Two teenagers from Elizabethton will be part of an annual tradition in August.
Cayden Davison and Lauryn McGinnis from Elizabethton High School were recently selected to take part as “Presentees” and will be honored with a host of other ladies for the 57th Annual Knoxville Teen Board Presentation Dance scheduled for Saturday, August 26, in Knoxville. The event is geared to recognize ladies, between 14 to 18 years old, for their community service.
“The Teen Board of Knoxville looks for young ladies that are leaders in the community and school,” Kendra Walker Patty, who is the oversight for out-of-town participants, told the Elizabethton Star on Wednesday. “We honor the young ladies from outside of Knoxville, where there is not a Teen Board because we feel like they should be honored for doing so many great things for the school and the community they live in. We are proud of the accomplishments of the young ladies that have been chosen as Teen Board of Knoxville Presentees.”
Walker Patty stated the event is one of the largest teenage back-tie dances in the country.
The Teen Board of Knoxville is a private, nonprofit organization solely created for teenagers with adult help. According to information provided by Walker Patty, the Board’s purpose is to “get the teenagers to work and take the lead in civic and welfare projects and to lift their social and moral life to higher standards” with over 12,000 hours being given to civic and welfare projects being given to charitable organizations.
Heather Davison, Cayden’s mother, praised the effort of both girls for their efforts in the community.
It isn’t the first time Cayden’s been part of the event. Heather stated her daughter participated last while joining last year’s nominee, Allison Riddle. Her mother added Cayden is very active in school and is currently taking part on a mission trip to Belize.
The students will be able to bring up to eight students for the event, along with an escort. Along with being recognized, a dance will be held, and a special dinner is also on tap with the mayor of Knoxville. A call to McGinnis’ family was not returned before the Elizabethton Star’s press deadline, but updates on the duo will appear in future print edition of the papers and online.