CHATTANOOGA, February 14, 2023 – Today, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga held its annual Great Futures Teen Leadership and Scholarship award luncheon at The Westin Chattanooga. Braylin Fennell a senior at East Ridge High School, received the Club’s highest award, the David Fussell Outstanding Leadership Award which includes a $2,500 scholarship.
“Braylin is a very smart and respectful young man,” stated LaTonya Lyons, the 2022 Club Board Chair, “He is very conscience of how his decisions affect others”. Braylin has been attending the club for 11 years, and after graduating from East Ridge High School this spring, he will attend Chattanooga State pursuing a degree in Business Administration.
LaTonya Lyons, on left, 2022 Board Chair and Sharon Fussell, David Fussell’s wife, present Braylin Fennell with the David Fussell Outstanding Leadership Award and a $2,500 scholarship.
Over 300 people gathered in the Portman Grand Ballroom at The Westin Chattanooga for a lunch and short program. Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp started the event with a warm welcome and congratulated the Club for its 68-year history of supporting Chattanooga Youth. Hamilton County Schools were represented by Dr. Justin Robertson, Superintendent, School Board Chair Tiffanie Robinson, and School Board Members Jill Black and Karitsa Mosely- Jones. Lesley Scearce, CEO of the United Way of Greater Chattanooga provided remarks and complimented the Club for its strong history of providing innovative programming. Ben Vance, Vice President & Senior Managing Director of Investments at Unum was the Keynote Speaker, and provided memories of David Fussell and encouraged the Club’s teen leaders to always focus on teamwork and helping others.
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp chats with Club Members at the February 14, 2023 Great Futures Award Luncheon.
The Club is pleased to announce that Cuzziah Walker, a senior at Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy received the Great Futures Award that includes a $1,000 scholarship. The Great Futures Award is given to a high school senior who is pursuing a service-based career. After graduating from CGLA this spring, Ms. Walker will be attending the University of Memphis pursuing a degree in Child Therapy. “Cuzziah brings a genuine concern for the well-being of others into everything she does” said Destiny Kennebrew, Unit Manager at the Midtown Clubhouse who has worked with Cuzziah during her time in high school.
LaTonya Lyons, on left, 2022 Board Chair and Jim Morgan, Club CEO present Cuzziah Walker with the Great Futures Award & Scholarship
Lesley Scearce, CEO of the United Way of Greater Chattanooga complimented the organization for its innovative programming supporting Chattanooga youth.
Ben Vance, Vice President & Senior Managing Director of Investments at Unum was the Keynote Speaker, and provided memories of David Fussell and encouraged the Club’s teen leaders to always focus on teamwork and helping other.
The Rising Star Award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship, recognizes the underclassman who regularly participates in Club programming, helps others and has the ability to accomplish much. This year’s Rising Star Award winner is Jasmin Thomas, a junior at TheHoward High School.
Jasmine Thomas, on right, receives the Rising Star Award and Scholarship from LaTonya Lyons, 2022 Board Chair and Jim Morgan, Club CEO.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga has five locations in the Glass Street, Highland Park, Orchard Knob, Eastlake and Alton Park neighborhoods, and served over 3,300 youth ages 6-18 in 2022. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga provides teens with outcome-driven club experience consisting of targeted programming and high-yield activities. In 2022, teen membership exceeded 500 youth that primarily attended either Brainerd, CGLA, Chatta Prep, East Ridge, Howard or Tyner high schools.
Our mission is to enable young people, especially those who need us most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Since 1955, the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga has helped put young people on the path to great futures. We put every child that walks through our doors on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future. We challenge children to push beyond their expectations, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and embrace a healthy lifestyle. We recognize accomplishments and encourage their dreams. In addition, all the while, we make it fun.