Allison Clark, center, recognized a number of people in the audience, but two of her biggest fans are her grandmothers. At left is Donella Dearen and Rosemarie Clark is on Clark’s right. Both grandmothers are 92 years old. Photos by Mark McGee.
By MARK MCGEE
mmcgee@bedfordcountypost.com
“She has control of the room from the moment she started talking.”
That was one of many positive comments overheard after former Shelbyville Central High School basketball star Allison Clark spoke last week at the Friends of the Library annual Author’s Luncheon last week. More than 300 people attended the event in the Blue Ribbon Circle at the Celebration Grounds in support of the Shelbyville-Bedford Library.
Clark is the author of “Off The Back Of The Rim: Uplifting Thoughts to Help You Rebound from the “Bricks” of Life”.
Clark, an assistant coach for the Tennessee Tech women’s basketball team, where she is entering her 11th season and her 25th year as a coach. She was a member of the 1995 Central High State Championship Team. She is working on a new book.
Several high school groups were in attendance – the Shelbyville Central High Golden Eaglette basketball team, Central High’s National Honor Society and Student Council and students from Cascade High, Community High and The Webb School.
Clark recognized several people who were influential in her life growing up in Shelbyville including her former math teacher Ardis Rittenberry, her piano teacher Billie Crowell, and her dance teacher Nancy June Brandon.
“I knew from a young age that I wanted to coach,” Clark said. “I wanted to make an impact on people.”
She witnessed about her faith in God and Christ which forms the foundation for her book.
“I had started writing a blog about my faith and basketball and one of my friends told me I should write a book,” Clark said. “I want to help people in their daily walk with Christ.”
Clark pointed out life if full of competition.
“I am one of the most competitive people you will ever meet,” Clark said. “I encourage you to be the best version of yourself.”
Clark had many gems of inspiration for audience members but some of the highlights were to always find something to be grateful for in life and to trust God and do good. She stressed being humble…that not everything is about us. We should all remember every day is a gift.”
Clark is the author of “Off The Back of the Rim: Uplifting Thoughts to Help You Rebound from the “Bricks” of Life.” She is seen here with Wendell Agnew.
“Be clean in what you watch, what you eat and what your pour into your mind every day”, she added. “Find your passion and focus on that.”
Officers of the Friends of the Library Council are chair Monica Lewis, treasurer Mary Cathyrn Perry and secretary Catherine Hayes. The members include Joy Caskey, Charmagne Farrar, Jennifer Hudson, Jessica Osborne, Margaret Perry (library liaison), Mary Pitner (library board liaison), Lynn Shelton, Mary Jane Sinquefield and Rheatta F. Wilson.
Library board members are Ralph McBride (chair), John Boutwell (vice-chair), Shay Maupin (treasurer-secretary), Marilyn Ewing (Shelbyville City Council liaison), Mary Gore, Yesenia Lira-Garcia, Dr. Gerald Martin, Mark McGee, Pitner. Jennifer Templeton and Ronette Tillman.
