Page 18 - NovDec2021 Vol39No5

TCAPWA By Lisa Hood Skinner
2021 TCAPWA Scholarship Winners

TCAPWA recently announced the demanding undergraduate work.” the Men’s Basketball team. When not busy
winners of two $1,000 scholarships. “During the first two years of college with OHS events, he maintains a job, is
The scholarships are awarded annually she has carried a full class load, made solid involved in AAU Basketball, and takes time
to children of TCAPWA members or grades, all while working a full-time job. I to contribute through City of Chattanooga
employees of TCAPWA member agencies commend her for being able to manage and Public Information and Outreach Events.
who are planning on enrolling in college maintain a stellar career while pursuing Tarel is a beacon of light as he enters a
or technical school. Congratulations to an undergraduate degree program…she is room. You rarely see him without a smile
this year’s winners: Shelia White and Tarel a hard-working and responsible person,” on his face and a kind word for others.”
McClurkin III. Moss said. McClurkin’s Varsity Boys Basketball
Now that her undergraduate degree is Coach, James Ford, said one of his “favorite
Shelia White finished, White said she plans to obtain her traits of Tarel is his leadership ability and

She is called master’s degree in public administration, his outstanding character. While coaching
“the Gatekeeper” with the goal “to one day be a part of that him over the last two seasons, it has been
by her boss and decision-making process and earn a seat easy to see he has innate leadership skills
the rest of the at the table” by becoming a Public Works and has the intelligence to be that coach on
Public Services Director or City Manager. A TSU Dean’s the court we needed to be successful. Other
Department for List student, she previously earned an players look to him for that leadership.
the City of White associate of science degree from Volunteer That leadership bled over into the academic
House. State Community College. world as well,” Ford said.
They’re referring to Shelia White, their Moss went on to say that White was “a McClurkin, an applicant to Pellissippi
administrative assistant who ably wears the proven asset to my department through State Community College, said while he
“hat” of providing excellent administrative her solid work tenet and dedication” to has not yet fully committed to a particular
support to the Public Services department her job. “It is this drive, motivation and major, a component will be in community
managers who run everything from an exceptional work ethic that makes service. He said that’s one result of his years
pothole repairs to sewer system upkeep. Shelia uniquely qualified to continue her of work with his mother, Kimberly Strong,
Her other “hat” is a graduation cap, academic quest,” he said. during outreach events with the City of
since, along with holding her full-time White, grateful for the TCAPWA Chattanooga. Strong is Public Information
job, White recently earned her bachelor’s scholarship, said being a public servant Specialist for the City of Chattanooga’s
degree in urban studies from Tennessee “has always been something near and dear Department of Public Works. She is
State University. White is described to my heart because I believe in serving also Past Chair of the National APWA
by Andy Cieslak, City of White House and helping those around me and in my Committee for Diversity and Inclusion,
Public Services Director, as “a deserving community.” Tennessee Delegate to the APWA Council
candidate that you will be proud to have Tarel of Chapters and an Accreditation Evaluator
as an example of your ideal scholarship Team Member.
(recipient).” McClurkin “I can remember looking forward to
“I have witnessed how she excels each year helping her set up exhibits and
in her position within the Public Tenacity, drive, passing out giveaways. I enjoyed these
Services Department. Through daily and motivation experiences and I have no doubt that these
correspondence, she has demonstrated to excel… experiences led me to my volunteerism
motivation, creativeness, competence and these attributes and leadership roles throughout my entire
learning, and an attitude to excel in the aptly describe school career,” McClurkin said.
Public Works Sector...she is an example 2021 TCAPWA He said his volunteerism as a Peers
of a good citizen who is committed to Scholarship Mentor in high school “was also a
academics, as well as to growing in her Winner, Tarel Kenneth McClurkin III of humbling experience. Being able to help
professional life while also helping others,” Ooltewah. my peers navigate through challenging
Cieslak said. A graduating senior at Ooltewah High situations was rewarding. Servant
White’s commitment to academics also School, McClurkin was described by his leadership is a Public Works professional
was especially noted in a supportive letter College and Career Advisor Suzanne S. trait.”
from W. Joe Moss, retired Director of Bayne as a “strong role model for other “From the 6th grade to the 12th grade, I
Public Services for City of White House. students and teammates.” was awarded the highest honor a student
Moss, who worked with her for eight She said McClurkin is “a hard-working athlete can receive and that was in the form
years, said White “has proved that she student as he has strived to maintain a of leadership recognition. It showed me
is deserving of consideration for your GPA of 3.7. He has done this while being a that hard work attached to helping others
scholarship opportunity through her member of the Beta Club, National Honor does pay off. I finished with a 3.8 GPA,”
Society, Peer Mentors, and a member of McClurkin said.
18 TPW November/December 2021