Class of 2029 elects top officers and M1 representatives

Class of 2029 officers and representatives

By Lindsay Hughes

The Whiddon College of Medicine Class of 2029 recently elected its leaders, choosing classmates who are committed to building community, amplifying student voices, and supporting one another through the challenges ahead.

Caroline Lloyd, president

As president of the class, Caroline Lloyd hopes to be both a strong advocate and a steady source of encouragement for her classmates.

“I will work with the officer team to ensure that the voices of each student are heard, and to ensure that each student remains educated on and excited about all the goings-on and the future of the Whiddon COM,” Lloyd said. “I will also do my best to foster relationships among classmates that go deeper than being study buddies; I want each of my classmates to feel they have someone to turn to for whatever they need, whether that be encouragement, support, or just someone to go on a walk with.” 

She knows firsthand how important those connections are. “Medical school is so hard, and I know that real human friendships are necessary to maintain wellness during such a trying time,” she said.

Lloyd’s decision to run for office was inspired by the profound impact her peers have had on her and the friendships she's built in such a short time.

“Those relationships will surely continue to support me through the rest of my medical education and career,” she said. “I decided to step into a leadership role so that I can be an active part of ensuring that camaraderie continues to grow and flourish for the benefit of each student.”

That sense of belonging is also what drew Lloyd to Whiddon COM in the first place. She recalls feeling the college’s commitment to student success from her first interview.

“Each faculty member is deeply invested in the success of each student, and that is displayed in every lecture, lab session, and even in every passing conversation in the hallway,” she said. “I truly do feel that the Whiddon COM is a family that I have been welcomed into with open arms.”

Maddie Katona, vice president

For Maddie Katona, leadership begins with creating an environment where her classmates feel supported, encouraged and valued. As vice president, Katona hopes to help her peers find confidence in their abilities while building resilience for the challenges of medical school.

“I want our classmates to feel appreciated for their talents, motivated to embrace challenges, and confident to help others,” Katona said. “I understand that each person has unique and essential attributes that help to enrich Whiddon COM’s values and goals, so I hope that Caroline and I can help cheer on our classmates and help them build the confidence and resilience they need to pursue their purpose in medicine.”

Katona was inspired to pursue a leadership role after her sister encouraged her to take the leap. As the oldest sibling, she naturally gravitates toward helping others grow, whether offering advice, motivating a team, or celebrating someone’s strengths. 

Her experiences leading a collegiate athletic team reinforced that calling. “It was incredibly rewarding to be someone my teammates trusted to support and inspire them in their personal, academic and athletic endeavors,” she said. “That’s the type of person I hope to be for my medical school class and for my president.”

Katona’s decision to attend Whiddon COM was shaped by her interviews with faculty, which showed her how deeply the school values its students. Conversations with John Hinton, M.D., assistant professor of neurology, ranged from cartography and ancient manuscripts to stargazing and early American exploration. Natalie Bauer, Ph.D., assistant dean for admissions and associate professor of pharmacology, asked thoughtful questions about family, books and volunteer experiences.

“I could tell that the faculty at South genuinely cares about their students, wants to help them explore their interests, and wants to see them succeed,” Katona said. “I wanted to be a part of an environment like that.”

Class of 2029 officers and M1 representatives:

• President: Caroline Lloyd 
• Vice President: Madeleine “Maddie” Katona
• Secretary: Madi Webb
• Treasurer: Seth Stewart
• SGA Liaison: Caroline Weisenfeld
• Intramural Chairs: Will Beams, Ben Estrada and Miles Hunt
• Social Chairs: David Blackburn, Caley Caldwell and Cade Meyers
• Community Service Chairs: Nate Fehrmann and Kaleigh Miller
• Internet Technical Officer: Brayan Fortunato
• Wellness Officers: Lauren Assaf, Jayne Freeman, Peyton Jacobs and Anna Grace Johnson
• Honor Council: Logan Brewer, Andrew Monk, Julian Smith and Mary Liz Hill
• Merchandise Chair: Odalys Ordonez Medina
• Review of Systems Yearbook Editor: Melanie Calderon Bernuy