Jack of All Trades - Turner Lander

The old saying, 'jack of all trades, master of none' is only partially true for Turner Lander. The do-it-all 7th-grader from Lula has a knack for picking up a hobby, going all in, and having loads of success. Some would say he's mastered several, or working in that direction.

Look no further than his early career on the tennis court. He traded a baseball bat and glove for a racquet in 2023, and so far he's proving that to be a wise choice. An unfortunate pelvic injury led to the decision. He took part in a TFS summer tennis clinic camp with coach Randy Morris, and that jumpstarted his journey on the court.

"I asked him if he liked it, and he said it was 'pretty good'," says Turner's mom Ashley Dillingham, who is the Student Activities Coordinator at TFS. "He quickly got better in his serves, strokes, and developed more as a player."

Turner comes by it honestly - Ashley played tennis growing up in the Houston, TX area, even playing indoor tennis at a high level into her forties.

Turner made the tennis team as a 6th-grader, earning some time in doubles play. A competitive spirit propelled him to take it up a notch.

"He played some others who were more aggressive, and he said 'I want to play like that,'" says Ashley. "He began to take it more seriously."

This past fall, Lander stapled down the 3-singles spot on a team that ended up going 11-0 and winning the Southern Mountain League Championship. Lander himself also went a perfect 11-0 in his matches, directing his energy and passion with a coachable attitude to the game.

"I was very surprised to be able to play as well as I did, but I definitely put in some work to get here," says Turner.

He has yet to even take professional lessons aside from playing against his mom, who doesn't take it easy on him.

"Turner has been a hard worker since he joined our tennis program," adds Anthony Cox. "He competes at a high level, and his energy and enthusiasm are contagious."

Turner's involvement at Tallulah Falls School goes well beyond the court. He has played on the soccer team, and has played club ball as well. He helps the swim team as a manager, and is well-rounded with being involved in theatre, outdoor activities, and even a newfound love of fly fishing.

Casey Barron, Director of Information Technology, started a Fly Fishing Club at the school this year. He invited Turner to tag along, as he had enjoyed basic fishing but no experience fly fishing. It wasn't long at all - just a few trips out - before he began catching good-sized trout.

"I feel like it is a privilege to be able to pursue education plus extracurriculars such as tennis, soccer, fishing, and more," adds Turner on what makes Tallulah Falls so unique. "When I try something new, I like to be the best I can at it and if I get it in my head that I want to win, then I will try my hardest to do so."

It's yet another tool in the toolbox for Turner, who loves hiking and all things outdoors, and gets all A's in the classroom. It doesn't stop there. He's been in several theatre productions at TFS, even participating in Upper School plays. His credits include The Lost Boy (2023, young James Barrie/pirate), Hound of the Baskerville (2024, horse, shepherd, part of the hound), and Secret Garden (2025, Collin) in Upper School performances, as well as the recent MS play Rotten Apples (Pinocchio). True to form, he has excelled in his roles, even teaching himself to have a British accent for an entire play.

Turner continues to be a model example of what a student can be at Tallulah Falls. He's adaptable, tenacious, versatile, and equipped with a wide range of skills - a 'Swiss Army knife' of sorts. And he loves everything he does - and loves big!