Zoie Faith Grindstaff and Maggie Caitlyn Johnson, both of Elizabethton, have been invited to be Presentees at the 59th Annual Teen Board Presentation Dance this weekend in Knoxville.

The dance, on Saturday, is one of the largest “black tie” dances in the country where teenagers and adults alike enjoy the same social occasion.

Last year, hundreds of leading teenagers as well as adults from around the state enjoyed the event.

“It is not just a dance or a social debut for teenagers,” a spokesperson said. “It has far greater meaning. The Teen Board of Knoxville is building leaders for the future.”

The Teen Board of Knoxville is a private, non-profit organization solely for teens aged 14-18 with adult help. Its 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.

Last year, more than 12,000 hours were given to civic and welfare projects for charitable organizations.

After 58 years, adults have seen results of this work in the good leadership in colleges and universities shown by our former members. By learning to help those less fortunate at this age, in turn they have helped themselves develop a public and civic responsibility they are carrying on as adults.

The dance is a reward for those local girls and boys who have completed their hours of service.

“We honor selected girls from other parts of the country who are rising seniors, by inviting them to be presented along with our outstanding teenagers,” the spokesperson said.

The weekend starts with practice and brunch, followed by the Mayor’s dinner, honoring the Presentees and other dignitaries. The presentation and dance will follow that evening at the Knoxville Convention Center, with a black-tie reception afterward.

Zoie and Maggie are long-time friends. Their friendship began their first day of school, just over 12 years ago, two small girls with big dreams and from there it has grown into a venture through life together. They have shared many life experiences from dance to many of their sporting events. And, they continue making memories together, including this week’s Teen Board Dance.

ZOIE FAITH GRINDSTAFF

Zoie is a student at Unaka High School. Her escort for this weekend’s events is Zachary Chase Hartley.

She is a member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Elizabethton, and plays basketball, golf, and softball at Unaka High.

Zoie is also a member of the FCA and BETA Clubs and supports and volunteers with Area 3 Special Olympics supporting Carter, Unicoi, Johnson and Washington counties.

Zoie’s court includes Hayley Hood, Katie Williams, Kailey Peters, Madison Rice, Heaven Caraway, Haylee Fuller, Macy Ensor, and Sara Beth Grubb.

MAGGIE CAITLYN JOHNSON

Maggie is a senior at Elizabethton High School, where she plays varsity soccer and softball. She is a member of Pleasant Beach Baptist Church.

Her court includes Marley Wagner, Hannah Williams, Kaylen Shell, Maddison Pritchard, Baylee Creasey, Maddie O’Quinn, and Maci Street.

Her escort for the weekend is Jaxton Lee Holly.