The Union County Lions Club awarded Riley Cole, Gavin Graves and Joy Turner $300 each from the Mark Martin Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is awarded annually in memory of Union County elementary music teacher Mark Martin, who passed away on May 16, 2015. Mark taught general music at Big Ridge, Sharps Chapel and Luttrell Elementary schools and assisted with band at the middle and high school.
Twelve graduating seniors applied for the scholarship in spring 2022. The seniors submitted an application accompanied by an essay. Union County High School Counselor Jamie Branton distributed, received and tallied points from a rubric for phase one of the judging process. During phase two, the applicants' essays were evaluated and candidates were interviewed by a panel of three judges: Commercial Bank Maynardville Branch Manager Brenda Sweet, Union County Public Schools Supervisor of Instruction Dr. Lauren Effler and Union County Mayor Dr. Jason Bailey.
The Union County Lions Club would like to thank all judges and all students who applied. The Lions Club hosts a gospel concert, sells pecans, and manages concessions at the Union County Opry to raise funds for eye exams and vision services besides this scholarship. The gospel concert featuring The Primitive Quartet will be held at the Union County High School Auditorium on July 23. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the Mark Martin Memorial Scholarship Fund or inquire about the gospel concert, please contact Union County Lions Club secretary/treasurer Ronnie Mincey at 865-276-6430.