In this 2012 photo, Boys and Girls Club of Chattanooga unit manager Tahme'Sha Washington, left, congratulates Boys and Girls Club June 2012 Leader of the Month Anthony Edwards.The following students were selected as Leaders of the Month for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chattanooga during 2016
1. Zavior Favors, Tyner High School, 10th grade2. Jermichael Miller, East Ridge High School, 12th grade3. De’Shayla Caldwell, Howard High School, 11th grade4. Nigel Brown, East Ridge High School, 10th grade5. Deveonte Overton, Howard High School, 11th grade6. JaKayla Moore, Tyner High School, 10th grade7. Kivean Smith, Howard High School 9th grade8. KeOnna Lawrence, Ivy Academy, 11th grade9. Hannah Hemphill, Hixson, 11th grade10. Jamya Anderson, Brainerd, 11th grade11. Destiny Kennebrew, Chattanooga School for the Arts, 10th grade12. Anthony Edwards, Tyner High School, 12th grade
Anthony Edwards has been accepted to East Tennessee State University, but he needs money to get there.
The Tyner High School senior came closer to his goal Friday when the Boys & Girls Club of Chattanooga awarded him a $2,500 scholarship and named him the recipient of its David Fussell Outstanding Leadership Award.
Edwards said he was surprised to receive the award.
"Y'all gonna make me cry," he said from the podium as some 80 students, business leaders and law enforcement officers gave a standing ovation.
Edwards was among a dozen students attending the Great Futures Luncheon at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center. Each of them had been chosen as a Leader of the Month. Boys & Girls Club representatives interviewed all 12 leaders and chose Edwards for the top honor.
The 18-year-old was recognized for tutoring at the club, teaching sports to younger kids and assisting staff with daily operations.
Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences sophomore Destiny Kennebrew stood among dozens of students at the luncheon congratulating Edwards and shaking his hand. She said she's even more determined to get the award next year.
"I put my all into this and I didn't win," she said. "But now I see what I can do. Next time, I'll do better."
Mayor Andy Berke added to Edwards' accolades by signing a certificate naming Edwards a "distinguished citizen" of the city.
Edwards plans to study education or social studies while at ETSU. He also plans to enlist in the Army National Guard.
Edwards will go on to compete at the state level with other Boys & Girls Clubs leadership recipients. He could compete regionally and then nationally, where the winner is awarded a $25,000 scholarship.
Club president Michael Cranford acknowledged the investment Unum made in the Boys & Girls Club by sponsoring the lunch and providing other activities for the clubs. He thanked the business and community leaders in the audience for sharing their time with the students.
"Every day these kids have to make a conscious effort to come and do the right thing, and sometimes with very little fanfare or notice," Cranford said. "It's important that you came here today to recognize their efforts in a positive way."
Contact staff writer Yolanda Putman at yputman@timesfree press.com.