Jeremy Bales – Lee University
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame is proud to announce that Jeremy Bales of Lee University has been named the most recent recipient of the Jeff Byrd Memorial Scholarship. Since early childhood, the Chattanooga native knew his calling in life would be in the field of sports. He plans to earn a degree in physical education with a religion and coaching minor. Jeremy grew up under the leadership of a single mother; graduated 16th in his high school graduating class and was considered an outstanding leader among his peers. He was honored with the Teaching Academy Award for his success in student teaching in the area elementary and middle schools. His junior year he was asked by school administration to give a speech for the annual Junior Achievement Banquet. In December 2012, he went on a mission’s trip with the Lee University baseball team and has been involved in World Missions and other orphanage endeavors through his church, Redemption Point Church of God.
The newly created Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Jeff Byrd Memorial Scholarship is awarded bi-annually to a Tennessee college junior or senior who displays character, leadership and integrity in sports, the classroom and the community. The scholarship will be awarded to a student that wishes to follow in Jeff Byrd’s footsteps with an interest in sports journalism and/or sports management. Jeff was not only a successful businessman, but a great husband, father and community leader. He loved to give back to the people of his adopted home of East Tennessee. Through the love and support of his East Tennessee friends and others throughout the state, this scholarship was established as a lasting tribute for his many contributions.