The Gene “Pappy” Thompson Award for Excellence originated in 1982 to recognize an area high school student-athlete who exhibits exemplary athletic skills, but who also excels in the classroom and who gives of his or her time performing community service.
The award was named in honor of Thompson who spent nearly 50 years at the Bristol Herald Courier beginning as a news reporter before becoming a sports writer. He was later named sports editor and eventually executive sports editor.
Thompson wrote of the on-the-field accomplishments of athletes over the years, but he was just as interested in their success off the field.
Thompson was called “Pappy” as he was blessed with eight children.
Thompson, who began his career in 1937, retired in 1979 and was then named sports editor emeritus.
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Thompson passed away on April 27, 1988.
High schools in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia were invited to nominate one senior for the award. The nominees are listed on pages B14-15.
From this list five finalists will be selected and profiled beginning on Tuesday, May 21. They will continue on May 23, 25, 28 and 30. And, from those five, one will be selected as the 2024 winner.
The winner will be profiled on Saturday, June 1.
Winners have come from 26 different schools, eight of which are no longer in existence. Abingdon has the most representatives with five, followed by Grundy with four and Patrick Henry with three. Eastside, Holston, Marion, Richlands have had two each, as did Clintwood, J.J. Kelly and Powell Valley.
The recipient will receive their own Thompson Award plaque and the school will showcase the original Gene “Pappy” Thompson trophy for the next school year.
The 2023 recipient was Jessi Looney from Grundy High School.
SHAINA ADDAIR
PATRICK HENRY
Addair can not only hit a softball, but she can also hit the books.
She has a 3.86 GPA and completed 32 dual-enrollment credits through Virginia Highlands Community College and A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School. She will graduate with a certificate of general studies from VHCC.
Addair has battled her way back from a knee injury to be a talented catcher for the Rebels on the diamond and she will continue her softball career at King University where she will pursue a degree in exercises science and mental health.
Addair is also an all-district basketball player and team captain, attends Highlands Fellowship Church and helps with the church’s childcare program and food pantry. She also gets her thrills by cliff jumping at South Holston Dam.
LUCAS ADDISON
J.I. BURTON
Addison’s versatility shines through in his resume with activities including tennis, scholastic bowl, forensics, and one-act play.
He was runner-up in impromptu speaking at the state forensics competition and was a catalyst for Burton’s VHSL scholastic bowl championship team.
In the classroom, he compiled a 4.417 GPA and has already racked up 102 college credits from Mountain Empire Community College and the University of Virginia. Oh yeah, he’s also the president of Burton’s chapter of the National Honor Society
Addison suffers from epilepsy and that has limited his ability to play some sports, but he still shows up at games to support his fellow student-athletes.
He plans to attend the College of William & Mary and obtain a degree in International Relations as he hopes to begin a career in foreign affairs.
JAYLYN ALTIZER
RICHLANDS
Altizer maintained a fast pace as a two-sport standout and honor student.
She crafted a 4.164 grade point average to rank sixth in her class, was elected as president of the Key Club, and served as treasurer for the National Beta Club.
Altizer also volunteered to read at elementary schools and coach youth basketball.
In athletics, Altizer was a four-year starter in basketball and soccer. She was named team captain in both sports.
Altizer will play soccer at William Peace University.
JACIE BEGLEY
VOLUNTEER
A three-sport standout athlete in track, cross country and basketball, Begley is just as interested in promoting the achievements of her teammates as a key member of the Volunteer social media team.
She is considered Volunteer's best female distance runner ever, currently holding several cross country and track school records. Begley has been a multiple all-conference, all-region and all-state selection in all three sports.
Begley, a member of the Student Government Association, carries a 4.0 grade point average with 24 Superscore in the ACT. She has placed in each of the top three positions at the Appalachian Fair in a variety of categories and is a Washington Youth Tour Essay attendee. She also volunteers at middle school track meets.
FAITH BENNETT
UNICOI COUNTY
A four-year participant in softball and basketball, Bennett has been part of the Beta Club for three years, served as a class president twice and vice-president of Fellowship of Christian Athletes for one year.
Bennett has been heavily involved in numerous community service activities, including the Evergreen FWB Kid's Day, the History Project, the Hope Mentoring Program, 423 League and is involved in the Apple Festival in Erwin. She has an eye for art, not only with her photography skills, but also painted faces while helping with a church project in Hickory, N.C.
