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The recipient of the 2021-2022 Maggie Crosby Tetrick Diversity in Leadership Scholarship is Franklin Acosta, senior at Elizabethton High School.

Acosta is the son of Victoria Marshall and nephew of Bobbie Bullard. He has demonstrated both musical and academic excellence during his time at EHS and is currently the principal clarinetist of the Symphony of the Mountains Youth Orchestra and the winner of the 2022 Symphony of the Mountains Concerto, all while maintaining an impressive academic GPA.

Acosta has placed into the All-State East Honor Band multiple times throughout his high school career, and was accepted into Tennessee’s Governor School of the Arts Program in the summer of 2021.

Throughout his time at EHS, he has demonstrated strong leadership skills, especially as a proud member of both the Elizabethton ‘Betsy Band and the ETSU Concert Band.

Along with his impressive run with the ‘Betsy Band, Acosta is much loved by his academic mentors. He came highly recommended by Dr. Lisa Perry, clarinet professor at ETSU with whom he has been studying for many years.

Acosta also received an outstanding recommendation from Jonathan Valentine, Director of Bands at EHS.

His hobbies include crafting bassoon reeds, performing concerts and meeting new people through music. His biggest inspiration comes from his clarinet professor, Dr. Lisa Perry (ETSU).

The Maggie Crosby Tetrick Diversity in Leadership scholarship was established to honor and recognize children of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds, particularly historically underrepresented students who have demonstrated academic integrity and strong leadership skills.

Students must also be recommended by a teacher and/or academic advisor as a student who demonstrates excellency in all academic aspects.

The Crosby-Tetrick family are passionate about sharing the message of diversity, equity and inclusion particularly in order to create well-balanced leadership within communities.

“Franklin encompasses all that the Diversity in Leadership scholarship represents, and he has ambitions to become a college music professor and receive his doctorate in Concert Clarinet. He is socially aware and has a strong understanding of the importance of being a leader among his peers,” states Ashley Tetrick, mother of Maggie Crosby Tetrick, for whom the scholarship is named.

Recipients of this scholarship are also honored with a plaque which is displayed at Elizabethton High School.