Legendary NFL quarterback Peyton Manning gathered with Chancellor Donde Plowman and other leaders from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, on Aug. 27 to honor the newest recipients of the Peyton Manning Scholarship, a highly competitive four-year award given to four incoming students each year.

This year’s group — Mallori France, Nicole Gann, Cade Simmons and Emi Taylor — arrive on campus as some of the brightest, most service-minded students of their class. Each will take part in the highly selective Haslam Leadership Scholars Program. At the event, they were commended for their remarkable academic excellence and leadership.

Manning endowed the scholarship when he graduated in 1998, and it now boasts 61 recipients in its 27th year. It recognizes some of the most academically successful incoming Vols, with an emphasis on service and leadership.

“Peyton’s support for UT, through both his time and his generosity, has impacted generations of Volunteers,” said Plowman. “What is special about the Manning Scholars Program is that it emphasizes not only academic achievement, but also the leadership and service that come with being a Volunteer — the same qualities Peyton has always embodied. I am both impressed by and proud of this year’s scholars.”

Manning echoed Plowman’s admiration for the students, adding that they are only just starting their lives as Volunteers — an identity he hopes they continue to cultivate.

“Every year I look forward to this event and the opportunity to meet, recognize and reward such exceptional and deserving students,” said Manning. “I’m honored to help provide many of the same opportunities to these students that I received. This is just the beginning of the positive impact they will have on the university and in the communities where they will make their mark after graduation.”

The four recipients have diverse backgrounds, academic interests and hopes for the future, but all hold a desire to lead and leave a legacy of positive impact on Rocky Top and wherever their careers take them.

Cade Simmons of Spencer will study public affairs. At Van Buren County High School, Simmons participated in varsity tennis and served as head anchor of the Media Club, vice president and president of the Future Farmers of America chapter, and 4-H state council president and a member of the National 4-H Congress Design Team. Simmons also volunteered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Students Against Destructive Decisions and Van Buren County’s UT extension office.

“It’s a true honor to have my education supported by Mr. Manning,” said Simmons. “The dedication to education, student well-being and support at UT are unmatched. There’s an emphasis on learning and working here in Tennessee to support and serve Tennessee, and this message rings so true to me, to support the state which has been so wonderful to me. Thank you, Mr. Manning and everyone at UT, for supporting our educational and social journeys. We’ll give our all for Tennessee.”