Chancellor Donde Plowman, Emi Taylor, Nicole Gann, Mallori France, Cade Simmons, and Peyton Manning
Legendary NFL quarterback Peyton Manning gathered with Chancellor Donde Plowman and other leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on Aug. 27 to honor the newest recipients of the Peyton Manning Scholarship, a highly competitive four-year award given to four incoming students each year.
This year’s group — Mallori France, Nicole Gann, Cade Simmons and Emi Taylor — arrive on campus as some of the brightest, most service-minded students of their class. Each will take part in the highly selective Haslam Leadership Scholars Program. At the event, they were commended for their remarkable academic excellence and leadership.
Manning endowed the scholarship when he graduated in 1998, and it now boasts 61 recipients in its 27th year. It recognizes some of the most academically successful incoming Vols, with an emphasis on service and leadership.
“Peyton’s support for UT through both his time and his generosity has impacted generations of Volunteers,” said Plowman. “What is special about the Manning Scholars Program is that it emphasizes not only academic achievement, but also the leadership and service that come with being a Volunteer—the same qualities Peyton has always embodied. I am both impressed by and proud of this year’s scholars.”
Manning echoed Plowman’s admiration for the students, adding that they are only just starting their lives as Volunteers —an identity he hopes they continue to cultivate.
“Every year I look forward to this event and the opportunity to meet, recognize and reward such exceptional and deserving students,” said Manning. “I’m honored to help provide many of the same opportunities to these students that I received. This is just the beginning of the positive impact they will have on the university and in the communities where they will make their mark after graduation.”
I’m honored to help provide many of the same opportunities to these students that I received. This is just the beginning of the positive impact they will have on the university and in the communities where they will make their mark after graduation.
Peyton Manning
The four recipients have diverse backgrounds, academic interests and hopes for the future, but all hold a desire to lead and leave a legacy of positive impact on Rocky Top and wherever their careers take them.
Mallori France of Kingsport, Tennessee, will study biomedical engineering on a therapeutics track. At Dobyns Bennett High School, she regularly mentored and tutored younger peers, acted as band baritone section leader and equipment manager and as YES Club Mentor with Dobyns Bennett Leadership Class, and played varsity soccer. France also volunteered with United Way’s Little Libraries and with Petworks Animal Shelter.
“To everyone involved, thank you for seeing my potential and allowing me the honor of being named a Peyton Manning Scholar,” said France. “Mr. Manning’s extensive charity work reveals his true embodiment of the Volunteer spirit and serves as a guiding beacon as I embark on my own journey. I hope to research alternatives to traditional pain management medication to combat the opioid crisis that negatively affects my beautiful home.”
Nicole Gann of Harriman, Tennessee, will study biological sciences on a pre-med track. At Oliver Springs High School, Gann served as class treasurer, editor for the newspaper, class delegate for student council, and member of Beta Club and Scholars Bowl. Gann also volunteered extensively with her local food pantry and library and participated in the Student Congress on Policies in Education.
“Thank you, Mr. Manning, for seeing a girl like me from a tiny town in the middle of nowhere and giving her a chance,” said Gann. “Not only does this award change my life, but it also allows kids like me to see past the county limits and reach for something greater. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to chase my dreams, attend my dream school and make my future career in health care possible.”
Cade Simmons of Spencer, Tennessee, will study public affairs. At Van Buren County High School, Simmons participated in varsity tennis and served as head anchor of the Media Club, vice president and president of the Future Farmers of America chapter, and 4-H state council president and a member of the National 4-H Congress Design Team. Simmons also volunteered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Students Against Destructive Decisions and his county’s UT extension office.
“It’s a true honor to have my education supported by Mr. Manning,” said Simmons. “The dedication to education, student well-being and support at UT are unmatched. There’s an emphasis on learning and working here in Tennessee to support and serve Tennessee, and this message rings so true to me, to support the state which has been so wonderful to me. Thank you, Mr. Manning and everyone at UT, for supporting our educational and social journeys. We’ll give our all for Tennessee.”
Emi Taylor of Thompson’s Station, Tennessee, will study computer science with a minor in American Sign Language. At Summit High School, Taylor participated in track and field and the National Honors Society. She was an AP Scholar with Distinction who completed multiple AP courses, including one through Stanford University. Taylor has built her own websites, volunteered with a local food pantry, worked as a private math tutor, and started a free online tutoring business for test prep and academic support.
“Mr. Manning, thank you for your generosity and kindness for this scholarship, privilege, and opportunity,” said Taylor. “I’d love to combine my interest in computer science with my passion for languages to help push past language barriers so that everyone’s voice is heard. I chose UT for this purpose: to go beyond my limits and reach new heights. The community I’ve found here at UT is the sort that makes this possible — kind and welcoming.”
