STARLIGHT GALA
Friday, February 28, 2025
Starlight Gala is an evening to raise money for the ongoing enrichment of educational programs for all students in Maryville City Schools, while also recognizing Maryville High School alumni and those who have distinguished themselves as major supporters of education in our city.
the HILTON
The location for the 2025 Starlight Gala is at The Hilton! Join us for an evening of fun and fundraising for the students of Maryville City Schools!
If you have any questions about this venue, please contact our office at (865) 982-7121.
gala awards
While the Starlight Gala is all about raising money for students, it also is about celebrating those in the community that have made an impact on Maryville City Schools.
The AWARD winners that WILL Be recognized at the 2024 Starlight Gala:
Distinguished Alumni – David Rule
Foundation Service – Christi Sayles
Foundation Partnership – The Keller Family
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
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
Foundation partnership
A business or local family who exemplifies dedication to education through financially 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
Our Partners
