Imani Spratling grew up in Oak Ridge, Tennessee where she was a cheerleader, dancer, and gymnast. She is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School and the Men of TomorrowProgram. Sheattended the University of Memphis and received both a Bachelors and Master’s Degree in Sports Administration.
Imani has a plethora of experience working in college and professional sports. She has worked for The University of Memphis Football & Basketball programs, the Memphis Grizzlies, PGA of Southern Ohio, and many more.
Imani currently owns The Legends Den Performance Training LLC, which is a company that provides endurance training, skill evaluations, and team bonding for cheer and dance teams throughout the country. She also has a sleep wear brand known as Legendary Way LLC that reminds women to chase their dreams both physically and figuratively.
In February 2023, Imani published her first children's book, “The Cheer Legend”. She is based in Dayton, Ohio and spends her free time mentoring young girls around the city. Imani is creative, enthusiastic, and loves to watch people accomplish their dreams.
Imani is the daughter of Mr. John and Mrs. Vanessa Spratling.
Dr. Sheldon “Cole” Green is a 2013 graduate of Oak Ridge High School and the Men of Tomorrow Program. In addition to being an outstanding student in high school, he was a star on the Oak Ridge High Wildcat track team.
Dr. Green carried his track successes on to Transylvania University in Lexington, Kentucky where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry. He continued his education at the University of Kentucky whereheearnedaDoctorateinPharmacy, and an MBA.
After graduation, Dr. Green completed a Managed Care Pharmacy residency where he worked at the Tennessee State Capitol, TennCare, and various state hospitals.
In his current role as a Clinical Pharmacist, Dr. Green works at four of University of Louisville Health hospitals performing a number of roles as an emergency room pharmacist, an infusion pharmacist, a discharge pharmacist, and more.
Inhis freetime,heenjoys liftingweights,attendingcomedyshows,andvolunteering in medical clinics for the underserved in Louisville, Kentucky. Dr. Green is the son ofMr.Sheldon andMrs.TeresaGreen,andcurrentlyresides in Louisville,Kentucky.
2022-2023
Charles Crowe Frank Gethers
Eugene Miller Freda Boyd
Barbara Jackson
Rebecca Crowe
Chavez Golden Sherri Fairchild-Keyes Steven Wood
Nicholas Crowe
Edwena Crowe
The Program Coordinators for the Men of Tomorrow Program express their sincere thanks to the parents and families of the “Men of Tomorrow” participants, contributors, friends, and patrons for helping us make this programpossibleand thispresentation of scholarshipstoour senior young men and women. This is truly a memorable occasion and without your help, would have only been a dream. We can all make a difference in some youth’s life. Again, thanks for helping to make a difference with your continued support and in-kind gifts.
Mistress of Ceremonies: Ms. Imani Spratling, Author, and CEO of the Legends Den Performance Training, LLC
Welcome
Introduction of the Head Table
Invocation
The Year In Review
Musical Selection
Introduction of the Speaker
Keynote Speaker
Presentation of Awards
Special Recognitions
Closing Remarks
Mr. Bryce Dorsey
Mr. Jayden Mills
Mr. Julian Williams
Ms. Jessica Thompson
Mr. Jayden Davis
Mr. Kasen Robinson Dinner
Mr. Lloyd Jones
Mr. Kendall Null
Dr. Sheldon “Cole” Greene
Ms. Freda Boyd
Ms. Jazmine Mitchell
Mr. Don Davis, Jr.
“Looking Toward the Future”
During the spring of 1990, the members of Zeta Gamma Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. realized the need to take action to improve the image of our young men. Toward the successful achievement of this goal, it was decided that during the 1990-91 school year a pilot program would be initiated to encourage the development of a good self-image, academic achievement, and cultural development among young men. The program was later named “The Men of Tomorrow,” in recognition of the fact that these youth are our future.
