By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Kelley Powers’ success story started at Union City Schools.
“So many of my life lessons were learned in this building,” Powers – a 1997 graduate of UCHS and ultra-successful businessman/entrepreneur – told honorees at the 38th annual Union City High School Academic Top 10 banquet at Marty Sisco Gymnasium Monday night.
“Union City and Obion County is an unbelievable place. When you students grow up, you’ll realize just how special this place is.”
Powers, co-founder of nationally renowned Final Flight Outfitters with his brothers Jon Ed and Tripp, is also a world champion goose caller and farmer. He told his personal success story to the Top 10 in each class, their guests, and the 25 sponsors of the event.
With many of his family members in attendance, including his mother who was a teacher in the Union City Schools System, he not only shared details of his path to success but also offered words of encouragement, his life philosophies, and the critical lessons he’s taken from failure.
“Faith, family, and outdoors has been our family’s motto,” said Kelley, who’s partnered with many companies – including Under Armour – since bursting on the outdoor scene by winning the world goose-calling championship. “We’ve worked many different jobs, and hard work was always engrained in us. People entrusted us to sell their products, and that’s how Final Flight was born.
“It’s important to be confident in your work. And it’s OK to be wrong in life but be confidently wrong. When you make a mistake, be humble about it. Take ownership of those failures. No matter what happens in life, some of life’s biggest achievements come after life’s biggest disappointments. If you’re not failing at life, you’re not trying hard enough.”
Powers reminisced about his days at UCHS, especially noting his love for the tennis and band programs. He equated his ‘bird-whistle’ to a musical instrument and fondly recalled Friday nights when he said football games included “about 90 percent of the student body.”
He also stressed to students the importance of relationships.
“To you seniors, especially, networking, networking, networking,” he insisted. “There are doctors in this room, attorneys, spiritual advisors, financial advisors, and bankers. Look around the room. There are community leaders here who have invested so much and who want to help you and will help you.
“I was involved in a church study at one time that taught us that students and kids needed five mentors – other than their parents – in life. Identify good people and let them be part of your five.
“I’ve always said, show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.”
Union City High School Principal Jacob Cross emceed Monday’s ceremony, with Director of Schools Wes Kennedy, UCHS Vice Principal John Graham, and teacher Joanna Wisener reading the names of the honorees and their parents.
Of the senior recipients, nine of the 10 were recognized for the fourth time in as many years. Five of 10 were honored for the third time as juniors, and all 10 scholars from the sophomore class were repeat recipients.
Members of the Top 10 in their respective classes included (see related photos)
SENIORS
Shelby Grace Bondurant, Sarah Ann Del Valle, Lucas Tyler Greer, Emily Kate Hammond, Molly Smith Kizer
Joseph Daniel Lattus II, Ella Anne Palmer, Drew Thomas Smothers, Marlee Mae Theobald, Bailey Marie Wagoner
JUNIORS
Antonia Chavez-Pastor, Claire Elizabeth Frilling, Xavier Jack Hinson, Addison Grace Kitchen, Beto Adayr Martinez
Myranda Louise Parr, Adeline Elaine Rice, Edie Corinne Rodgers, Maya Elizabeth Runions, Daisy Anahi Sanchez
SOPHOMORES
Clare Elizabeth Atwill, Addison Elizabeth Carr, Bertie Lynn Jenkins, Tristan Scott Lynch, Arnav Shashikant Rajwadi
Brody Scott Riley, Rylee Elizabeth Stone, Madie Grace Theobald, Crickett Caroline Washburn, Gracie Ruth Worrell
FRESHMEN
Andrew Byars Beard, Layton Allen Courtright, Jenna Kate Cross, Uriah Elise Davis, Arianna Noelle Gear
Isaac Boulton Hardy, Rori Michelle Howell, Briley Kate McKinney, Madison Leigh Pate, Foster Fahl Rodgers
Powers offered the following assurance to the large crowd in his closing.
“No matter what happens each day, the sun is going to come up on the East Side of this school every morning,” he said.
It has undoubtedly shone brightly on Kelley and his family.