This past week, UT designated nine students as Torchbearers with a surprise celebration, acknowledging each of them for their “leadership, service and Volunteer spirit.”

This award is recognized as the university’s highest honor for undergraduate students, and is given to students who embody the Torchbearer’s creed: “One that beareth a torch shadoweth oneself to give light to others.”

The students who received this honor are each individually characterized by their fervor, determination and generosity, having accomplished a tremendous amount in their time at UT and paving the way for other Volunteers. 

For these individuals, making a positive impact on others was a major motivating factor.

“I grew up knowing so many people who didn’t have access to a college education in the same way that I did,” Hannah Haston, a senior business management major and Torchbearer, said. “And so, for me, it was very, very important that first of all, I make it count, and second of all, (I) truly leave the place better than I found it. Just because, if I’m going to be given such a special opportunity, it deserves not to be wasted.”

Haston took campus involvement to a new level during her time at UT. As UT’s Kappa Delta chapter president, Haston has accomplished lots for her chapter, from record-breaking fundraising to “Chapter of the Year” awards. 

“Kappa Delta is definitely the absolute cornerstone of everything that I have worked towards at the University of Tennessee,” Haston said. 

On top of her roles within her sorority, Haston maintained a top GPA in her respective college, earned over 125 service hours and served multiple leadership roles in UT’s Kappa Alpha Pi pre-law fraternity, among other commitments.

According to Haston, receiving the award was “the culmination of everything that I’ve tried to be for the people around me, and so for them to be so excited about that in the same way that I am is just really powerful.”

For Torchbearer recipient Sana Boghani, the award reflects efforts of the people around her in the same way. 

“Being a torchbearer is embodying that spirit of community, of celebrating people, of helping others rise as you rise yourself,” Boghani said. “And recognizing that there is an entire community with you that has helped you to get here, and that you have a constant responsibility to give back is what I think this award really embodies.” 

Boghani spent her time at UT exceeding academically in her field of communications. As a top four College of Communication and Information graduate, she felt that her leadership within her college and her dedication contributed to her accomplishments in her undergraduate years.

In addition to being a torchbearer for Vols through her ambassadorship and scholarship, Boghani spread the Volunteer spirit by extending her service to communities beyond campus, earning her the Gold Service Medallion. 

Torchbearer and senior material science and engineering major Marlena Alexander placed a similar emphasis on those around her and their contributions to her success. 

As a staff sergeant in the Air National Guard, Alexander has been able to serve beyond the UT community as well. From her involvement in the military, to her awards in engineering, to her dedication to learning German, Alexander has dedicated herself to bettering her community with the help of those around her.

Alexander described her recognition as unexpected. 

“It was a surprise for sure, but hearing someone talk about my accomplishments, you know, of course I feel proud, and it feels good that, like, my work is being recognized,” Alexander said. “But I just I have to say something for … everyone who helped me along the way, because I really think that, if you’re able to build up a strong support system like I have, that you can do anything.” 

Jourdan “J.T.” Thomas, a UT senior, sport management major, football player and now Torchbearer, touched on his experience being that support system for others. 

“Even when my world felt shattered, I put my teammates and the program first,” Thomas said.

After a devastating leg injury that required a year of recovery, Thomas learned the importance of bearing light for others. “I learned that it’s not about what happens to you, but how you respond to it, and I tried to do that — focus on responding the right way every day. And, you know, I never let the situation stop me from bearing the torch.” 

Thomas’s dedication to his team even when enduring his extensive recovery process became the primary reason for his nomination. 

“To me, being a torchbearer means living in a way that brings light to other people, even when it costs me something,” Thomas said.

These four individuals, along with the five other recipients — Alice Grace Beavers, Emily Giacini, Justin Henley, Jerome Jarjoura and Marlon Tully — each emphasize the creed in distinct ways and exemplify the Volunteer spirit through their efforts to improve their communities. 

“I think, at its core, being a torchbearer is recognizing the fact that there are many unsung torchbearers who have shadowed themselves to give that light to me,” Alexander said. “And I, in turn, am spreading that light to everyone.”