The program began in September of 1990 with ten high school juniors and seniors from the Oak Ridge-Knoxville area. The program soon found an enthusiastic friend and co-sponsor in Ms. Henrietta Grant, Vice Principal for Student Affairs, at Oak Ridge High School. Ms. Grant provided the right enthusiasm, guidance and foresight to get the program off to a good start.
After the first year, it was decided that the program could have greater impact if it was expanded to include middle school-aged young men. This proved to be a very important decision for the Men of Tomorrow Program, since it allowed participants to enter the program at an early age and continue through high school. The average participant in the program today has been in the program for two years, with some being in as long as four years.
Through the use of workshops, field trips, and mentoring, program coordinators have worked to assure that these young men are exposed to as many things as possible to help develop a positive self-image and good moral character. The group has visited numerous colleges, businesses and industries in the area, and has also had several exciting field trips, such as:
The Candle Light Christmas Tour of Biltmore House with dinner at the Deer Park Restaurant;
The Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, Tennessee and Ripley’s Aquarium in the Smokies;
A three day visit to Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama;
Visited the Martin Luther King Center for Social Change in Atlanta, Georgia,
Attended the Atlanta Classic Football Game in the Georgia Dome;
Alcoa Aluminum of America, and
The Southern Appalachian Railroad Museum
In 1991, the first Men of Tomorrow Scholarship was awarded. Each year since 1991, scholarships have been awarded to all participants in the program that have graduated and entered college. The scholarships are funded through generous donations by businesses and the local community. As is true with the scholarship fund, all activities of the Men of Tomorrow Program are supported through generous contributions from businesses and the community. In 2004, the Program became the Men of Tomorrow Foundation, and young ladies began to more actively participate in the Program. The program is 501(c)(3) and operates as the Men of Tomorrow Foundation with a Board of twelve members who also serve as coordinators of the Program. There has never been a charge to the participants in the program for any of the activities including the field trips.
This program which started out as a grass-roots effort to improve the self-esteem of our young men, has become a community organization recognized by the local school systems, civic organizations, and businesses as a positive influence on our youth. The Men of Tomorrow Program has several alumni that have matriculated through college and are making contributions in their respective communities.
Well son, I’ll tell you: Life for me ain’t been no crystal stair, It’s had tacks in it, And splinters, And boards torn up, And places with no carpet on the floor-Bare.
But all the time
I’s been a-climbin’on, And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark Where there ain’t been no light. So boy, don’t you turn back. Don’t you set down on the steps
“Caus you finds it’s kinder hard. Don’t you fall now--
For I’s still goin’, honey, I’s still Climbin’, And life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.
--Langston Hughes
September Kick-off Meeting
Mr. Brian Russell Territory Manager for the Tennessee Lottery “Always Moving With Purpose”
October
Mr. Mathew Best Executive Director of The Change Center “Community involvement. How to influence positive change”
November
Mr. Gregory Adams, Assistant Principal at Bearden High School
Mrs. Canena Adams, Internal Communications Coordinator for the UTK “The Power of Connection”
December
“Annual Alumni Panel”
Moderator: Ms. Monica Johnson Alumnus and Student at University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
January
Coach Michael Huie
Teacher and Assistant Basketball Coach at Farragut High School
“Taking Responsibility for Your Actions and The Importance of Academics”
February
Field Trip to the Oak Ridge High School to visit the Oak Ridge Wildbots
“Demonstration of how to design, build, and operate robots in competitions”
March
Field Trip to RSI Entech, Inc.
“Opportunities in the Environmental Management Field”
April
Mrs. Sherrie Fairchild Keys
Consultant for the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching
“Learning How to Use Your Strengths to Accomplish Our Goals”
Thank you to the American Museum of Science and Energy for hosting the 2022-2023 Men of Tomorrow Meetings!