Carrying a 4.47 weighted grade point average with a 28 ACT superscore, Bennett is an active member of her church and has participated in numerous community service projects and activities. He is a member of the National Honor Society and has been part of HOSA - Future Health Professionals - for four years. She has earned numerous academic and athletic awards.
MERRICK BUCHANAN
HOLSTON
Buchanan has proven he can take down opponents on the wrestling mat and that he can also take on challenges in other areas of his life.
He placed third twice and was the VHSL Class 1 runner-up in the 132-pound weight class as a senior for the Cavaliers. He was the recipient of the National Wrestling Coaches and the United States Marine Corps Award for Character and Leadership All-American Award.
Buchanan also played offense, defense, and special teams during football season.
The kid with four siblings holds a 3.3 GPA and takes building trades classes. He is a church camp counselor as well.
He hopes to one day be a part-time farmer and possible careers in the construction business or law enforcement interest him.
CROSS CHADWICK
TRI-CITIES CHRISTIAN
Committed to play basketball at Emory & Henry College, Chadwick is an honor student with a 4.1 grade point average.
Chadwick has recorded more than 1,000 points, 600 rebounds and 100 blocks on the basketball court and served as a team captain for two seasons. He is active in volunteering with area basketball leagues and camps for kids, along with local hospitals, children's church ministry and LXI, an after-school program in Johnson City.
TAYLOR CLAY
EASTSIDE
Clay has made her mark at Eastside to say the least and will leave the school as one of the most decorated student-athletes to ever walk its halls.
She was an all-state performer in softball, volleyball and basketball and led the Spartans to a state championship in the latter in March. She has started in the state tournament in all three sports.
Clay also has a 4.17 GPA and is the salutatorian of Eastside’s Class of 2024. She has signed to play softball at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
It’s not just achievements alone, but Clay’s humbleness and friendliness make her popular among her coaches, teammates, and fans.
A member of Coeburn Presbyterian Church, she has helped coach basketball, softball, and volleyball youth-league teams. She has visited residents of assisted living homes and has volunteered her time with Operation Christmas Child, which provides gifts for underprivileged kids.
ELLIE COBB
VIRGINIA HIGH
Cobb has earned respect for her dedication in athletics and academics.
She ranks fourth in her class with a grade point average of 4.31 and will graduate with an associate degree from Virginia Highlands Community College.
Cobb has competed in volleyball, basketball, and track and field. She earned team captain status in each sport.
Her volunteer efforts include reading to pre-school students, helping with her church, and assisting with inventory at a local cardiac Cath lab.
Cobb signed to compete in track and field at Lees-McRae, where she will major in exercise science.
OLIVIA CRIGGER
RURAL RETREAT
Crigger has soared to new heights at Rural Retreat and not just because she holds the school’s record in the long jump with a leap of 17-feet, 7-inches.
It’s because she’s won 18 varsity letters in basketball, indoor track and field, outdoor track and field, cross country, and golf.
It’s because she has been a straight-A student for four years with a 4.26 GPA and ranks fourth in her class.
It’s because she is a member of the National Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and DECA organizations.
It’s because she has volunteered her time with her church and even umpired Little League baseball and softball.
Driven, competitive and role model are some of the words used to describe Crigger, who will continue her track and field career and plans to major in biology at Bridgewater College.
CARTER DILLON
LEBANON
Dillon knows all about success – in and out of the classroom.
His long list of achievements includes helping the Lebanon Pioneers win VHSL cross country state titles in both the Class 1 and 2 ranks.
In Forensics, Dillon earned multiple state championships on the team and individual level. He also earned the VHSL Class 1 Outstanding Actor award in the One-Act play event in 2022.
Dillon accomplished all that while crafting a 3.9 grade point average, serving as class president, and participating in four sports.
In the community, Dillon took part in food drives, read to young students while dressed as characters such as Dr. Suess, and assisted students with learning disabilities through the Buddy Club.
Carter plans to attend Southwest Virginia Community College and compete on the soccer team. He then intends to transfer to East Tennessee State University where he will purse a degree in Biology in preparation for a career as a wildlife conservation officer.
ALEAH GRINDSTAFF
HAPPY VALLEY
An All-Three Rivers Conference honors and captain on the Happy Valley softball team, Grindstaff has spent extensive hours volunteering to multi-county non-profit foster care agencies and local businesses. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been recognized as an Ultimate Teammate and Letter awards for outstanding citizenship and leadership.
