Seth Breeding and Skyler Dunford are the 2025 recipients of a Foothills Striders’ Scholarship. The awards are given each year to two Blount County students, who have distinguished themselves academically as well as physically by participating in sport activities, such as cycling, hiking and/or running. Both Seth and Skyler will receive a $3,000 scholarship from the Foothills Striders in the fall to assist with their upcoming college expenses.
Seth is a graduate of William Blount High School, and the son of Zach and Mandy Breeding. He plans to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville to pursue a degree in business analytics. Skyler is a graduate of Maryville High School, and the daughter of Wendy Simpson. She plans to study Elementary Education.
Seth has taken multiple Advanced Placement (AP) classes. He is a Summa Cum Laude Graduate, which is awarded to students who have achieved a high Grade Point Average (GPA). His extracurricular activities include one year of baseball, one year of football, three years of track and field, plus four years of basketball. In addition, Seth is a member of the Dotson Memorial Baptist Church youth group and has had the privilege of serving with them on two mission trips to Costa Rica. Seth qualified for sectional competition in each of his three years on the track team. One of his references stated that, “He has consistently shown to be both a reliable athlete and student.” Seth commented on his essay that “The discipline and commitment I learned through track will continue to benefit me as I transition to college.” He hopes to work in a field where he can use data to make decisions and solve challenges.
Skyler said her love for track began when she was in the sixth grade when she was searching for a new activity to try. She has participated on the Maryville High School’s Track and Field team for four years. She competed at the state level as a sprinter and a hurdler. One of Skyler’s references stated, “She has carried a rigorous academic load including multiple AP and Honor courses while representing our school, which is an example of her drive to succeed.” She has been a member of the National Honor Society for four years. Her high GPA qualified her to graduate in the top 10 percent of her class. Her other reference indicated, “She is the kind of athlete who celebrates the success of others as much as her own, always encouraging and uplifting to those around her.” Skyler’s community activities include preschool teacher at her church, plus volunteering at camps for kids, middle school track meets, and the Special Needs Olympics. Plus, she worked part-time the last three years. When Skyler was little she dreamed of being a teacher. She wrote that she appreciates the teachers who have inspired her, and she plans to have the same impact on her future students.
In correspondence after the selection process, Seth responded, “I really appreciate the Foothills Striders for the generous scholarship. Your support means a lot as I take this next step.” Upon receiving notification of her award, Skyler sent the following as her favorite quote, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.” from Colossians 3:23. She was excited to report that she became an “All State Athlete” at her last track meet. We can look forward to more great accomplishments from both of our scholarship recipients.
The Scholarship Committee is very impressed by the quality of candidates of the application packages received in 2025. Including this years’ recipients, the Foothills Striders will have awarded $110,900 since 1987.