School: Organizations & Activities: Member of the Black Student Alliance, winner in the Poetry Out Loud Competition, sings in the Children of God Ministries Church of God in Christ Youth Choir, participates in Children of God in Ministries Church of God in Christ plays, recipient of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority “Keep the Dream Alive” Scholarship, and a six year participant in the Men of Tomorrow Program
Church Affiliation: Children of God Ministries Church of God in Christ
Career Aspirations: To attend Tennessee College of Applied Technology and become certified in Pipefitting and Plumbing Technology. He will also pursue voice overs and voice acting
School: Organizations & Activities: Anderson County High Beta Club, National Technical and National Honors Societies, Technology Student Association President with 10 State of Tennessee wins, Science Bowl and Scholars Bowl Captain, Certified Fiber Optics Technician Industry Certification, University of Tennessee Chancellors Honors, Volunteer Scholarship Recipient, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority “Keep the Dream Alive” Scholarship Recipient
Church Affiliation: Greenway Baptist Church
Career Aspirations:
To attend the University of Tennessee –Knoxville to obtain a degree in Industrial Engineering with a focus in Mathematics
Mariah Ard
Kaiya Barnes
Malia Barnes
Shane Black
Brooklyn Bush
Mico Cleveland
Don Davis
Jayden Davis
Johanan Davis
Landon Davis
Bryce Dorsey
Je’Khaiden Hall
Brandon Heyward
Anaiya Heyward-Tharpe
Ezekiel Hopper
Jayden Johnson
Cameron Jones
Jayden Mills
Jazmine Mitchell
Kendall Null
DeLonte Price
Eric Reeves
Kasen Robinson
Jeremiah Strickland
Jessica Thompson
Tevoirea Threat
Ray’Quan Watson
Aarys White
Julian Williams
1991
Adrian Thompson
1994
Garfield Adams
Harvey Stevens
Marvis Strickland
1995
Jamon Brady
Jason Launaze
1997
Christopher Black
1998
Besus Allen
Jordan Clark
Adrian Hill
Kevan Venable
1999
Gregory Adams
Nicholas Crowe
Martel Curd
Curtis Harvest
Kenneth Herring
Percy Jackson
Anthony White
Steven Wood
2000
Duncan Beasley
Terry Copeland
Eddie Faust
Jermaine Mitchell
Wesley Newson
2001
Jonathan Barnes
Sir David Pettus
Marcus Hobbs
Gregory Jones
Calvin Maddox
Marquis McMahan
Walter Mencer
Nicholas Mitchell
Michael Rupert
Julian Stephens
2002
Caleb Lewis
George Ward
Lorenzo Woods
2003
Brandon Berry
Jacob Brown
James Cain II
Adair Jackson
Dedrick Jackson
Malcolm Oyobio
Jonathan Thomas
Terry Weaver
Clarence Williams
2004
Dennis Brown
Thaddeus Grace
James Hunter
Byron Jowers
Yarrick Kincaid
Thomas Mims
James Poe
Jared Stevens
2005
Daniel Brown
Nicolas Fletcher
Dana Hunter
Chalmers Ivy
Maurice McKinney
Aaron White
Tony Williams
2006
Austin Allen
Bradley Childs
Nathan Grace
Marcus Huie
Adrian Merriweather
Jon’Nesha Stevens
2007
Winifred Bedford
Ryan Emory
Willie Graham III
Shayla Jackson
Brandon Jones
Darryl Miller
Gaston Mitchell
Clarence Threat
Ernest Whitaker II
2008
Justin Brown
Lashundra Clay
Carmen Hall
Alex Hopper
Ryan Ratliff
Jared Stephens
Jaraious Sykes
2009
Jarvis Allen
Stephen Bedford
Kyle Childs
Jaquori Ivy
James H. Jeter
James M. Jeter
McKenzie Joy
2010
Robert Austin
Christen Donald
Amber Eskridge
Michael Glenn
Jonathan Hairston
DeVonte’ Hawkins
Mehgan Hopper
Joshua Jeter
Kira Miles
Royce Rivera
Gregory Rodgers
Rachel Simmons
David Wright
2011
Darius Gallaher
Chavez Golden
Demetrius Green
Jennifer Hitchcock
Tyrece Irons
Christopher Jackson
Robert Middlebrook, III
Isaac Mobley
Deahna Moore
Raquel Rivera
Jadon Short
Samuel Smith