Grindstaff plans to pursue a degree in ultrasound technology at East Tennessee State and specialize in obstetrics. She has also worked as a party helper with Wallabies, a local children's amusement center for the last two years.
A Summa Cum Laude Honors graduate, Grindstaff holds a 3.97 cumulative grade point average while attaining her Associates Degree at Northeast State Community College. She has a 4.0 GPA while ranked in the top five percent of her high school class.
CASSIDY HAMMONDS
LEE HIGH
With a grade point average of 3.75, Hammonds will graduate with an advanced diploma.
Hammonds played a leadership role for the Generals in several ways.
She served as team captain in basketball, earning All-Region 2D honors. Hammonds was also a four-year member of the volleyball team and earned Region 1D-2D female athlete of the year honors in track and field.
Hammonds was elected as vice-president of the DECA Club and treasurer of the Science Club. She also volunteered to teach in her church.
KATE JESSEE
HONAKER
She hopes to one day be Dr. Kate Jessee as medical school is in her future plans and she has operated four years as a reliable leader in Honaker’s hallways, classrooms, gyms and soccer field.
Jessee was a top rebounder for Honaker’s girls basketball team and was a member of the 2022 VHSL Class 1 state championship team. She also excels at volleyball and soccer and overcame injuries to both shoulders that required surgery.
She has a 4.0 GPA and will receive an advanced studies diploma. She has won academic awards in history and accounting and had stints as both the president of the Student Council Association and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Jessee has also been involved with the Art Club and Spanish Club.
Jessee helmed a ceremony to honor veterans, coached youth league volleyball and is active at Swords Creek Community Baptist Church.
She plans to attend Clemson University before going to medical school to receive her doctorate in pediatrics.
SYDNEY LEONARD
GEORGE WYTHE
A George Wythe administrator says Leonard has “a big heart and a determination spirit of a lion.”
She demonstrated those traits in excelling in sports and in the classroom.
Leonard has competed in volleyball, basketball, softball and track and field during her time at GW.
The member of the National Honor Society has a 3.75 GPA and has taken dual enrollment classes in such subjects as Developmental Psychology, Quantitative Reasoning, Introduction to Sociology and Precalculus.
She is also members of the Interact and Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs.
Leonard plans to attend Radford University and hopes to one day be a pediatric nurse.
JONAH LOONEY
GRUNDY
A four-sport participant in football, basketball, baseball and track & field, Looney will graduate with an advanced diploma with a 3.92 grade point average. He also will graduate with 54 dual enrollment credit hours from Southwest Virginia Community College, making the Dean's List in each semester.
He is involved in numerous school activities, including the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Plant the Moon Challenge associated with NASA, Student Council Association and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Grundy principal Mark Cooper refers to Looney as "one of the unselfish athletes I have ever been around." He adds that "with all his achievements, he always wants to do better and encourage others."
Known for his "heart and passion" in all pursuits of life, Looney is also very involved in community activities, from volunteering at local food pantries and humane societies to assisting with flood relief efforts last year in Pilgrim's Knob in Buchanan County. He also organizes sports activities for residents in a local nursing home, sings Christmas carols and reads to elementary students among numerous other ventures.
Looney plans to finish up his Associates Degree from SWCC this summer and will attend Roanoke College beginning in the fall with intentions to play for the new Maroons' football program.
MADISON LOONEY
WISE COUNTY CENTRAL
Looney helped guide the Wise Central Warriors basketball team to the VHSL Class 2 state title as a senior and starred in track and field, but her talents go beyond athletics.
With a 4.34 grade point average, Looney will graduate with a general studies certificate from Mountain Empire Community College.
Looney serves as a volunteer at local nursing homes, collects money for the food bank, and is a buddy for the Angels League special needs basketball program.
After compiling more than 1,500 points and 1,100 rebounds, Looney signed to play at the University of Virginia’s College at Wise.
COLTEN MCLAIN
CHEROKEE
A 1,000-plus point scorer in four seasons playing basketball for the Chiefs, McLain has been an all-conference and all-region honoree. Healso played four years for the golf team at Cherokee.
McLain, is a three-time Student Council president, a four-year member of the Future Farmers of American and the 4-H Honor Club and All-Star, in addition to freshman and sophomore of the year and part of the Beta Club.
