Filling The Lane announces new board leadership for 2026–2027, appointing Markeishia Smith as Board Chair and welcoming Jennifer Thornton as an ex officio board member. Together, their leadership and community experience will support FTL’s continued growth and mission to empower youth and families.

Celebrating the first semester of 2025–2026, our Filling The Lane (FTL) student-athletes have shown excellence both in the classroom and on the court. With an average GPA of 3.42 and many earning Honor Roll or Principal’s List status, these students exemplify discipline, focus, and leadership. At FTL, we invest in the whole student, supporting growth in academics, athletics, and life.

From $25 deposits to a doctorate, Dr. Kelley Curtis Dekle’s journey shows the power of mentorship, consistency, and belief. As one of the first Filling The Lane students, Kelley’s success reflects how small investments can grow into lifelong impact. His words—“You were the inspiration, Dr. Miller”—remind us why we build, mentor, and dream with the next generation.

The Community Organization Award  recognizes a nonprofit or community-driven initiative that has made a transformative impact on...