2017 Hunger Challenge Winners Announced!
The Memphis University School Hunger Challenge team received the state championship trophy during a recent school assembly. From left: Kendall McCarter, TWF chief development officer; Will McEwan; Edward Erb; Ric Wolbrecht, TWF chairman of the board; Collins Robinson; Edward Apple; Will West; Barry Klug; Hastings McEwan, Mathon Parker; Bobby Wade; Parker Kaye; Mac Robinson; Dr. Jack Gayden, Tennessee Wildlife Federation chairman emeritus; and Wyatt Berry.
Hunters for the Hungry connects food banks and soup kitchens with lean, organic, high-quality protein provided by caring deer hunters. Hunger Challenge was launched in 2013 to provide a way for youth to participate in this effort. The point-based competition among high school clubs not only raises critical funds to help feed hungry families, but also serves as an educational experience for students. By participating, students gain important skills in leadership, club-building, humanitarianism and philanthropy.
“Tennessee Wildlife Federation works to keep people of all ages engaged in the outdoors,” said Matt Simcox, Hunters for the Hungry and Youth Hunting & Fishing Manager. “By conserving wildlife and habitats, we’re also protecting a means to feed hungry people.”
The numbers are in and Tennessee Wildlife Federation has announced the regional winners and the overall state victor in this year’s Hunger Challenge!
State & Region 1 Champion
Memphis University School earned the most points in Region 1 and across the state. Students contributed more than 50 deer, raised more than $5,000 to fund processing of donated deer and volunteered for a collective 100 hours.
Bobby Wade, a Memphis University School junior, received two individual recognitions: the Top Harvester Award for securing the most deer donations in the region and the Top Gun Award for raising the most money of any student in the region.
Region 2 Champion
Centennial High School earned the most points in Region 2. Students donated three deer and volunteered for a collective 143 hours—the most of all of the regional winners.
David LeCates, a Centennial High junior, received both the Top Harvester Award the Top Gun Award.
Region 3 Champion
Clarkrange High School won Region 3. Students donated 11 deer, raised $1,000 to fund processing of donated deer and volunteered for a collective 70 hours.
Davis Hendricks, a Clarkrange senior, received both the Top Harvester Award the Top Gun Award.
Region 4 Champion
The Region 4 champion is Jefferson County High School. Students raised more than $2,000 to fund processing of donated deer, volunteered for a collective 78 hours and donated 40 deer.
Taylor Jett, a Jefferson County senior, received the individual Top Harvester Award. Reece Watkins, a Jefferson County junior, received the individual Top Gun Award.
Hunger challenge begins again in April and schools interested in participating can visit the Hunger Challenge page for more information.
