Blog Post: Volunteer Spotlight – Clayton Ailshie

At Sertoma, we are fortunate to have incredible volunteers like Clayton Ailshie, whose enthusiasm, dedication, and heart for service make a big impact on our mission. Get to know Clayton and his journey with us!

Hometown and Education
Clayton is a Knoxville native pursuing a double major in accounting and finance with a minor in leadership studies at the University of Tennessee’s Haslam College of Business. Currently a sophomore, he plans to continue his education in UT’s master’s program for accounting, earn his CPA license, and gain experience in public accounting before eventually starting his own accounting firm.

Finding Sertoma
Clayton discovered Sertoma through UT’s volunteer platform, ServeUTK. Since then, he’s embraced various opportunities, from event preparation to assisting at our annual fundraising dinner. One standout memory? Serving as a casino room “bouncer” at our recent Great Gatsby-themed event. Clayton recalls, “It was super fun interacting with guests and getting to know the Sertoma team.”

What Draws Clayton to Sertoma
Initially unfamiliar with our mission, Clayton was quickly inspired by what Sertoma stands for. He credits the kindness and dedication of our staff and volunteers, as well as the community impact of his service, as key reasons he continues to volunteer. “Sertoma is a great organization with a community I know I’m directly benefiting every time I return to serve,” he says.

Community Impact
This year, Clayton has logged 45 volunteer hours across Knoxville, with 12 dedicated to Sertoma. Beyond his contributions to us, he’s involved in AIM Accounting Alliance, T1Vols (focused on Type 1 Diabetes education), and the Global Leadership Scholars program at UT.

Life Beyond Volunteering
When not busy with studies or volunteering, Clayton enjoys an eclectic mix of hobbies. Whether it’s diving into new stories through books, podcasts, and films; staying active through daily workouts, lake outings, or learning MMA; or indulging his love for food, he lives life to the fullest.

Advice for Future Volunteers
Clayton encourages anyone considering volunteering with Sertoma to take the leap. “Between the people, the mission, and the community, there’s no end to the joy you’ll find. What better way to serve than with people who make it fun?”

We’re grateful for Clayton’s energy and commitment to our mission. Volunteers like him make all the difference in creating a thriving, inclusive community.