Gray earns UT Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship

Moore County student-athlete earned one of UT’s county-level scholarships for incoming Volunteers

10:41 a.m. June 17, 2026

Tristyn Gray earns UT Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship

DUANE CROSS
MCO Publisher•Editor

Tristyn Gray, a 2026 graduate of Moore County High School, will head to Rocky Top this fall with one of the University of Tennessee’s signature in-state scholarships.

Gray has been named a Distinguished Tennessean Scholar, an honor UT awards to one incoming student from each Tennessee county. The scholarship covers tuition and mandatory fees and is renewable for four years.

The honor puts Gray, the Observer's 2025-26 MCHS Male Student-Athlete of the Year, among a county-by-county class of Tennessee students chosen for more than grades. UT also weighs community involvement and what the university calls the Volunteer spirit – service, leadership, and a willingness to be involved beyond the classroom.

This fall, UT will welcome at least 94 first-year students from across Tennessee as its newest class of Distinguished Tennessean Scholars.

University officials said the program is meant to keep more Tennessee students on a direct path to higher education. “Since 2022, we have awarded the Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship to hundreds of scholars from Tennessee who embody the Volunteer Spirit in their academic achievements and community service,” said Kari Alldredge, senior vice provost for enrollment management.

“In May, UT graduated Volunteers from our first cohort of scholarship recipients. Each academic year brings with it an opportunity to recognize more inspiring scholars from across Tennessee who are prepared to light the way for others during their time on Rocky Top and as proud alumni.”

UT launched the Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship program in 2022. Since then, the university has awarded more than $13 million to 467 Distinguished Tennessean Scholars.

Moore County recipients of the Distinguished Tennessean Scholarship include:

• 2022 – William Trice
• 2023 – Reily Cross
• 2024 – Mackenzie Ward
• 2025 – Trip Hammond
• 2026 – Tristyn Gray

Admitted first-year students from Tennessee are automatically considered for the scholarship. To receive priority consideration, students must complete their admission application by Nov. 15 of their senior year of high school. Recipients must be admitted to UT and enroll for the fall semester immediately after graduating from a Tennessee high school.

UT also offers several other scholarship programs for Tennessee residents, including the Tri-Star Scholarship, the Volunteer Scholarship, the Orange and White Scholarship, and other institutional scholarships.