KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Four young people were honored by the leaders of a large East Tennessee nonprofit on Thursday after their work exemplifying the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Tennessee Valley.
The nonprofit held its "Youth of the Year Celebration" on Thursday, honoring the four honorees. Honorees are chosen based on how well they demonstrate leadership, service, academic excellence and a commitment to positively impact their communities.
The four honorees are listed below.
- Anaiya Coclough (17 years old)
- School: West High School
- Club: Haslam Family Club University & Regal Teen Center
- Tenure: 10 years
- College Aspirations: Interested in the medical field
- Noteworthy Contribution: Anaiya volunteers at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital, comforting infants and assisting with feeding plans.
- Tatum Carter (14 years old)
- School: Halls High School
- Club: DeBusk Family Club
- Tenure: 6 years
- College Aspirations: Business or Accounting
- Community Service: Actively involved in environmental cleanup efforts at Norris Lake.
- JoRissah Wright (15 years old)
- School: Central High School
- Club: Regal Teen Center
- Tenure: 5 years
- College Aspirations: Pursuing a strong Arts program
- Leadership Role: Guides younger members in the youth arts initiative, preparing them for upcoming shows.
- Sharon Cueyactle (15 years old)
- School: Maryville Jr. High School
- Club: Boys & Girls Clubs of Blount County- Alcoa Club
- Tenure: 7 years
- College Aspirations: Marine Biology
- Initiative: Co-founder of the TURLE Club, focusing on STEM and environmental responsibility in Blount County.
The four honorees also won cash awards. Coclough and Carter each won $1,000 while Cueyactle earned $2,000 and Wright won $3,000.
"This event showcases the incredible impact of our Clubs in nurturing and mentoring thousands of young people. These four outstanding youths exemplify strong character and leadership, highlighting the potential of our future leaders," said Bart McFadden in a release, the president of the nonprofit.
The celebration was held from 6 p.m. through 8 p.m. on Thursday in the Old City area.
