For the past nine years, Beat the Odds has presented an awardsprogram recognizing young people and adults who have overcomedevastating obstacles by using their power to be successful.
Each spring, BTO honors six young people and one adult who havesucceeded despite a serious obstacle, which can range fromsurviving an abusive relationship to overcoming a physicaldisability, with a reception, banquet and special awardsceremonies.
Memphis BTO has also acknowledged adults who do incredible workon behalf of children.
At these events, the organization celebrates the extraordinarylives of the honorees with their families, friends, teachers andcounselors who have helped them to achieve their goals anddreams.
BTO began in Atlanta and moved to Memphis in 1994. Since itsbeginning, BTO has honored young people from the Memphis and ShelbyCounty area that have beaten the odds.
Sophomore Chereka Spencer was honored with an award in 1997because she didn't let her blindness stop her from the things shelikes to do.
"I ride my bike, paint and even roller blade," Spencer said."Because I am blind, it doesn't mean I have to stop doingeverything I love. I am an overcomer."
Spencer's achievements have inspired her to help those who havesimilar goal-oriented mindsets.
"A person should be recognized for overcoming something, andthis organization helps the youth who want success even if they arein obstacles," she said.
Members of the Memphis BTO Committee are volunteers whorepresent many sections of the Memphis community, includingcolleges and universities, public and private social serviceorganization, hospitals and health care organizations and localcorporations.
Board member Angela Paige said BTO is an organization thatrecognizes youth who survive bad situations and want to besuccessful.
"We are accustomed with the problems that threaten children,including school dropouts and youth at risk of becoming victims orperpetrators, " Paige said. "The Memphis BTO program aims toprovide a positive message about young people who have overcometremendous obstacles like disabilities, death of parents, povertyor family breakups."
Paige said it is amazing to see the outcome of those who havebeen recognized in BTO.
"Several past Memphis BTO award winners have finished highschool, gone to college and are now making improvements asresponsible adults. Some have received national attention for theirsuccess in the public eye."
Nominations come from a variety of sources, including city andcounty schools, social services agencies, the medical community andother community groups serving children.
Documentation of grades is required, along with completednomination forms and background information.
Nominees should be enrolled in school or a special trainingprogram, between the ages of 13 and 21, maintain a minimum GPA andshow a marked effort, improvement or success.
They must also participate in activities including volunteer,extracurricular, religious or civic activities that are helpful toothers. They must achieve non-academic goals and cannot be aprevious BTO award recipient.
