to go."
Now a pre-health major at Chattanooga State, she’s on track to graduate this semester, ready to take the next step in her educational journey. After graduation, Weiss plans to join the Coast Guard to be a healthcare technician and pursue physician assistant (PA) school while there.
Outside of academics, Weiss has been a vital part of STEM and the broader Hamilton County Schools community. She has been a member of the rock climbing team for all four years, served as a teacher’s assistant (TA) for Mrs. Tiffany Cash’s chemistry class at STEM, and participated in the student support senate, where she contributes to school rules and consequence discussions. Weiss is also a TA at Wallace A. Smith Elementary for their PE class. She prides herself on her leadership and willingness to help others, especially as a role model for other students who aim to follow in her footsteps and earn their associate’s degree while still in high school. “I try to be in as many helping roles as I can. I try to build connections with students and make things easier,” she said. “My sister was the fourth student to graduate with their associate’s from STEM. So now, I get to help figure out that path for future students. We’re trying to make sure other students know of this opportunity.”
One of the highlights of Weiss’s STEM experience was the connection she made with former chemistry teacher Mrs. Olivia Kane. “She always supported me on difficult assignments and guided me through challenges, even if it wasn’t her class,” Weiss recalled. Her time in Mrs. Kane’s chemistry class solidified her passion for science and set her on the path to healthcare.
As a student who has taken all college-level courses since 11th grade, Weiss has maintained an impressive GPA of 4.65 weighted and 3.75 unweighted. One of the first few to receive both her high school diploma and associate’s degree at the same time at STEM, Weiss encourages other students to consider or find out more about this path.
Natalie Weiss’s journey is one of hard work, initiative, and determination. As she prepares to graduate in 2025, she inspires others with her dedication to academics and helpful nature. We look forward to seeing all that she will accomplish in the future!
