The Tennessee Kappa chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon held its annual Balanced Man Scholarship Banquet Tuesday on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Festivities for the night began with discussions between the invited freshmen men and the Brothers of Tennessee Kappa over dinner. Following the meal a round of speeches began.
Brother Kevin Teets, Vice President of Recruitment for the chapter, briefly explained the Balanced Man Ideal. Luther Mercer, Director of Multicultural Affairs for UTM, followed with his own take on what the balanced man strives to accomplish. “Becoming a balanced man or woman is not a destination,” Mercer remarked. “It is a journey. One should shrive everyday to become better.” He went on to comment that the journey of becoming balanced begins by fixing one’s body, one’s mind, and one’s spirit.
To bring the night to a close, the three winners of the Balanced Man Scholarship were announced. Each will receive $500 in the spring semester. Winners were chosen on the basis of how well they exemplified in high school the four aspects of the Balanced Man: Scholar, Leader, Athlete, and Gentleman. Those honored included Michael Keatts of Indian Mound, Sam McDaniel of Pairs, and Lucas Jones of Savannah.
Keatts served as a Boys’ State Delegate for Stewart County High School, was named to the National Honor Roll all four years, and served as president of VICA two separate occasions. He is the son of James and JoAnn Keatts. McDaniel received several soccer awards at Henry County High School, including Goalkeeper of the Year his junior and senior years. He also was Student Council President and worked as a library assistant. He is the son of Bill and Joyce McDaniel. Jones was involved in many clubs at Hardin County High School, including National Honors Society, the Hardin County Pride Band, and Tri-M music honor society. In addition Lucas was active in his local church youth group and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. He is the son of Reginald and Debbie Jones.
Sigma Phi Epsilon began the Balanced Man Program in 1992 as a means of changing the traditional pledge model of a fraternity and continuing the development of each brother throughout his life. From day one anyone accepting an invitation to enter SigEp is given full rights, privileges, and responsibilities. Every member of Sigma Phi Epsilon strives to uphold the cardinal principles of virtue, diligence, and brotherly love in each aspect of his life. This goal is made easier to accomplish by living according to the Balanced Man Ideal: Sound Mind, Sound Body, Sound Spirit.