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.
2026 Starlight Gala Photo Gallery:
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.
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 our 2026 recipients, whose leadership and generosity continue to inspire excellence in our schools.
Distinguished Alumni: Hank Brown
Distinguished Service: Joy Carver and Beverly Harris
Foundation Partnership: The Blount Partnership
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.
2004 - John Fisher, Class of 1933 and Roy Kramer, Class of 1947
2005 - Lamar Alexander, Class of 1958 and Richard Leatherwood, Class of 1957
2006 - Mary Crawford, Class of 1974 and Steve West, Class of 1965
2007 - Anne Ridings Patrick, Class of 1953 and John C. Thornton, Class of 1971
2008 - Penny Blackwood Ferguson, Class of 1966 and Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Class of 1970
2009 - Ted "Gunner" Ousley, Class of 1976 and Sherrod Blankner, Class of 1986
2010 - Joe Dawson, Class of 1965 and Glenn Reynolds, Class of 1978
2011 - Scooter Clippard, Class of 1968
2012 - Harry Brooks, Class of 1964
2013 - Oliver "Buzz" Thomas, Class of 1973
2014 - Mark E. Cate, Class of 1983
2015 - Benjamin Andrews, Class of 1993
2016 - Ann Baker Furrow, Class of 1963
2017 - Bill Beaty, Class of 1963 and Kelly Spears, Class of 1963
2018 - Catrina Crisp, Class of 1997 and Jerome Moon, Class of 1965
2019 - Sharon Hannum, Class of 1969 and Kim Rickard Soltero, Class of 1969
2020 - Steve W. Chaddick, Class of 1969
2021 - Dr. Edwin C. Nichols, Class of 1979
2022 - Hannah Sterling Langham, Class of 2000
2023 - Shane Archer, Class of 2006, Cathy Cate, Class of 1987, and Joe Costner, Class of 1969
2024 - David Rule
2025 - Matt Alexander, Class of 1987
2026 - Hank Brown
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.
2005 - Alisha Waldroop Stanley, Class of 1995
2006 - Amanda Myers, Class of 1997
2007 - Shane Claiborne, Class of 1993
2008 - Brian Cowan, Class of 1997
2009 - Carly Christine Waugh, Class of 1994
2010 - Kevin A. Painter, Class of 1993
2011 - Katie Gamble, Class of 1994
2012 - Amanda Ingram, Class of 1997
2013 - Sarah Elder Chabot, Class of 1999
2014 - Joshua R. Ennen, Class of 1999
2015 - Justin Young, Class of 1999
2016 - Jonathan Bryce Bell, Class of 1998
2017 - Brooke Jarvis, Class of 2003
2018 - Hannah Rials, Class of 2014
2019 - Katie Shelgren Boggs, Class of 2011
2020 - Benton Neil Taylor, Class of 2002
2021 - Dr. Laura Sawyer Green, Class of 2002
2022 - 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.
2004 - J.P. Stewart
2005 - C.D. Curtis
2006 - Frances Taylor
2007 - William "Bill" Driskill
2008 - Ron Ivens
2009 - Coach Jim Campbell
2010 - Dr. Mike Dalton
2011 - Richard Harbison, Class of 1969
2012 - Thomas W. Taylor, Class of 1964
2013 - Tommy Stinnett, Class of 1974
2014 - Joel D. Giffin, Class of 1955
2015 - Stephanie Thompson
2016 - Ted B. Wilson, Class of 1953
2017 - Doug Jenkins
2018 - Tom DeLozier, Class of 1974
2019 - William Eddie Harmon, Class of 1963
2020 - Mark White
2021 - Brett Coulter, Class of 1980
2022 - Sandra Abbott Elder
2024 - Christi Sayles
2025 - Charles West, Class of 1992
2026 - Joy Carver and Beverly Harris
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.
2004 - Marceil Peery, DENSO Manufacturing Tennessee, Inc.
2005 - Blanche C. & J.N. Badgett, Jr.
2006 - Craig Jarvis, First Tennessee
2007 - Ken & Patty Bell, American Fidelity Bank
2008 - Kumiko Franklin, Joe Black and The Appalachian Therapy Center
2009 - Don "D.W." Story, Aubrey R. Burleson, Aubrey's Restaurant
2010 - Joe & Becky Swann (Class of 1968, 69), Blount Memorial Foundation & Community Outreach
2011 - Cindy Wilson, Clayton Homes
2012 - Coleman Family, Personal Computer Systems, Inc., Ed & Carol Waldroop, Jeremy Waldroop (Class of 1993)
2013 - 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)
2014 - West Family, Steve (Class of 1965) & Ruth, Russ (Class of 1996), Charles (Class of 1992) & Mary Beth Ingram, Overholt & Bean, P.C., CPA's
2015 - Michael J. Ray (Class of 1964), Chick-fil-A, Frankie Turner
2016 - Stacy Webb Greene (Class of 1993), Tennessee Marble Company, Monica Gawet & Gus Zacharias
2017 - 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)
2018 - Blackberry Farm
2020 - Vienna Coffee Company, John Clark (Class of 1971)
2021 - All-Star Outfitters (ASO), Kristy & Cole Stott
2022 - Robert Schmidt, Blount County Health Department
2023 - Vallie & Steve Collins
2024 - The Keller Family
2025 - Chief Tony Crisp and The Maryville Police Department
2026 - The Blount Partnership
Join Us in Creating a Brighter Future for Maryville Students
Your support of the Starlight Gala helps fund programs that enrich learning across every school. By attending, sponsoring, or giving, you make a meaningful difference for students and teachers.