Better Than a Buzzer-Beater Win
If you were anywhere near the Knoxville Convention Center on October 20, you probably heard the laughter, the applause and maybe even a “good ‘ole Rocky Top, WHOO!”
The 17th annual Emerald Youth Foundation Legacy Dinner was full of fun, energy, fellowship and true celebration of the people who pour into Knoxville’s young leaders … adding an extra touch of orange-and-white pride mixed in with Emerald’s usual green, of course.
This year’s Legacy Award went to Tennessee Men’s Basketball Head Coach Rick Barnes, whose influence extends far beyond the court.
As Emerald Youth President and CEO Steve Diggs shared, “Over the last ten years, I wish I had journaled every unexpected call I’ve gotten from Rick – ‘Do you have any families who need anything?’ ‘I’ve got a truck I want to donate.’ And just last week – true story – he called and said, ‘Stevie, can you use a cotton candy machine?’” The room laughed, but it was the kind of laughter that comes with deep admiration. Behind the jokes about someone with an amazing sense of humor is a man whose quiet generosity continues to make a big difference.
Emerald Youth Foundation is in over three decades of ministry and reaching more young people than ever. “We’re on pace to reach more than 3,500 youth this year,” Diggs said.
From the incredible academic success at Emerald Academy, where third graders achieved “the largest one-year gain in reading proficiency across all of Knox County,” to the heartfelt stories of families and students who’ve been transformed through Emerald’s programs, the impact expressed was deeply inspiring.
Austin-East Magnet High School junior, Victor Haynes II, said it best: “Emerald is a place where we can explore our creativity, build skills, discover passions and connect with mentors who care. A place that doesn’t just keep us off the streets but gives us multiple highways to success. Like how they have done for me. Emerald has opened doors for me that I never would have dreamed of, and it has helped meet and network with all types of people.”
Guests also heard meaningful remarks from Edana Blocker and Katherine McDuffey, who have longtime connections to East Knoxville. They both shared about their appreciation of Emerald Youth Foundation and what the ministry means to them on the east side of the city.
One especially touching moment of the evening came with the presentation of the inaugural Conner Catlett Memorial Scholarship. Conner was the grandson of Emerald’s first Legacy Award recipient, Mike Campbell, a Fulton High School alumnus, founder of Regal Entertainment Group and an emeritus member of Emerald Youth’s board of trustees. Mike and his wife, Jama, wanted to honor Conner by presenting two $5,000 awards each year to deserving young people connected to Emerald.
The inaugural scholarship recipients – Daniel Sackie and Kamaria McDermott – were awarded the scholarships to continue their education. Conner’s father, Chris, captured his son’s spirit perfectly: “He never had a bad day, and no matter how bad of a day you had, you could spend five minutes with him and you’d be in a better mood.”
And because no celebration for Coach Rick Barnes would be complete without a little Big Orange flair, Tennessee’s “Voice of the Vols” Mike Keith, Smokey the mascot, and fan-favorite hype man, Sterl the Pearl, participated to keep the energy high and the cheers loud!
Together, with over 1,000 community members, they helped honor Coach Barnes. It felt like a true Tennessee moment. Part pep rally, part family reunion and a big community celebrating a coach who’s done more for this city than just win basketball games.
