Peyton Manning and Chancellor Donde Plowman recognize the newest Peyton Manning Scholars. Pictured from left to right are: Caleb Hopper, Luke Payne, Chrishton King and Caroline Garrell.
UT alumnus and retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning joined Chancellor Donde Plowman and other leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on Aug. 26 to honor this year’s recipients of the Peyton Manning Scholarship, a four-year award given to four incoming students each year.
Caroline Garrell, Caleb Hopper, Chrishton King and Luke Payne were each awarded the highly competitive scholarship, given to academically successful incoming Vols who place an emphasis on service and leadership in their schools and communities.
The four recipients join campus as some of the brightest and most service-oriented students in their class and will each take part in the selective Haslam Leadership Scholars program.
“Each of these scholars exhibits strong academic achievements, integrity, community service and leadership,” Plowman said at the event. “As a university, we are grateful for the support Peyton has provided for this incredible program to honor the best and the brightest students.”
The scholarship, which was endowed by Manning in 1998, is in its 28th year with 65 recipients to date.
“The scholarship’s selection process is rigorous and competitive,” Manning said.
“Know that this is just the beginning of the positive impact you will have on the university and in the communities where you will make your mark after graduation,” Manning said.
The four recipients come from different backgrounds and have a diverse set of academic and career goals. What unites them is their commitment to leadership and making a positive impact on campus and wherever their careers take them.
Caroline Garrell of Petersburg, Tennessee, will study natural resources and environmental economics. A graduate of Lincoln County High School, she plans to attend law school.
“Mr. Manning demonstrates the same qualities and values I learned through 4-H,” Garrell said. “He embodies the Volunteer Creed, ‘One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others,’ and his commitment to building the leaders of tomorrow is unwavering. Thank you, Mr. Manning, for showing us how to leave a legacy and continue the Volunteer spirit.”
Caleb Hopper of Chattanooga will study industrial and systems engineering with a minor in business. A graduate of Chattanooga School for Arts and Sciences, he aspires to one day be a CEO.
“God has given all of us different gifts, whether it be leading a school club or captaining a sports team. You are using what God blessed you with to, in turn, bless us with this scholarship,” Hopper said, addressing Manning. “It is amazing to see how you use what God has given you to help others better their communities. You are putting us in positions to help others be successful.”
Chrishton King of Memphis will study public affairs and finance. A graduate of Memphis University School, he plans to attend law school.
“Now as I step into this new, unfamiliar chapter of life, I’m greeted by a host of fresh faces all eager to add their own support to my forward motion, and Mr. Manning, I cannot thank you enough for being one of them,” King said. “Whatever accomplishments I manage to stumble upon in the future, know that they were made possible by your generosity.”
Luke Payne of Atlanta will study business management. A graduate of Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School, he dreams of being an entrepreneur.
“Being in this room, as a Peyton Manning Scholar, is a gift I’m incredibly grateful for. I understand what an honor it is to carry this name out into the world. And, as my dad keeps reminding me, I’ll understand it even more as I move forward.”
