The annual Youth Builders spring luncheon, catered by Rush Bakshi from Rural Resources, was held on May 13th at the Andrew Johnson Women’s Club.
The event’s theme, “Youth Builders through the Decades,” celebrated its 80th year of service and honored this year’s scholarship recipients.
Tori Spendel opened the luncheon with an invocation honoring “women’s clubs through the decades.” Cheryl Scott recognized the organization’s past presidents who were in attendance, and Karen Cox installed the officers for 2026-27: Tiffany Greer, president; Cheryl Scott, president elect; Darleen Barfield, treasurer; Jo Christensen, recording secretary; Cindy Fisher, corresponding secretary, and Jeanne Stokes, parliamentarian.
Mona Binkley welcomed the eight new members.
Pat DeCicco awarded Cheryl Scott “Youth Builder of the Year.” Cheryl has been a member for just six years, but in that time she has been on the strategic planning and advisory committees, the corresponding secretary, the treasurer and the chair of the annual installation celebration. Pat mentioned Cheryl’s insights, willingness to help and kindhearted demeanor.
Jo Christiansen was inducted into the “Hall of Fame.” In presenting the award, Jo Knabel said that “Jo Christiansen is an integral part of Youth Builders. Her dedication, passion, generosity and leadership have made a lasting difference in our organization and in the lives of the families we serve. She is a gem.”
Sandi Bible recognized this year’s scholarship recipients, celebrating their academic excellence, leadership and commitment to service.
Sapana Das, of Chuckey-Doak High School, graduated as Valedictorian with a 4.54 GPA. Highlights of her accomplishments include: serving as FFA State Officer, member of TU Upward Bound and Niswonger Career Connect, Tennessee HOSA state champion for “Job Seeking Skills,” and graduated with her Bachelor’s Degree from WSCC. She also taught English through Greene Speaks. She noted that her involvement in the National FFA organization was “where she found her voice and learned to believe in herself.” She graduated from the Tennessee Governor School for Agricultural Sciences at UT Martin. Sapana will attend UTK in the fall to study Agricultural Leadership and Communication.
Brant Wilhoit, of South Greene High School, distinguished himself not only through academic excellence (4.37 GPA) and perfect attendance, but also through character, leadership and a genuine commitment to serving others. An Eagle Scout, he holds an extensive list of honors and awards, especially in football. Working as a counselor at the East TN Campground Church of God that he attended growing up was especially meaningful, as he helped children learn about God and grow in their faith. He believes in creating more opportunities for the area’s youth by investing in local spaces, encouraging the next generation to stay involved, engage with civic organizations, and to give back. This fall, he plans to attend ETSU and study Business.
Leah Wright, of Greeneville High School, was awarded the Louise Wiley Milligan Memorial Scholarship, named in memory of Youth Builders’ founding mother; this remains one of the most meaningful traditions of the organization. Leah earned a 3.86 GPA while completing several dual credit classes through WSCC. She believes that with job shadowing, volunteering, internship and work-based learning experiences, Greene County can invest in its students, and their long-term success. Leah earned numerous honors and recognitions, but felt the most meaningful was being nominated as Teen Board Representative in Knoxville because it recognized her leadership, responsibility and dedication to making meaningful impact within her community. She plans to attend ETSU in the fall to study nursing.
Youth Builders commends these students for their remarkable achievements and contributions. They completed a total of 698 hours of community service during their high school careers. As they begin their collegiate journeys, they carry the support and pride of their community with them.
President Christine Huss said that Youth Builders provided over 3,000 hours of community service for our children and youth, including: Preschool storytelling and activities; handmade hats for each preschool student in the city and county; kidprint ID cards for more than 500 students; support of the History Museum, Volunteer Spirit Awards, programs with the Health Department, Exploring the Arts, the girls at Holston Home, and the Greeneville/Greene County Public Library annual book sale. These programs are all supported by the annual Trivia Night fund raiser.
Please contact any of the remarkable women associated with our organization to learn more about being a Youth Builder. You can find us on Facebook or reach us by email at [email protected].
