June 21, 2007

Peyton Manning Scholarship Presentation Video | Photos

Kara Leann Seat, an honors graduate of Christ Presbyterian Academy from Nashville, Tenn., has been named the 2007 recipient of the Peyton Manning Scholarship. The scholarship has been awarded annually since 1998 to a first-year student participating in UT's Honors Program in honor of Manning, the former Vols signal-caller, co-captain and 1997 All-America selection.

Peyton Manning and UT Director of Financial Aid Jeff Gerkin joined Kara and her parents Greg and Norma during the June 21 ceremony at the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center. The presentation took place directly in front of the "Peyton Manning Study Area," another byproduct of the Manning years at Tennessee.

For Peyton, it marked the continuation of a 10-year tradition in which he travels back to Knoxville to present the award personally. You wouldn't expect any less from Peyton, who always seems to do things the right way... and with a flourish.

"It's hard to believe we're celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Peyton Manning Scholarship," Manning said. "Kara continues what has become a tradition of outstanding academic students to receive this award. She adds to that a really solid athletic background and is just a tremendously well-rounded person. I'm proud to have her as a recipient."

Seat graduated from Christ Presbyterian with a 4.1 GPA and was a Wendy's High School Heisman Nominee.

The multi-sport athlete lettered in softball, tennis, soccer and bowling during her high school career. She earned All-District honors in soccer and was co-captain of both the soccer and tennis teams. Seat has also won the local competition in the NFL's Punt, Pass and Kick contest three times, advancing all the way to the national semifinals one year.

Seat has also busy off the playing fields. She was co-editor-in-chief of her high school yearbook and was a member of the National Honor Society. The incoming freshman was also the secretary of her class her final two years at Christ Presbyterian. Seat becomes the second honoree from Christ Presbyterian, Rebekah Ann Capps won the scholarship in 1999.

"Growing up a Tennessee football fan, I've always respected and admired Mr. Manning," Seat said. "He has set a great example, not only through football, but through his academic successes and community involvement as well. I consider it one of my greatest honors to receive this award, and I hope to follow in the footsteps of Mr. Manning by pursuing excellence in all that I do at the University of Tennessee."

A speech communication major who was No. 1 in his 1997 graduating class, Peyton Manning is the career passing leader at Tennessee with 11,201 yards, a 62.5 completion percentage and 89 touchdown passes.

The Manning Scholarship is funded from gifts to the University garnered from Manning's academic awards, the UT Athletic Department's corporate matching grants program and other private gifts.

Manning's four-year career at UT (1994-97) produced a number of awards that generated $165,000 in scholarship funds. Among the awards were the Burger King-Vincent de Paul Draddy National Scholar Athlete of the Year, the Davey O'Brien Foundation Award and the American Honda Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

The Manning Scholarship covers the costs of tuition, room and board. The award is granted to a first-year student on the basis of academic achievement, leadership and community service.