Foothills Striders

Is your membership current?

Details were sent out today about our annual meeting and summer social. If you did not receive this email, message us and we will help get you connected.

Nature: where the Wi-Fi is weak but the connection is strong.

We had a large turnout for exploring Cades Cove tonight! Loved having so many people from our community show up for this evening walk.

Thank you Kathy Nash for the pictures!

Want to be more involved and more active with our club? Join us!

http://www.foothillstriders.org

Just a reminder: Fun days become “no fun”if you get fined… Parking passes are required in the national park.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park does not charge an entrance fee. However, parking tags are required for all vehicles parking for longer than 15 minutes.

Passes can be purchased online at:

Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tag Pass in Tennessee - Recreation.gov Buy Great Smoky Mountains National Park Parking Tag Activity Pass in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee with Recreation.gov. Valid parking tags will be required for any vehicles parking for more than 15 minutes within the boundaries of Great Smoky Mountains National Park starting Mar

ANDERSON & WILLIAMS AWARDED FOOTHILLS STRIDERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS

Katheryn Fay Anderson and Derek Williams Jr are the 2024 recipients of a Foothills Striders’ Scholarship. The awards are given each year to two Blount County students, who have distinguished themselves academically as well as physically by participating in sport activities, such as cycling, hiking and/or running. Both Katheryn and Derek will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Foothills Striders in the fall to assist with their upcoming college expenses.

Katheryn is a graduate of Alcoa High School, and the daughter of Pamela and Michael Anderson. She plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue degrees in Bio-Chemistry and Forensic Science. Derek is a graduate of William Blount High School, and the son of Lenona and Derek William Sr. He will attend the University of Miami to study Exercise Science and Kinesiology.

Katheryn not only maintained a high grade point average and performed well on the ACT, she also found time to volunteer and to participate in sports. One of the professors on the scholarship committee remarked that he was very impressed with Katheryn’s essay. She wrote that she was anxious about starting high school due to lost contacts with classmates during the pandemic. When the school’s cross country team needed more runners, Katheryn recruited a friend to help complete the roster. She stated that the once-fledgling team emerged as regional champions. One of Katheryn’s volunteer endeavors was to coach tennis for Parks and Recreation. A mother of a participant wrote that “she was nurturing and supportive, fostering an environment where each player feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.” Katheryn also served in various leadership roles and volunteer activities with the Blount County 4-H Honor Club. Plus, she has won awards for her speeches and photography.

Derek’s impressive application package contained his high school transcripts, which shows he earned a 4.0 unweighted grade point average. He was able to maintain his perfect string of A’s while working a part-time job and participating in sports. He worked 10 to 20 hours per week at Home Depot and earned a company award. Derek wrote in his essay that his track experience was not as smooth as anticipated. He was dealing with an abnormal muscular condition, and he went through some difficult times. He independently started studying the body and its movement patterns. He learned about the nature of injuries and he not only helped himself but helped members of his track team. This experience helped him to determine his career goal of becoming a physical therapist who “will listen and guide his patients through chronic injuries.” One of his recommendations stated Derek is one of the fastest 100- and 200-meter runners at William Blount. He is a “great representative of our school.”

In correspondence after the selection process, Katheryn was asked if she had a favorite quote. She responded a quote attributed to Pat Riley, “Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.” Upon receiving notification of his award, Derek said, "I just want people to understand that only you know your body best, and don't be afraid to take initiative for yourself. Find what works for you!" We can look forward to more great accomplishments from both of our scholarship recipients.

The Scholarship Committee is very impressed by the quality of candidates of the application packages received in 2024. Including this years’ recipients, the Foothills Striders will have awarded $104,900 since 1987. The club’s website is located at www.foothillstriders.org/.

William Blount High School

Alcoa High School

Don't let the deadline slip by to apply for the 2024 Scholarship! Click here for more details: http://www.foothillstriders.org/scholarships/

It's time to make sure you are investing in you!!!

