January 8, 2026
By MEALAND RAGLAND-HUDGINS
Rutherford County Schools
Dr. Wally Luckeydoo, a personal finance teacher at Smyrna High School, has been named the recipient of the Corey Carlisle Public Policy Award from the Jump$tart Coalition.
Jump$tart is a nonprofit group that partners with more than 100 different agencies to promote financial literacy among students.
The award goes to educators who work to spread the word about financial literacy beyond their schools and classrooms through volunteerism and other efforts. It is named for Corey Carlisle, who previously served as the organization’s chairman and worked tirelessly to support consumer finance and financial literacy.
“(Luckeydoo) embodies what it means to be an advocate for financial education—not only in his classroom, but across his district, his state, and the nation,” Jump$tart’s announcement said. “His distinction lies in his work beyond the classroom. He shares his expertise and passion by presenting at conferences and other forums to equip fellow educators with innovative ways to integrate technology and AI, and influence how teachers across the country think about making personal finance more relevant, engaging, and future-focused.”
Each semester, Luckeydoo takes a group of Smyrna High students to nearby elementary schools and has them teach the lessons they’ve learned to younger students. Now in his third year at Smyrna High, Luckeydoo hosts guest speakers to share their financial experiences with students, including professional athletes.
“His commitment to financial literacy reaches far beyond his own students. Through mentorship, advocacy, public speaking, and professional collaboration, he is transforming how financial education is delivered and understood,” the announcement said.
The award comes with a scholarship that allows Luckeydoo to serve as one of five ambassadors for personal finance education and funds the cost of attendance to Jump$tart's 2026 annual conference.