TENNESSEE (October 5, 2022): tnAchieves has announced its inaugural class of tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame inductees to celebrate and honor mentors who consistently go above and beyond to support tnAchieves efforts in their communities. tnAchieves is recognizing 32 outstanding volunteers across Tennessee in its inaugural class. Allen Lutz, the Director of Education and Workforce for the Roane Alliance, is one of the tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame inductees.

tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame inductees include educators, business professionals, and community leaders from across the state. All tnAchieves mentors make an invaluable contribution to the program and local students, whether they have served for one year or 15. The individuals being inducted into the tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame have consistently answered the call to ensure students are successful and their communities are aligned in support of tnAchieves efforts. Our inaugural class supports the bold idea that all students, regardless of background or zip code, deserve the opportunity to earn a high-quality credential after high school.

“tnAchieves would not be where it is today without the support of these 32 difference makers who believe in the power of education,” said tnAchieves President and CEO Krissy DeAlejandro. “Our inaugural tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame class could not be more deserving. Since our inception 15 years ago, these individuals have remained dedicated to students and the economic vitality of our state. On behalf of countless students, I am forever grateful for their continued support.”

Allen Lutz, the tnAchieves Hall of Fame inductee from Roane County, said about mentoring, “I feel much satisfaction when I’m able to help others reach their goals. As a tnAchieves mentor, I can positively impact my students. Our students must have someone to encourage and support them in achieving their goals. For many students, their parents, other family members, and friends will serve in that role. But, too often, that role is not being filled. As a result, many do not receive guidance and encouragement to set high goals for themselves and to go beyond the ‘easy’ things. I hope the encouragement and support I give to my students help them succeed. And they, in turn, learn that their success often comes from the help, support, and encouragement of others.”

tnAchieves has introduced the following mentors into the Hall of Fame:

• Debbie Adams - Sequatchie County - 9 Years Mentored
• Rebecca Ashford - Hamilton County - 14 Years Mentored
• Janice Bettis - Sevier County - 12 Years Mentored
• Veenita Bisaria - Loudon County - 12 Years Mentored
• Randy Boyd - Knox County - 15 Years Mentored
• Ricky Boyd - Obion County - 9 Years Mentored
• Karen Bowyer - Shelby County - 11 Years Mentored
• John Cagle - Jefferson County - 12 Years Mentored
• Dan Caldwell - Rutherford County - 8 Years Mentored
• Owen Driskill - Knox County - 15 Years Mentored
• Beth Duffield - Rutherford County - 9 Years Mentored
• Lindsay Frilling - Obion County - 9 Years Mentored
• Janice Goldthreate - Shelby County - 8 Years Mentored
• Matthew Hunter - Hawkins County - 11 Years Mentored
• Shanna Jackson - Davidson County - 9 Years Mentored
• Tish Jones - Hamblen County - 11 Years Mentored
• Youlanda Jones - Lauderdale County - 5 Years Mentored
• Michael Laman - Anderson County - 15 Years Mentored
• Kelly Lancaster - Rutherford County - 8 Years Mentored
• Mark Luttrell - Shelby County - 8 Years Mentored
• Allen Lutz - Roane County - 12 Years Mentored
• Greg Martz - Humphreys County - 11 Years Mentored
• Christy Newman - Blount County - 12 Years Mentored
• Don Polley - Gibson County - 9 Years Mentored
• Mike Ragsdale - Jefferson County - 14 Years Mentored
• Richard Ray - Knox County - 10 Years Mentored
• Mischelle Simcox - Sullivan County - 8 Years Mentored
• Michael Torrence - Putnam County - 10 Years Mentored
• Kasey Vatter - Sumner County - 13 Years Mentored
• Cliff Wightman - Cumberland County - 9 Years Mentored
• Tim Williams - Knox County - 15 Years Mentored
• Anthony Wise - Knox County - 13 Years Mentored

tnAchieves will induct mentors into the tnAchieves Mentor Hall of Fame annually. Those wishing to join tnAchieves as a mentor can visit https://www.tnAchieves.org/mentors. More than 3,500 volunteer mentors are needed with less than one month until the October 21, 2022, deadline. Mentors commit just one hour per month to ensure that students have access to local support, encouragement, and guidance as they navigate the college-going process. All mentors are provided training, a handbook, and ongoing support.

tnAchieves is a privately funded scholarship and mentoring program that seeks to provide an opportunity for every Tennessee student to earn a post‐secondary degree. If you have questions about the tnAchieves mentoring program, please contact Tyler Ford at (309) 945-3446 or tyler@tnAchieves.org.
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