Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy (CGLA) will host the 8th Annual Odyssey Awards Luncheon on Wednesday, March 15, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Presented by First Tennessee Bank, the event is CGLA’s signature fundraiser and begins at 10:30 a.m. with a silent auction. The luncheon and program commence at 11:30 a.m.Tickets are $65 per person.
This year Wintley Phipps, a pastor, world--renowned vocalist, motivational speaker, and education activist, will deliver the Odyssey 2017 keynote address. He is the founder, president, and CEO of the U.S. Dream Academy, a national afterschool program focused on breaking the cycle of intergenerational incarceration by giving children the skills and vision necessary to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Twice nominated for a Grammy Award, Mr. Phipps is the recipient of numerous service awards, most notably receiving the “Use Your Life” honor from the Oprah Winfrey Angel Network and named Philanthropist of the Year from the National Center for Black Philanthropy.
As noted by Dr. Elaine Swafford, CGLA’s executive director, Odyssey is not only an annual fundraiser but also a celebration of student achievement. “With more than 700 guests attending, Odyssey is a perfect time to congratulate and recognize young women who are exhibiting the attributes associated with academic and personal success,” said Dr. Swafford. “Our Rising Star and Shining Star awards spotlight students who are conscientious and disciplined; creative and insightful; eager and curious.”
Event chairs for Odyssey 2017 are Kelly and Ted Alling and Jo Ann Yates. According to Donna Coleman, director of development at CGLA, these individuals are pivotal to sustaining CGLA’s mission. “Kelly and Ted Alling and Jo Ann Yates are concerned citizens who understand that quality education is essential to the health of a community. We are fortunate to have their endorsement and support.”
Kelly and Ted Alling are the co--founders of Chattanooga Prep, an all--boys public charter school slated to open in 2018. “We are ardent supporters of CGLA because Dr. Swafford and the faculty are redefining what is possible in public education,” said Ms. Alling. “CGLA demonstrates that children from all backgrounds can succeed in college and life.”
Ted Alling expresses the same passion as his wife. “Access to quality education is essential to escaping poverty, yet poverty is a barrier to accessing quality education. Research has consistently shown that schools offering a comprehensive, supportive environment can dramatically impacting the lives of disadvantaged youth, and CGLA is changing the lives of deserving young women in Chattanooga.”
“Preparing a diverse community of girls for a technologically - sophisticated and globally -competitive world requires excellent instruction fortified by earnest commitment and high expectations,” said Jo Ann Yates, a long-time supporter and current CGLA board member. “The CGLA faculty is always seeking new paths through which they can spark creativity and strengthen critical thinking. They are intent on building responsible, determined learners who can tackle the complex issues of today and frame the exciting questions of tomorrow.”
Money raised from Odyssey supports the school’s daily operation, which includes funding CGLA’s STEAM centered academic program. STEAM is an approach that invites students to explore the connections between science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics. The STEAM process guides students through inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. Students take thoughtful risks, engage in experiential learning, persist in problem--solving, embrace collaboration, and work through the creative process. STEAM prepares CGLA girls for life in the 21st century.
First Tennessee Bank is the presenting sponsor of the 8th Annual Odyssey Awards Luncheon. Other major sponsors include Roof Curb Systems in Trenton, GA; Deborah and Mitch Everhart; Kristin and Gordon Davenport; Mustang Leadership Partners; Pinnacle Financial; SunTrust; Marion and Jim Steffner; Unum; Jo Ann Yates; Kelly and Ted Alling; Tennessee American Water; Thomas Bible Law; Priscilla McLaughlin, and Patten and Patten, Inc.
For more information, contact Donna Coleman, Director of Development, at 423 618-5362 or donnacoleman@cglaonline.com or visit cglaonline.com.