Sixteen receive Mauer Scholar-Athlete awards

By Steve Williams

The Optimist Club of Knoxville hosted the annual Johnny Mauer Awards at the Bearden Banquet Hall on Friday, April 11.

The award is bestowed upon one outstanding senior student from each local high school.

The Johnny Mauer Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes students who have made a positive contribution to their school by excelling in both academics and varsity sports. They are recommended by the high school principals, teachers, coaches, and athletic directors.

The award honors Johnny W. Mauer, a former Optimist Club member, who was the head coach of the University of Tennessee men’s baseball team in 1938-1942 and the head coach of the UT men’s basketball team in 1938-1947. He was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

“The Optimist Club of Knoxville is proud to recognize seniors in area high schools for their academic and athletic achievements with the Johnny Mauer Award,” said Ernie Brooks, Chair of the event. “At this year’s Awards Luncheon we were able to present the award to 16 very deserving students. The accomplishments of these students are very impressive.

“The Optimist Club of Knoxville was founded in 1920,” added Brooks, “and encourages their members to positively impact the youth of our community through a variety of service projects and fundraisers.”

For more information about the awards, contact ebrooks6185@gmail.com.