The flame: july edition

Driving Legacy Forward in Knoxville

The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation and Charles M. Hall Alumni Association hosted the Allan and Wade Houston Legacy Golf Classic on June 29, raising funds for Knoxville youth mentorship, scholarships, and educational opportunites.

Watch the Recap Here

WHAT’S NEW AT AHLF

Driving Legacy Forward In Knoxville

The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation hosted the Allan and Wade Houston Legacy Golf Classic at the Tennessee National Golf Club on June 29.

Funds raised through the tournament support programs like the Real Talk Mentoring Program in Knoxville. Through a partnership with the Charles M. Hall Alumni Association, the golf event helps provide scholarships and educational opportunities for students.

Allan and Wade Houston were joined by Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer Bernard King, former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander and

former NFL players Todd Kelly, Sterling Henton, Albert Davis, Anthony Hancock and a plethora of community leaders, educators, business leaders and former athletes.

“The Allan Houston Legacy Foundation was built on the belief that every young person deserves the tools, the guidance, and the opportunity to reach their full potential,” Allan said. “This tournament is one of the most powerful ways we bring that belief to life, and year after year, it continues to grow because of the generosity of people who share that vision.”

ALLAN’S THOUGHTS

“When you think about the Houstons, the number one thing they speak to is God being the foundation.”

Former NFL player Todd Kelly has known the Houstons for nearly 40 years. The Tennessee alum discusses the mind and heart of the Houstons as a family who desires to inspire others.

WORD FROM THE YOUTH

“Even though you might be dealt the card you have, doesn't mean you always have to play it in the way the game should be played. Always strive to be more.”

Morgan Raiford was the recipient of the 2026 Charles M. Hall Alumni Association scholarship. Raiford will attend the University of Tennessee this fall and pursue a master’s in legal studies.

FEATURED STORY

Former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander encourages youth to do good

Alexander said a “sense of purpose” and a “sense of humor” kept him motivated during times when his work didn’t produce automatic results. But he also had faithful mentors, such as Senator Howard Baker and former White House aide Bryce Harlow. Alexander appreciates AHLF’s dedication to finding mentors for students.

Former Tennessee governor Lamar Alexander received the Champion of Education Award at the Allan and Wade Houston Legacy Golf Classic.

Alexander was the governor from 1979 to 1987. He served as president of the University of Tennessee from 1988 to 1991 and as U.S. Secretary of Education under President George H. W. Bush from 1991 to 1993.

Instead of boasting about the award and his five decades in politics, Alexander used the opportunity to encourage young people.

“We’ve got the recipe to make whatever we can out of this country.  And this is a country that everybody wants to get into, not leave. So for young people looking for inspiration, think about the blessings that we have, and figure out what you can make out of it,” Alexander told the Flame.

“I chose to be in public life. What that gave me a chance to do was to get up every day as governor or senator, thinking I might be able to do something good for my country, and I went to bed most nights thinking that I had.”

“One thing I’ve learned about education is that there’s hardly anything more important than mentors who set a good example,” Alexander said.

Alexander has become a mentor to many. He aims to continue pouring wisdom into others through his new book, “The Education of a Senator: From JFK to Trump.”

“I’ve spent my entire career believing that education is the greatest equalizer we have,” Wade Houston said. “Coaching taught me that you build champions in the classroom before you build them on the court. This tournament honors that belief every single year. But this year is special.

“Having Lamar Alexander standing with us at Tennessee National to accept the Champion of Education Award is a moment our whole community should celebrate. He never stopped fighting for Tennessee’s students and families, and the fact that he is still out there every day making a difference says everything about who he is.”

Want more stories like this?