Since 1987, the Foothills Striders has awarded $100,900 in scholarships. We are excited to continue this tradition and are looking for quality applicants to receive this money. Application are still being accepted.

Click the link for more information: http://www.foothillstriders.org/scholarships/

So many amazing students from different schools in our community have earned scholarships from the Foothills Striders. Will your student be the next to join this impressive list? There's still time to apply!!

For application details, visit our website: foothillstriders.org

Need Weekend Plans?

Send your graduating senior over to our website to apply for a scholarship to help offset the expense of college!

Scholarships | Foothills Striders The Foothills Striders fund two scholarships each year for graduating high school seniors in Blount County. Payments will be made to each student’s financial aid office at the beginning of the fall semester. 2024 Scholarships Download 2024 Scholarship Application The Foothills Striders’ Scholars...

As the countdown to high school graduation approaches, has your student considered applying for the 2024 Foothills Striders Scholarship? The application deadline is quickly approaching!

Click here for details: http://www.foothillstriders.org/scholarships/

What's better than a local/new race supporting the youth in our community? How about doing that - and getting a discount! Foothills Striders members with a current membership will automatically receive a $5 discount off registration for the Mountaineer Miles.

There is a 1 mile fun run/walk, 5k and 10k option. The mountain views will be beautiful, the race support crews will be awesome, and there will be cash prizes and other door prizes !

Click here to get registered today:

Mountaineer Miles - 10K, 5K, & 1 Mile Fun Run The Mountaineer Miles - 10K, 5K, & 1 Mile Fun Run is on Saturday March 30, 2024. It includes the following events: 10K, 5K, and 1 Mile Fun Run.

The Foothills Striders fund two scholarships each year for graduating high school seniors in Blount County. The application period starts now!

Click the link for more information:

Scholarships | Foothills Striders The Foothills Striders fund two scholarships each year for graduating high school seniors in Blount County. Payments will be made to each student’s financial aid office at the beginning of the fall semester. 2024 Scholarships Download 2024 Scholarship Application The Foothills Striders’ Scholars...

There’s still time to do great things by supporting a great cause for a GREAT young lady💕

Click here to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/TN/Maryville/Mollysmile

Look at this great line up of ambassadors for the 2024 Tour de Blount!

Accountability groups can be a powerful tool for helping individuals achieve their goals and make positive life changes! Reach out today and get connected with our running, walking, cycling or hiking groups!

Wising you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

If your New Year’s resolution include living a healthier and more active lifestyle, and being a better person while supporting your community and helping others…

Here’s your chance! Click the link to learn more, and consider participating/support this young lady and her family from our community :

Molly'sMILE The Molly'sMILE is on Sunday January 7, 2024. It includes the following events: One Mile Timed and One Mile Walk (Untimed).

Hey! We know her!!! Way to be awesome Becky Tener! We are lucky to know you and are so proud of your determination to achieve goals while building relationships in the running community.

Excited for the 2024 Ride!

**EXCITING NEWS**

For the 30th Ride of the Tour de Blount we are excited to invite you to apply to be a TdB Ambassador. Ambassadors will be tasked with spreading the excitement of the ride and will receive a few special perks for doing so!

Click the link to apply and message us with any questions!

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/NSa5PMQeWA1EPHCx8

Saturday evening was our annual Foothills Summer Social. After our fellowship and food time, many of the group walked/ran the Cades Cove loop.

Thank you a Jennifer for organizing the evening. We are grateful for our members who support the community through active living, providing scholarships and community building. If you’d like to know more about us, message us to learn about our weekly group activities!

Details for our annual Summer Meeting/Social have been emailed to current Foothills Striders members! With options for adventure, fellowship, food and fun - this year's event is sure to be better than ever!!

Check your email and reach out if you have any questions! Thank you Jennifer Brigati for coordinating this event!

