On November 3rd, 2025, Armuchee High School’s (AHS) Class of 2026 elected Drake Ballard as AHS’s “Mr. Armuchee.” Drake previously won the Mr. Armuchee title at the Armuchee pageant on April 5th, 2025. Many of Drake’s peers feel that Drake truly represents everything the Class of 2026 stands for. “He really represents our grade… being there for everybody and being involved especially,” Noah Thompson, a senior and close friend of Drake’s, said. Like before with the Armuchee pageant, Drake holds this title in high regard. “I try and do out what I say and just be the best person that I can be, and follow the things that make me, Mr. Armuchee,” Ballard said.
At Armuchee, Drake is involved in Key Club, Future Business Leaders of American (FBLA), National Honors Society (NHS), Cross Country, and Track. Drake also played Basketball for three years. This involvement has allowed Drake to see different sides of Armuchee, which is one reason as to why his peers believe he best represents Armuchee. “My favorite aspect of Armuchee is the community. All people are super nice, and it just feels like a family,” Ballard said. Drake says that his favorite hobbies are video games, and he is currently learning to play the guitar. “Even though he [cannot always spend time] with us, he’s still always there for us and he’s kind. He’s a good guy,” Thompson said.
After high school, Drake hopes to go to the University of Georgia and enter the work force with a large amount of financial success. “I want to be remembered as someone that just made an impact on other people and just brought joy to their lives,” Ballard said. After walking the stage at graduation, Drake hopes to leave a legacy of contribution and positive influence. “I feel like the most important aspect is… the role model that might come with [the title] and just people looking up to me and just showing them what it means to be a student at Armuchee and always doing the right thing,” Ballard said.
