LaTonya Lyons (right), Board chair, presents Jasmine Thomas (left) with the David Fussell
Outstanding Leadership Award and a $2,500 scholarship, alongside Sharon Fussell (middle)
photo by Flint Chaney Photography
LaTonya Lyons (right), Board chair, and Jim Morgan (left) Club CEO present Shauntia
Howard (middle) with the Bright Futures Award and a $1,000 scholarship
photo by Flint Chaney Photography
LaTonya Lyons (right), Board chair, and Jim Morgan (left) Club CEO present Kori Atkins
(middle) with the Bright Futures Award and a $1,000 scholarship
photo by Flint Chaney Photography
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga announced the Club’s 2023 Teen Leadership and Scholarship awards. Over 300 educators, civic and corporate leaders gathered for lunch at the Westin Chattanooga. Notable attendees included Dr. Justin Robertson, HCDE superintendent; Jill Black, Hamilton County School Board member; and Judge Rob Philyaw.
Ellis Smith, director of Intergovernmental & External Affairs, delivered a greeting from Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly. Holly Fussell, David Fussell’s daughter, delivered the keynote address.
Jasmine Thomas, a senior at Howard High School, received the Club’s highest award, the David Fussell Outstanding Leadership Award which includes a $2,500 scholarship. “Jasmine is being recognized for her academic achievement, personal character, integrity, and service to others. She embodies all of these things and so much more,” said LaTonya Lyons, former Club Board chair. Jasmine has a 3.95 GPA and is in the top 2 percent of her Howard High School graduating class. Jasmine is a Great Futures College Apprentice, working most afternoons at HHM, Chattanooga’s largest accounting firm. After graduating from high school, Jasmine will attend UTC, pursuing a degree in business in the fall.
Shauntia Howard, a senior at Brainerd High School, received the Bright Futures Award that includes a $1,000 scholarship. The Bright Futures Award is given to a high school senior who is on a professional path of achieving an education and pursuing a professional career. Shauntia is also a Youth Development intern, working after school every day at the Boys & Girls Clubs and works with elementary school age children. Shauntia plans on attending college and will pursue a degree in graphic design.
The Rising Star Award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship, recognizes the student who regularly participates in Club programming, helps others and has the ability to accomplish much. This year’s Rising Star Award winner is Kori Atkins, a freshman at Brainard High School.