STARLIGHT GALA
Friday,
February 28, 2025

The Starlight Gala is an event dedicated to fundraising for the continued enhancement of educational programs for all students in Maryville City Schools. It also honors Maryville High School alumni and individuals who have made significant contributions education in our community.

HILTON Knoxville Airport

The location for the 2025 Starlight Gala is at The Hilton Knoxville Airport! Join us for an evening of fun and fundraising for the students at Maryville City Schools!

If you have any questions about this venue, please contact our office at (865) 982-7121. ext. 11501

gala awards

Starlight Gala Award Winners

Each year, the Starlight Gala highlights exceptional individuals and organizations that have made a lasting impact on education and the Maryville community. This year, MCSF will proudly present Starlight Awards to three distinguished honorees:

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)