2025 Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award Nominees
September 2, 2025 2025-09-02 12:032025 Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award Nominees
2025 Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award Nominees
The Ayers Foundation Trust is proud to share the inaugural nominees of the Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award. The Torchbearer Award pays tribute to the enduring legacy of Jim Ayers, the Trust’s founder and visionary leader, whose belief in the power of education and opportunity transformed the lives of thousands of students.
Each year, the award will recognize one outstanding Ayers Alumnus who is helping move their community forward through entrepreneurship, community engagement, and achievements that reflect the Foundation’s mission of transforming rural communities one student at a time. The honoree will receive a $5,000 grant for a community project or nonprofit of their choice, along with recognition at the Ayers Foundation Trust’s Founder’s Day celebration in September.
Meet the 2025 Nominees
Ellie Brown
Ellie, a graduate of Lawrence County High and Belmont University, earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a specialization in Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP). She chose to return to her hometown of Lawrenceburg, where she now expands health options as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Encompass Health.
Heather Coleman
Heather, a Riverside High School alum, is dedicated to strengthening Decatur County through leadership and service. She serves on the boards of the Decatur County Chamber of Commerce, the Carl Perkins Center, and The Big Squeeze, while also serving as the University of Tennessee Martin Parsons Center Coordinator.
Trevor Teague
Trevor, a Riverside High School and University of Tennessee at Martin graduate, made the intentional decision to return to Decatur County after earning his engineering degrees. Both he and his wife, Karlee, are active supporters of the Carl Perkins Center and are committed to staying connected to the community that raised them.
Trent White
Trent, a proud Unicoi County High School graduate, earned his political science degree from East Tennessee State University, where he was named a Harry S. Truman Scholar—one of the most prestigious national scholarships for students pursuing careers in public service. This fall, he will begin law school, continuing his commitment to civic engagement, youth empowerment, and rural policy.
We are honored to celebrate the achievements of these four outstanding Ayers Scholars alumni. The inaugural Jim Ayers Torchbearer Award winner will be announced on September 17 at a Founders Day celebration.