East Tennessee State University’s Tennessee Gamma Chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity recently presented Balanced Man Scholarships at an annual luncheon.Hunter Smith of Kingston received a $1,000 award. He is a recent graduate and valedictorian of Roane County High School. Named among his school’s Who’s Who Top Ten, he served as band lieutenant, men’s tennis team captain, Student Council secretary and trumpet section leader in the band. Active in community service, he volunteered for summer missions in inner city Chicago and Charleston, S.C., Smith plans to study biology at ETSU as a step toward a medical career. He is the son of Rick and Debbie Smith.

Wesley Rather of Harriman was presented with the $500 scholarship.

During his career at Oliver Springs High School, he was team captain of the football team and was named Region 2A Athlete of the Year. In addition, he was team captain of the basketball team, attaining all-district status for four years and all-region distinction for three years. His team went to the state tournament, where Rather was named TSWA All-State Player – one of only 15 athletes to win the award. A member of his school’s Beta Club, he was a Tennessee American Legion Boys State Delegate, as well as a member of P3 (Positive Peer Pressure), Bible Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. A biology major at ETSU, he is the son of Keith and Eva Rather.

The ETSU chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon has been awarding Balanced Man Scholarships since 2006 to freshmen who exemplify a sound mind and sound body – the characteristics of a “balanced man.”

The keynote speaker at the first luncheon was Frank Rutherford, a charter member of the chapter and a 1957 ETSU graduate. He received a commission in the U.S. Army after graduation and served his country for 30 years. After 10 years in the private sector, he returned to Johnson City and became active in promoting Greek life on campus.

He stressed scholarship, respect and brotherly love. After his death in 2008, the Tennessee Gamma chapter dedicated the scholarships to Rutherford. His widow, Ginger, continues to sponsor awards for the two members achieving the highest overall grade point average and to the two who have shown the most improvement during the previous academic year.

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