Interview by Abernathy Cochran intern and Gainesville High School senior Emily Stewart
Meet Hannah Stewart! She plays volleyball at Gainesville High School. Her parents are Chris and Holly and she has worked at Mellow Mushroom for two years.
We want to thank Hannah for spending time with us recently and telling us more about her life and love of Hall County.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
A: “My parents’ names are Holly and Chris Stewart. My dad has been the head women’s basketball coach at Brenau for the past 13 or 14 years, and my mom works at the hospital. I also have a younger sister in middle school named Taylor.”
Q: Please tell us about your part time job at Mellow Mushroom. What do you love most about what you do?
A: “I’ve been working at Mellow Mushroom for the past two years. My favorite thing about it is getting to know people from our community whom I probably otherwise wouldn’t have met.”
Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?
A: “Lately, I’ve really been enjoying Centro.”
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
A: “I’ve lived in Gainesville for 13 years, and I’ve worked at my job for 2 years.”
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
A: “The most interesting person I’ve met in our community is Coach Mack. He has been involved in the school system for so long and dedicates himself to his students and players more than any other coach I know.”
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?
A: “Probably Italy, or just any part of Europe.”
Q: What is one of your favorite movies or TV shows?
A: “My favorite movie is ‘Steel Magnolias,’ and my favorite TV show is ‘Friday Night Lights.’”
Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?
A: “Don’t force what’s not meant to be, because God’s plan is greater than yours.”
Q: What current or former lo former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?
A: “Probably INK because I had a lot of my birthday parties there while growing up.”
Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative, with whom would you love to have lunch. Why and where locally would you meet for this lunch?
A: “I would love to have lunch with Dolly Parton, and I would probably take her somewhere on the Square.”
Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? And secondly, what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?
A: “I love how our community supports our football team and how past generations remain so involved and supportive.”
Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?
A: “I plan to continue furthering my education, possibly by studying psychology or occupational therapy.”
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
A: “I would love to learn how to play the guitar.”
Q: What is something you’ve been proud to check off your bucket list?
A: “I’ve hiked parts of the Appalachian Trail.”
Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?
A: “I love Tyler Childers, Billy Strings, or just bluegrass in general.”
Q: In hard times, we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us—hardworking individuals with positive attitudes who help on the front lines. Who was one of our local shining lights today?
A: “I would have to say Ms. Abigail Turner because she’s so involved in our school and always goes above and beyond for her students.”
Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?
A: “The Appalachian Mountains, especially at sunset.”
Q: What is your favorite month, favorite holiday, and best single day on the calendar?
A: “My favorite month is October because that’s when the weather starts to change for fall. My favorite holiday is Christmas, and the best single day on the calendar is the first day of summer.”
Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?
A: “The feeling after winning a really tough volleyball match.”
Q: Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?
A: “Jennifer Aniston.”
Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?
A: “I love the smell of vanilla.”
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
A: “My parents.”