He is also a Tennessee/Virginia Scholar, Tennessee Promise Scholar and Honor Society member. He also serves as a 4-H judge for livestock and has performed more than 120 hours of community service with Heritage Lites Youth Development.
ELLA MOSS
MARION
Moss has followed a busy course over the past four years.
In addition to starring in three sports, she compiled a 3.7 grade point average while taking advanced placement and dual enrollment classes through Wytheville Community College.
Moss earned Southwest District player of the year honors in volleyball and basketball as a senior, earning all-state honors in both sports. She put her name in the VHSL history books in volleyball for single-season and career service points.
Moss also found time to start a fundraiser for a local girl’s basketball program, volunteer at a local nursing home, and serve on the Marion student council association. She signed to play volleyball at Concord.
MARKI PALMER
NORTHWOOD
Palmer only attended Northwood her senior season after transferring from Anderson County in Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, but she found a home in Saltville and flourished as both a student and an athlete.
She has been described as a “very positive, honest, caring, hard-working and reliable young lady” by some educators at Northwood.
The setter for Northwood’s volleyball team, she helped the Panthers win the Region 1D championship and advance to the Class 1 state tournament. She had 49 digs in the regional title-clinching win over Eastside and finished with more than 1,000 career digs in her prep career. She will play the sport at Emory & Henry in the fall.
She also has a 4.5 GPA and has been involved with the Beta and Fellowship of Christian Athletes clubs. In her role with the FCA, she was a speaker at the organization’s Fields of Faith program. Palmer has also volunteered her time to a number of worthy causes.
BRODY PATTERSON
TAZEWELL
Patterson has signed to play football at VMI. He earned that opportunity through four years of achieving high standards.
With a grade point average of 4.2, Patterson ranks fourth in his class.
A four-sport athlete for the Bulldogs, Patterson also found time to serve on several clubs and contribute to his church and community.
The career path for Patterson is dentistry.
“My affection for my town, its close-knit community and the cherished memories forged as a Bulldog have shaped my identity,” Patterson said.
JIMMY PHIPPS
TENNESSEE HIGH
Called by his football and baseball coach as the finest person at Tennessee High, Phipps is an active volunteer for First Presbyterian Church, Avoca Elementary School and with youth camps at Tennessee High. Phipps, who spent the last two years as quarterback of the Vikings' football team, carries a 3.98 grade point average with carpentry being his program of study.
Phillips is OSHA certified in construction and with his culinary skills, and is president of the Student Council, a member of the Beta Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has lettered in football three years, twice in basketball and once in baseball.
Phipps was nominated for the Mountain Empire Chapter Scholarship Program and was the first recipient of Tennessee High School's "I See You Award", which is a schoolwide citizenship honor.
THOMAS POTTER
UNION
With four straight VHSL Class 2 state titles, Potter crafted an epic story of success on the wrestling mat.
That success carried over to the classroom where Potter earned a 4.03 grade to rank 13th in his class.
Potter has raised money for St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and helps with the Angels organization that provides athletic opportunities to children with disabilities.
“Thomas is the type of student-athlete that you want to represent your school,” Union High School counselor Michelle Salyer said.
Potter will wrestle at Gardner-Webb University and plans a career as a teacher and coach.
ELLA SEYMORE
ABINGDON
Seymore earned an appointment to the Air Force Academy and she did it the hard way.
In the classroom, Seymore crafted a 4.036 grade point average while taking college prep classes and earning 39 credit hours through dual enrollment courses.
As an athlete, Seymore competed in four sports and overcame a serious knee injury in her junior year.
She also found time to contribute over 80 hours of community service with various youth athletic groups.
“There are no limits to what Ella sets her mind to accomplish. She is nothing short of extraordinary,” AHS athletic director Travis Gray said.
CONNOR SIMCOX
JOHNSON COUNTY
Simcox has thrived in the athletic arena and in the classroom and has also found time work at Church Street restaurant in Mountain City. He is also a member of the National Honors Society, National Technical Honors Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
Simcox played four years of football, serving as captain for three of them, and earning all-conference honors all four years. He also played basketball for the Longhorns for three seasons, earning all-conference honors in all of them.
He is currently ranked 19th in his class with a 3.945 GPA, along with a 23 ACT Composite score. He has earned the school's scholastic award four years in a row, and has twice won the Faculty Leadership Award, Rotary Sportsmanship Award and the Presidential Academic Excellence Award. He is also ACE certified through the automotive classes he takes at the school.