2012
SaShai Middlebrook
Tyler Rhone
Johnathan Simmons
Kara Summers
Adrian Thomas
2013
Christopher Goldston
Cole Green
Tamara Hundley
Rachel Jeter
Savanna Johnson
Treyron Jones
Treyjon Spratling
Jamen Woods
2014
Kayla Miles
Alyssa Underwood
2015
Malik Hardy
Kadarius Jacks
Brandon Johnson
Jeremiah Pearson
Kierra Webb
2016
Adriana Boston
Jordan Dunbar
Isiah Mobley
Imani Spratling
Navia Upton
2017
James Brown
John Brown
Terryl Dodson
Leah Scudder
Kayla Summers
Edward Woods
2018
Kijon Dunn
Ruth Hammond
Ana Heavens
Kaitilyn Mobley
2019
Chandler Davis
Chasity Donald
Makiya Garrett
Alexis Hammond
Kaitlin Summers
Raven Woods
2020
Loleita Cruz
Jevon Ford
Monica Johnson
Justin Thompson
Jacori Wimes
2021
Cassidy Dukes
Kiara Felton
Jaylen Hewyard
Khamari Mitchell-Steen
2022
Ginieya Anderson
Reginald Johnson
Darren Osborne, Jr.
Takiyah Stewart
2023
Don Davis, Jr.
Kendall Null
Gold Sponsors
Boston Government Services
Mr. Charles and Ms. Edwena Crowe
Silver Sponsors
Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Barbara Jackson
Mr. David and Mrs. Julia Rupert
Bronze Sponsors
East Tennessee Mechanical Contractors, Inc.
Mr. Sheldon and Mrs. Teresa Green
RSI EnTech, LLC
Oak Ridge Associated Universities
Premiere Building Maintenance
“The Future is Yours”Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Jackson
AMSE tells the story of the advances in science and engineering that have occurred in Oak Ridge since the first days of the Manhattan Project. We are a national resource that is proud to be located in east Tennessee, a region that has been and remains on the cutting-edge of scientific innovation. AMSE is a powerful engine of STEAM education and inspiration. With our fun, interactive exhibits and programs, every day we tell visitors from the globe exciting, world-changing stories and we help explain how our world and universe works. Come join us at AMSE, where science comes alive.
115 E Main Street Oak Ridge, TN 37830
865.294.4531
Regular hours of operation:
Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
“FRIENDSHIP IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE SOUL”
OMEGA PSI PHI FRATERNITY, INC.
ZETA GAMMA GAMMA CHAPTER
OAK RIDGE, TENNESSEE
1668 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Rev. Dr. Robert Edward Exum Psalm 23
23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
DJ, my son, child number 6, this journey has not been easy, there have been ups and downs; but look around, you are successfully completing your senior year. You have grown to be a fine young man with gifts and talents that you have not tapped into. You cannot begin to fathom the creativeness that God has placed in you until you have placed those gifts into action. Strive for excellence in all your endeavors and keep your eyes on the prize. Remember your family, we are your number one cheerleader and will continue to push you in the right direction. Straighten your back, stand tall, hold your head up and never settle for the bare minimum. Most of all, keep God first! Your family loves you!
This message is to a special person and gift the Lord gave our family…Don Davis, Jr. our thoughts and prayers! We love you so very much!!!
You have worked hard to accomplish your current achievements, and the consideration of this organization to invest in your future endeavors! God is good, and we are grateful! We are so godly proud of you! Thanking GOD FOR YOU ON YOUR SPECIAL DAY! We are so glad to be still alive to join you in the celebration! LORD, WE THANK YOU!
