Super Bowl XLII star David Tyree, wide receiver for the champion New York Giants, will be the keynote speaker at Student Venture's annual banquet on Saturday, May 17.
The banquet, celebrating Student Venture's 40 years of ministry in Chattanooga area high schools, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Chattanooga Trade and Convention Center.
Tyree made what many call the "greatest Super Bowl catch" ever when he made a leap and catch to clutch the ball against his helmet on a critical third down play with one minute remaining in Super Bowl XLII.
The catch set up the eventual go ahead touchdown from Eli Manning to Plaxico Burress.
Originally a sixth round NFL draft choice by the New York Giants, Tyree is now widely considered one of the most productive and consistent special teams players in the NFL.
A former New Jersey prep All American, the 28-year-old Tyree is known for his community service. He is also a frequent speaker, discussing his faith in Jesus Christ and speaking to young people about academic excellence and the dangers of drug abuse.
Tyree and his wife, Leilah, have four children, sons Teyon and Josiah, and twin daughters, Sophia and Hannah, born in February 2008. He attended Syracuse University, majoring in consumer studies.
Student Venture is the high school and junior high ministry of Campus Crusade for Christ International, a worldwide, inter-denominational ministry. Since 1968, Student Venture Chattanooga has been reaching out to teenagers in area schools. Staff members currently have active ministries at Hixson, Howard, Soddy-Daisy, and Brainerd high schools and Baylor School.
Tyree will be available for photos and autographs with banquet attendees at the Trade Center one hour before the event.
Tables of eight for the banquet are available for $500. Individual tickets are $50. For reservations, contact Jill Lamb with Student Venture by calling 423 265-8060 or via e-mail at jill.lamb@studentventure.com.