OLIVIA STEVENS
JOHN BATTLE
Stevens plans to study Early Childhood Education at Liberty University and her achievements over the past four years are worthy of role model status.
In the classroom, Stevens compiled a 4.069 grade point average. She will graduate with a one-year degree from Virginia Highlands Community College and was chosen for a summer internship through the Washington County School Board.
Stevens also found time to perform in eight shows at the Barter Theatre, volunteer at an assisted living facility, and participate in the Read Across America program.
In athletics, Stevens competed in four sports and served as the team captain on three of her teams.
IAN STURGILL
CHILHOWIE
A dynamic player with a dynamic personality, Sturgill has enjoyed a sterling senior season.
He was the leading rusher for Chilhowie’s football team, which went from a winless campaign in 2022 to making the playoffs in 2023.
Sturgill was the top defender for Chilhowie’s basketball squad, which made the state tournament for the first time in 30 years.
The guy who Chilhowie gridiron boss Reid Sturgill says has a “first-class work ethic” has a 3.8 GPA and takes classes at the Smyth County Career and Technology Center, where is working towards a full licensure as a cosmetologist.
Sturgill uses those skills by cutting hair at the Valley Healthcare nursing and rehabilitation facility. He also has coached and refereed with the Upward Football program, leads bible studies and is an active member of the Beta and Walk-By-Faith clubs.
SAWYER TATE
WEST RIDGE
A multifaceted communicator excelling in the classroom, athletic field and in the community is how Tate, whose parents are both teachers, is described by those in the know at West Ridge, in addition to displaying an empathic nature and consistent presence.
A standout in football, basketball and tennis, Tate carries a 4.177 GPA in advanced placement classes and also has dual-enrollment credits from Northeast State and East Tennessee State. He will graduate with an Honors Diploma, Distinguished Graduate and State Distinction, while also being a part of the National Honors Society, Student Ambassadors Program and Beta Club.
Also involved with the youth group at Sunnyside Baptist Church, he is also employed by the Great American Cookie Company. He has been tabbed as the Region 1-6A Athlete of the Year. He plans to attend East Tennessee State University with plans to follow in his parents' path as an educator.
ANTHONY TORBETT
SULLIVAN EAST
Referred to by Sullivan East principal Andy Hare as "one of the finest people I know", Torbert is an Eagle Scout with a 4.4355 weighted GPA and 28 or higher in ACT scores to rank first in his class.
A three-sport participant in football, track and wrestling, Torbett also serves as an Electrician's Apprentice with FiberConnext in Johnson City. He is a member of the National Honors Society, Student Council, Beta Club, Foreign Language Club and Culinary Club.
Torbett has received numerous community awards, including the HOBY Award, Paul Harris Fellow (Rotary), Sullivan East Epic Award, first place in Bristol Art Expo, National Rural and Small town recognition program and has been accepted into the Cook Grand Challenge Honors program at the University of Tennessee, where he is already a graduate in the Governor's School for Science and Engineering in 2023 with a focus on physics.
His Eagle Scout project has been to install flag holders to recognize veterans at two area cemeteries. He has also participated in the Cook Around the World Competition at Walt Disney World. the 2024 Civics Bowl, represented Sullivan East in the Student Congress on Policy in Education at Belmont University and has designed and built solar-powered go-karts and raced them at Bristol Motor Speedway.
BAILEE VARNEY
CASTLEWOOD
Varney has posted low scores on the golf course, high marks in the classroom and has produced plenty of highlights in her four years at Castlewood.
One of Southwest Virginia’s top female golfers, Varney finished third in the 2023 Cumberland District tournament and also competed more than once in the VHSL Class 1 state tourney. She was also a team captain for the Blue Devils’ basketball squad and has competed in track and field and scholastic bowl.
Varney has a 99.446 GPA and is currently ranked fourth in her class. She has taken dual enrollment classes through Southwest Virginia Community College and also attended A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School courses. Art, English and Spanish are among the subject she’s received awards in.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America and Spanish Club are among her activities, and she is the president of Castlewood’s Class of 2024.
She’s also volunteered in a number of ways with a number of organizations.
Varney will attend Virginia Tech in the fall and her intended major is in Exercise and Health Sciences.
2023 WINNER
JESSI LOONEY
GRUNDY
A four-sport participant for the Golden Wave, Looney is a freshman at Emory & Henry College, where she is a member of the cross country team. She won her first collegiate event for the Wasps last September.