I had the sweetest young lady contact me the other day after she read the feature post about Becky Phelps. Becky was her middle school art teacher. Her name is Breanna Evans and she emailed me to see if I could write something about a fundraiser she's involved with at her high school. I LOVE writing about about strong women like Becky making her place in the world, but I love even more writing about this beautiful teenager that is also starting to make her place in the world, as well.
Meet Breanna Evans. She's a 17 year old Senior at Smyrna High School. She was born and raised in Rutherford County and she is a Students of the Year candidate for her high school where she was nominated by her sponsors, also her math teachers.
Breanna and her team are raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in honor of Mrs. Shannon Williams. I got to ask her some questions about the fundraiser and what we can do to help her raise money.
Tell us a little about what you're doing.
Our team members are raising critical dollars for this campaign because we want to honor Mrs. Shannon Williams, a Smyrna High drama teacher, who lost her battle to cancer. Mrs. Williams poured heart and soul into her dance shows and theater productions that she organized for the community to watch. Over the years, she provided food and clothing for students. It is my hope that this campaign will bring life and joy to patients and families who are facing cancer today as Mrs. Williams did for many Smyrna High School students.
Tell me about the team thats raising money.
Our team did not even know that we were going to be a part of this elite group. All we knew was that Dr. Gaddy and Mrs. Franklin wanted the nine of us girls to join them during RTI (homeroom time). I didn't know what to think... l was being pulled for that day. I had an A in her class and never missed class. The morning that we met I was also announced as this year's National Honors Society President. When I saw the other girls (Addison Wilson, Addison Schenck, Karen Lopez, Kinnely McNab, Grace Schaffer, Leah Mata, Artemis Carlise, and Allison Sanchez) that were selected for this opportunity, I knew that the meeting had to be good news.
Top Row: Leah, Dr. Angeline Gaddy, Kim Franklin, "Addi" Shenck -- Middle Row: Allison Sanchez, "Artemis" Carlise, Karen Lopez, Addison Wilson -- Bottom Row: Grace Schaffer, Breanna Evans, Kinnely McNabb
What exactly is a Students of the Year Candidate?
Students of the Year candidates are high school students in Middle Tennessee who are interested in and enthusiastic about volunteerism, philanthropy, community outreach, and leadership. The campaign not only offers visibility in the community and local media, but also demonstrates candidates’ excellence in leadership and community engagement for college applications and professional resumes. This philanthropic opportunity is for young adults in high school to develop marketing and fundraising skills. The fundraiser starts on January 19 and ends March 8 in the spring.
Tell me more about Mrs. Williams.
Mrs. Williams began teaching at Smyrna High School in 1996. She was the drama teacher throughout her marriage and raising her family. Shannon married Matt Williams, the current head football coach at SHS, and was a sister in law to our Mark and Stephnie Williams, current teachers at SHS. Mrs. Williams poured her heart and soul into her into her dance shows, theater productions, and variety shows that she organized for her students. She and her husband befriended many football players over the years, providing food and clothing when needed. They would host team gatherings at their home for special events: Super Bowls, etc. so that students could experience those types of things with their friends.
Did you know?
Since the early 1960s, five-year survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled or even quadrupled. And many LLS supported therapies not only help blood cancer patients but are helping patients with other cancers and serious diseases. In fact, drugs first approved for blood cancers are now approved to treat patients with stomach cancers, skin cancers, and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
The goal for this student lead fundraiser is $35,000 by March 8. You can help Breanna and her team. If you're able, we'd love it if you could make a donation to help these students achieve their mission in honor of Mrs. Williams. Thank you in advance for your contribution.
GO HERE TO MAKE YOUR DONATION.