2024 Character Banquet

Values Matter. Character Counts.

About The Character Banquet

The third annual Character Banquet was held at the Community Complex in Crossville, Tennessee, on April 13, 2024. The Crossville-Cumberland County Sports and Events Council organized the prestigious event. Funding was provided by several local Sponsors, First National Bank of Tennessee, First Bank, The Sports Council, Camp Nakanawa, Cumberland Vital Care, Peterson Wealth Advisory, Shelter Insurance / Wright Agency LLC, Eye Centers of Tennessee and Covenant Medical Group / Cumberland Orthopedics.

Through their generous sponsorship our 37 honorees and 300+ parents, families, guests, local officials, coaches and administrators attended the banquet by invitation at no cost. Speaker sponsorship was provided by Ann and Pepe Perron. A representative from each sponsor was recognized for their sponsorship of this event.

Our Purpose

The purpose of this event is to recognize our student-athletes nominated by coaches from each sport from both high schools for their LEADERSHIP, VALUES and CHARACTER. The event’s theme: Values Matter – Character Counts serves as a guideline for the selection of our character honorees. Three overall winners are selected from each of our high schools and awarded a $500 college scholarship.

The teams our honorees play for also receive $500 each for team-related expenses. One coach stated that from the perspective of a coach and parent, the Character Award is the highest honor a student-athlete can receive.

Cumberland County High School Scholarship Winners

Pictured Left to Right: Jade Tuley, Jacob Atkinson and Anna Fusco

Stone Memorial High School Scholarship Winners

Pictured Left to Right:Rylee Griffin, Trenton Duncan and Ellie Strong

The Character Banquet is quickly becoming one of the most prestigious events in the State of Tennessee. -The Crossville Chronicle

Guest Speaker Chamique Holdsclaw

Chamique Holdsclaw, University of Tennessee All Time Leading Scorer in SEC Women’s Basketball, WNBA Scoring Champion in 2002, WNBA Rebound Champion in 2002 & 2003, and Six Time WNBA All Star was the Keynote Speaker. Her message centered around the importance of leadership, values and character as you travel through life. Chamique received a standing ovation at the conclusion of her speech.

Our Entertainment Zachary Carpenter

Zachary Carpenter provided music for the evening. He is a past member of the Children’s Chamber Orchestra who attended Lee University where he earned a degree in Musical Performance, Instrumental. He enjoys composing, arranging music and teaching violin to various age groups. He is employed by the Plateau Group, Crossville, Tennessee in the IT Department.