An Evening to Celebrate, Inspire, and Support Maryville Students

Starlight Gala 2026

The Starlight Gala is the Maryville City Schools Foundation’s premier fundraising event, bringing together community members, alumni, and supporters for an unforgettable evening dedicated to enhancing education for every Maryville student. This special night celebrates the people and programs that make our schools exceptional — and honors those whose contributions continue to shape the future of education in Maryville.

Event Highlights:

Tickets
Information coming soon

Sponsorships
Information coming soon

Online Bidding
Information coming soon

Location:

Hilton Knoxville Airport
Join us for an evening filled with celebration, connection, and community impact. Together, we’ll raise funds that directly support innovative programs, scholarships, and opportunities for students in Maryville City Schools.

For venue information, contact our office at (865) 982-7121 ext. 11501.

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‍Starlight Awards:

Each year, the Starlight Gala recognizes outstanding individuals and organizations that have made a lasting difference in Maryville’s educational community. This year, we’re proud to honor three distinguished recipients whose leadership and generosity continue to inspire excellence in our schools.

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Distinguished Alumni: Matt Alexander Matt Alexander, a proud alumnus of Maryville High School’s Class of 1987.

Distinguished Service: Charles West Charles West, a proud alumnus of Maryville High School’s Class of 1992

Foundation Partnership: Chief Tony Crisp, Maryville Police Department Chief Tony Crisp and the Maryville Police Department have played a vital role in ensuring the safety and well-being of Maryville’s schools.

Distinguished Alumni

Maryville High School graduates who have made outstanding or distinguished contributions to their professions or chosen fields of endeavor or for distinguished human service to their community, state, or nation.

2003 - John Fisher, Class of 1933 and Roy Kramer, Class of 1947

2004 - Lamar Alexander, Class of 1958 and Richard Leatherwood, Class of 1957

2005 - Mary Crawford, Class of 1974 and Steve West, Class of 1965

2006 - Anne Ridings Patrick, Class of 1953 and John C. Thornton, Class of 1971

2007 - Penny Blackwood Ferguson, Class of 1966 and Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Class of 1970

2008 - Ted "Gunner" Ousley, Class of 1976 and Sherrod Blankner, Class of 1986

2009 - Joe Dawson, Class of 1965 and Glenn Reynolds, Class of 1978

2010 - Scooter Clippard, Class of 1968

2011-  Harry Brooks, Class of 1964

2012 - Oliver "Buzz" Thomas, Class of 1973

2013 - Mark E. Cate, Class of 1983

2014 - Benjamin Andrews, Class of 1993

2015 - Ann Baker Furrow, Class of 1963

2016 - Bill Beaty, Class of 1963 and Kelly Spears, Class of 1963

2017 - Catrina Crisp, Class of 1997 and Jerome Moon, Class of 1965

2018 - Sharon Hannum, Class of 1969 and Kim Rickard Soltero, Class of 1969

2019 - Steve W. Chaddick, Class of 1969

2020 - Dr. Edwin C. Nichols, Class of 1979

2021 - Hannah Sterling Langham, Class of 2000

2022 - Shane Archer, Class of 2006, Cathy Cate, Class of 1987, and Joe Costner, Class of 1969

2023 - David Rule

2024 - Matt Alexander, Class of 1987

Outstanding Young Alumni

Maryville High School graduates, age 35 or younger when nominated, for significant accomplishments in their professions or chosen fields of endeavor or for distinguished human service to their community, state, or nation.

2004 - Alisha Waldroop Stanley, Class of 1995

2005 - Amanda Myers, Class of 1997

2006 - Shane Claiborne, Class of 1993

2007 - Brian Cowan, Class of 1997

2008 - Carly Christine Waugh, Class of 1994

2009 - Kevin A. Painter, Class of 1993

2010 - Katie Gamble, Class of 1994

2011 - Amanda Ingram, Class of 1997

2012 - Sarah Elder Chabot, Class of 1999

2013 - Joshua R. Ennen, Class of  1999

2014 - Justin Young, Class of 1999

2015 - Jonathan Bryce Bell, Class of 1998

2016 - Brooke Jarvis - Class of 2003

2017 - Hannah Rials, Class of 2014

2018 - Katie Shelgren Boggs, Class of 2011

2019 - Benton Neil Taylor, Class of 2002

2020 - Dr. Laura Sawyer Green, Class of 2002

2021 - Derek Hunt, Class of 2007

Foundation Service

An individual who has demonstrated outstanding service and dedication to education in the City of Maryville.  This award can be presented to alumni or non-alumni of Maryville High School.

2003 - J.P. Stewart

2004 - C.D. Curtis

2005 - Frances Taylor

2006 - William "Bill" Driskill

​2007 - Ron Ivens

​2008 - Coach Jim Campbell

​2009 - Dr. Mike Dalton

​2010 - Richard Harbison, Class of 1969

​2011 - Thomas W. Taylor, Class of 1964

​2012 - Tommy Stinnett, Class of 1974

​2013 - Joel D. Giffin, Class of 1955

​2014 - Stephanie Thompson

​2015 - Ted B. Wilson, Class of 1953

​2016 - Doug Jenkins

​2017 - Tom DeLozier, Class of 1974

​2018 - William Eddie Harmon, Class of 1963

​2019 - Mark White

2020 - Brett Coulter, Class of 1980

​2021 - Sandra Abbott Elder

​2023 - Christi Sayles

2024 - Charles West, Class of 1992

Foundation Partnership

A business, organization or local family who exemplifies dedication to education through supporting Maryville City Schools and/or the Maryville City Schools Foundation.

2003 - Marceil Peery, DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.

2004 - Blanche C. & J.N. Badgett, Jr.

​2005 - Craig Jarvis, First Tennessee

2006 - Ken & Patty Bell, American Fidelity Bank

2007 - Kumiko Franklin, Joe Black and The Appalachian Therapy Center

2008 - Don "D.W." Story, Aubrey R. Burleson, Aubrey's Restaurant

2009 - Joe & Becky Swann (Class of 1968, 69), Blount Memorial Foundation & Community Outreach

2010 - Cindy Wilson, Clayton Homes

2011 - Coleman Family, Personal Computer Systems, Inc., Ed & Carol Waldroop, Jeremy Waldroop (Class of 1993)

2012 - Phillips Family, Bill & Gwen (Class of 1956), Sarah Phillips Shephard (Class of 1983), Sharon Phillips Earley

(Class of 1985), Susan Phillips Knoll (Class of 1985, posthumously), Blount Excavating, Inc., Steve Garner (Class of

1985)

2013 - West Family, Steve (Class of 1965) & Ruth, Russ (Class of 1996), Charles (Class of 1992) & Mary BethIngram,

Overholt & Bean, P.C., CPA's

2014 - Michael J. Ray (Class of 1964), Chick-Fil-A, Frankie Turner

2015 - Stacy Webb Greene (Class of 1993), Tennessee Marble Company, Monica Gawet & Gus Zacharias

2016 - The Hodge Family, Frances Mull Hodge (Class of 1959) & Jerry Hodge (Class of 1960), Janet Hodge Tipton (Class of 1977), Tom Hodge (Class of 1984)

2017 - Blackberry Farm

2019 - Vienna Coffee Company, John Clark (Class of 1971)

2020 - All-Star Outfitters (ASO), Kristy & Cole Stott

2021 - Robert Schmidt, Blount County Health Department

2022 - Vallie & Steve Collins

​2023 - The Keller Family

2024 - Chief Tony Crisp and The Maryville Police Department