What a wonderful way to explore our community, powered by your own energy, enjoying the beauty of Blount County! Please be conscientious of cyclists sharing the road with you, like yourself, they are someone's son/daughter/friend. Please make sure they arrive to their destination safely.

BOONE & JONES AWARDED

FOOTHILLS STRIDERS’ SCHOLARSHIPS

Brady Boone and Anna Jones are the 2023 recipients of a Foothills Striders’ Scholarship. The awards are given each year to two Blount County students, who have distinguished themselves academically as well as physically by participating in sport activities, such as biking, hiking and/or running. Both Brady and Anna will receive a $2,000 scholarship from the Foothills Striders in the fall to assist with their upcoming college expenses.

Brady is a graduate of Maryville High School, and the son of Brian and Christy Boone. He plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue a degree in computer engineering. Anna is a graduate of William Blount High School, and the daughter of Brock and Kelli Jones. She will attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to study nursing. She has been admitted to the Chancellor’s Honors Program.

Brady indicated that he has been involved in track and cross country since the sixth grade. He stated that he enjoys “getting outside every day and running with friends and teammates.” According to one of his references, Brady finished “his senior year as the fastest track distance athlete in the county.” Over the years, he has been the recipient of multiple personal and team awards. In addition to running, he enjoys riding his bike and hiking. He rides on the Greenways in Alcoa, Maryville and Townsend. Another reference stated that Brady and several other students hiked 40 miles in the Smoky Mountains in 14 hours. Brady’s ultimate hiking goal is to complete the Appalachian Trail. While in school, he was a member of Mu Alpha Theta, a national high school math honor society. His community activities include being the audio/visual technician at his church and working the Daktronics media board during basketball games. His future plans include pursing his interests in Cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Anna is on the school’s Varsity Track and Field team. She competed in the 100 and 300 meter hurdles, the triple jump and the 4×100 meter relay. Plus, she is on the Varsity Cheer. During the COVID quarantine, she continued to run on the road near her house. She wrote “track has taught me the importance of persistence even through difficult circumstances.” A coach stated that in addition to being on the track team, “she was also involved in many other activities throughout the school including a rigorous course schedule, cheer leading and HOSA” (Health Occupations Students of America). One of her experiences working is teaching basic gymnastics skills to children 18 months to 5 years old. In addition, she helps with the Sunday morning birthday parties before going to church. Her goal is to become a registered nurse. She has won a number of awards in CPR and First Aid. After graduation, she plans to work a couple of years, then return back to school to pursue a doctorate and become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.

The Scholarship Committee is very impressed by the quality of candidates of the application packages received in 2023. Including this years’ recipients, the Foothills Striders will have awarded $100,900 since 1987. The club’s website is located at http://www.foothillstriders.org/.

It's Tour de Blount week! A huge thank you to our co-hosts of the event, Maryville College and Mountain Challenge!

Tour de Blount is almost here! Thank you to Cycology Bicycles, SmartBank, Essential Pest Control, and Pro Sign Shop for their support of this year's event! Please check out and support these great businesses!

Thank you to sponsors Maryville Title Agency, Inc, Blount Partnership, and Maryville Bike & Trail for their support of this year's Tour de Blount! Be sure to check them out!

Have you signed up for Tour de Blount happening on May 20? If not, what are you waiting for?!

Thank you to sponsors Anderson Rental Company and Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union for their support this year! Keep them in mind if you have a need they can help with!

We're a month away from the return of the Tour de Blount, and we'd like to say a big THANK YOU to our sponsors. Check out these awesome businesses and keep them in mind if you have a need they can help you with

First up, thank you to Owen Law Firm, James R. Owen, Attorney and Troy Galyon, Your Appalachian Agent!

Stay tuned as we shout out more great sponsors in the weeks leading up to Tour de Blount!

The deadline is quickly approaching!!

http://www.foothillstriders.org/scholarships