Bryan Atchley/Sid Blalock Memorial Scholarships
We are pleased to announce that the Sevier County Partners in Progress Board of Directors voted in 2020 to honor two of the founding board members by providing a non-tuition scholarship each Fall in their name. This scholarship will be called the Bryan Atchley/Sid Blalock Memorial Scholarship. Two scholarships of $500 will be awarded at the beginning of Fall semester each year. Students that have met the requirements for the Sevier County Partners in Progress scholarship will be invited to apply for the Bryan Atchley/Sid Blalock Memorial Scholarship by submitting a 500-word essay prior to Fall semester. The essay should include why the student thinks he/she should receive the scholarship and include a summary of any community service or charity work they have done in the community. The winner will have $500 deposited into their ETSU student account to be used for books, lab fees, extra class fees or incidentals. This is a one-time scholarship.
Bryan and Sid were valuable board members and are greatly missed. We are pleased to honor them by naming this scholarship for these two fine men.
Bryan C. Atchley (1952-2018) served as Mayor of Sevierville for 23 years (1995-2018). Mayor Atchley was involved in countless boards and projects to benefit the City of Sevierville and its residents. He served on the Board of Sevier County Partners in Progress Education Foundation as a founding member. He was also Secretary to the Board during his tenure.
Sid Blalock (1939-2019) was a lifetime resident of Sevier County and supported a number of local causes. He was particularly passionate about education and was proud to help bring the mission of Partners in Progress to life. Sid was CEO of Charles Blalock & Sons, Inc. and deeply devoted to his family, friends, employees and community. He had great vision and curiosity always exploring new ideas and ventures.
Most Recent Scholarship Award Recipients
Ty Robbins is a graduate of Northview Academy. He attended Walters State Community College and is currently at ETSU Sevierville. He is a psychology major that aspires to be a faith-based Counselor. Summer 2023, Ty completed a residential summer mentoring program at Wears Valley Ranch where he spent over 500 hours working with the children there. He worked at Mix 105.5 Fall 2023 as an announcer for Northview Academy football games. Ty says, “I have always heard the saying that if you find a job that you love, you will never work a day in your life. It is my hope to become a successful psychologist. Thank you to everyone who makes this scholarship possible. Thank you for thinking of students in Sevier County.”
Kaiya Walker is a graduate of Gatlinburg Pittman High School. She received her associates degree from Walters State Community College. She is currently pursuing a Business Management degree from ETSU. Kaiya has been on countless mission trips that have included painting and reconstructing houses and cooking for those in need. She has a love for helping the older generation. She has received numerous soccer awards for leadership and performance. She has volunteered with animal rescue sanctuaries, nursing homes and packed shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child with Samaritan’s Purse. Kaiya says “no matter what sad story I have to tell, there is always more good I can put into this world.”
Previous Scholarship Award Recipients
Piper Sutton
Juliet Winters
Maria Hays
Lauren Weeks
Emily Williford
Madison Looser
