John M. Schweri was born and raised in Middle Tennessee. He graduated from Hillsboro High School, where he enjoyed participating in sports (baseball, wrestling) and the arts (music, theatre). He also focused on his education, which included honors and AP classes and high school Forensics. John attended Columbia State Community College, followed by Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism in 2001. Upon graduation, he received a full scholarship as a Graduate Assistant in the Speech Department and completed a Master’s in Business Administration at MTSU in 2003. While attending MTSU, John participated first as debater then as debate coach with the MTSU Policy Debate Team, competing in more than 50 regional and national tournaments. His debate awards include Top Speaker in the State of Tennessee and Top Speaker in the Southeast/South Central Region. After receiving his M.B.A. from MTSU John attended Nashville School of Law, from which he graduated and received his Doctor of Law Degree (J.D.).