Dakota is the son of Joe Brannon and Cindy Brannon. He is a member of several organizations, such as the National Honor Society, Beta Club, World Language Club, Environmental Club, the Young Democrats, and Drama Club. He is also the Treasurer of the French National Honor Society.

Dakota works part-time at Plato’s Closet. He also has volunteered at several of the school organized blood drives, as well as a few fall festivals at the McCracken County District’s elementary schools.

Dakota is planning to study International Relations at New York University in the fall. He has earned academic scholarships in the amount of  $38,000 to put towards his NYU tuition.