You are such a BLESSED & INTELLIGENT young man! We pray God’s choicest BLESSINGS upon you, and that you CONTINUE to be BLESSED with many more blessed opportunities and SUCCESS on your JOURNEY to and through your ADULTHOOD! GOD BLESS YOU, sweetheart! We love you so very much!
You know the right path; stay on it and the Lord will bless you to achieve your goals because without the Lord, we can’t do anything!
We LOVE AND APPRECIATE YOU ALWAYS; ALWAYS REMEMBER, “THE LORD” IS YOUR/OUR HELP!”
Congratulations and ENJOY your day! Your Loving Grandparents, Rev. & Mrs. Walter P. Mack, Jr. (Maw-Maw & Paw-Paw)
Congratulations, DJ on your achievement and continue to keep God first.
Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6
Love, Pastor Phillip D. Hamilton, Sr. and First Lady Sheila E. Hamilton & the Children of God Ministries COGIC Family
We have watched you quietly grow into the young man that you have become. It has been a joy watching you bloom. You have made it known that you know what you want to be and how you want to do it. Follow your dreams and stay the course.
We are proud of your accomplishments and the way you continue to conduct yourself as a growing Christian. Always keep Jesus first and remember this verse:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future!” He holds your future in His hands!
Charles and Edwena CroweJOSHUA 1:9
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thou God is with thee whithersoever thou goest
With all our love, Dad and Mom
“The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
Congratulations on all your accomplishments. May you always shine for the Lord. We are very proud of you. From the first day that we met, I knew you had a plan and know where you want to go in life. You are admired and we know that you are going to go off and do big things.
Your success is in your hands and you should never allow anything or anyone to cause you to veer off the path that you have charted for yourself. Stay the path and always remember that failures guarantee success.
Charles and Edwena CroweWords cannot describe our love for you. We are so proud of you and the young man that you have become. We will always be here to support your educational endeavors and future successes. We are also proud of how you have participated in the Men of Tomorrow program. We wish that all of your dreams come true.
We Love You
Nana and Granddaddy
Deborah and Terry Copeland
As you start this new phase of your education and life, continue to strive to be the best you can be. High School can be a special four years if you study hard and make friends that will last a life time. Always remember you can reach all your goals with hard work and Gods guiding hand.
Cotner-Brabson Family Tracy, Kevin, Taylor, & Mason
Every time I see you, you have grown more and more into a kind and decent young man. You are taller now and your voice is a bit squeaky, but I still look at you as the little, tiny boy with the big smile who knew EVERYTHING. My hope is that you continue to keep your mind open to new and wondrous things. And know that TK is and will always be proud of you!
If you always try your best Then you’ll never have to wonder About what you could have done If you’d summoned all your thunder
And if your best Was not as good As you hoped it would be, You still could say, “I gave today All that I have in me.”
Congratulations in being a part of a great organization. We are watching you bloom into a beautiful young woman.
God Bless and Love you Freda & Charles (Pawpaw) Boyd
JULIAN
Congratulations Julian Williams on the awesome work you have done this year in Men of Tomorrow, in the Jefferson Middle School Band, and good grades.
We love you!!! Mom and Family!!
We believe in you.
Uncle Frank & Aunt Sis
Thanks for your participation and dedication to the 2022-2023 school year program.
It is with sincere appreciation that the program coordinators for the Men of Tomorrow Program acknowledge all who have helped to make our 2022 - 2023 program and our 33rd Annual Scholarship and Awards Program a success. For assistance with the activities for the young men and women, purchase of ads in this souvenir program booklet, as well as for contributions and support in a variety of other ways, we thank you.
The sponsors are presented on advertisement pages and the foundation is forever grateful to those who have given of their time and resources to keep this program viable for our youth. We are especially grateful to the parents that see the value of this program for their son or daughter and have encouraged their continued participation.