Jenniferlynne mcmillan

Ben luckett

Valtreasa cook

michele connelly

sharon caldwell

sunday • july 31 • 2011

will Bradley

daVid sharp

Ben hawthorneJennifer grey

margie heltzelsandra harris

katrina shirley Branansoutherland

Jamaya “rocky”smith

laura Bethlyons

Joel dimmette

shelley tingle

lori williams

susie calBert

lauren garrick

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Congratulations

LORI WILLIAMSon being chosen as one of the 2011

20 under 40 Professionals!!!We love you!

Aunt Debra GraysonAunt Beverly McMillin

& Andrea McMillin

Will bradley SuSie calbert

Will Bradley, 32, is dam safety program manager for the Mississippi Valley Division of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

“Will is a dedicated family man to his wife and 2-year-old son,” said his nominator and wife, Carolyn Bradley.

Bradley is a member of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus, the United States Soci-ety on Dams and the Society of American Military Engineers. He has received three Achievement Medals for Civilian Service from the Corps, including one for Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts.

“Currently, his favorite activities are Sunday-afternoon grilling with his family, playing dino-saurs with his son and throwing tennis balls to his overweight chocolate lab, Tucker,” his wife said.

Susie Calbert, 34, is a court-appointed spe-cial advocate coordinator with the Child and Parent Center.

“As the only CASA coordinator in the region, Susie works tirelessly, sometimes late in the evening and on weekends, to advocate for children who have been abused and/or neglected,” said her nominator, Erma Driver, who is director of the CAP center. “The entire staff knows they can count on Susie to assist whenever the need arises.”

Calbert is a member of Chi Sigma Iota, a national and professional honor society, and a former Vicksburg Family Development big sister. She was an intern at Marion Hill Chemical Dependency Center and Haven House Family Shelter. She is a youth depart-ment coordinator at New Mount Elem M.B. Church.

“Susie is ‘homegrown’ and an excellent example of what Vicksburg has produced,” Driver said. “She has never been publicly rec-ognized for her good works — it is time.”

The Vicksburg Post has pin-pointed 20 people who are making a difference in our

readership area.

The honorees, nominated by friends, family and peers

and selected by a Vicks-burg Post committee, are

younger than 40.

This year’s group is the fourth 20 Under 40 class.

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valtreasa cookMichele connelly

Valtreasa Cook, 40, is a social worker with the Vicksburg Warren School District.

“Mrs. Cook is a wonderful example of a person who loves her city,” said one of her nominators, Michelle Johnson, who also works in the VWSD. “She goes out of her way to help the children of Warren County, often-times helping to feed and clothe them.”

Cook is a member of the Social Work Advi-sory Board, and she is an adjunct professor and field instructor for Alcorn State University. She helped organize the VWSD Pride Closet and STEPPS, a parenting and pregnancy pre-vention program for teens. Cook is youth choir director at New Beginning M.B. Church.

“Valtreasa is a kind and humble person, always thinking of others,” said nominator Patricia Anderson, assistant center adminis-trator for Warren County Head Start-Missis-sippi Action for Progress. “Despite adversities in her own life, she takes advantage of every opportunity to help others.”

Michele Connelly, 37, is principal of St. Aloy-sius High School.

“Michele Connelly exhibits strong leadership skills while humbly serving others in the com-munity,” said Lisa Reid, one of her nominators and a teacher at St. Al. “This mix is the perfect combination of what a true leader should be.”

She has been a Sunday school teacher, finance committee member and family life and administrative board member at Porters Chapel United Methodist Church.

She was an intern with the Warren County Children’s Shelter, and encourages St. Al students to volunteer with the Child and Parent Center and the Good Shepherd Community Center.

Connelly was guidance counselor at St. Al before being promoted to principal.

“If just 10 percent of the world were persons with the character, work ethic and personality of Michele Connelly, this would be a great world indeed,” said the Rev. Dural R. Ragsdale, pastor of Porters Chapel United Methodist.

sharon caldwell

Sharon Caldwell, 30, is a nurse in the Vicks-burg Warren School District.

“Sharon devoted 40 hours assisting in the plans to help those families affected by the 2011 flooding of the Mississippi River,” said her nominator, Barbara Tolliver, director of the United Way of West Central Mississippi. “She has a positive, upbeat, great sense of humor about life.”

Caldwell sings with the adult choir and directs the junior choir at Mount Calvary Church.

She has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Alcorn State University, and is a student-teacher motivator for state benchmark tests at Vicksburg Junior High School.

“Sharon should be honored for her outstand-ing people skills, commitment to her com-munity and her desire to leave each situation better than she found it,” Tolliver said.

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Jennifer GreyLauren Garrick

Jennifer Grey, 29, teaches advanced place-ment U.S. history and government at Vicks-burg High School.

“Jennifer devotes many hours, in and outside the classroom, to the betterment and futures of Vicksburg’s youths,” said Katie Ferrell, her nominator and sister-in-law.

Grey is the student council adviser and varsity cheerleaders coach at VHS. She is a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, an inter-national society for teachers, and is VHS’ accreditation co-chairman for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. She is the junior and senior classes’ sponsor, and is a member of the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg.

“Whether it’s engaging her students, prep-ping her cheer squad for the next big game, working concessions at athletic events or volunteering in the community, Jennifer never hesitates to lend a hand,” Ferrell said.

Lauren Garrick, 29, is the director of mar-keting and communications for the United Way of West Central Mississippi.

“Lauren should be recognized for her posi-tive outlook on volunteerism,” said her nomi-nator, Barbara Tolliver, director of the Vicks-burg agency.

Garrick is a Porters Chapel Academy gradu-ate who now lives in Jackson. She is commu-nications chairman of the Community Animal Rescue and Adoption Board and is a member of the Junior League of Jackson. She is a local chapter secretary for the Public Relations Association of Mississippi, and is a member of the steering committee of the Mississippi Museum of Art.

“Lauren has the initiative to create, stay focused and produce excellent marketing materials for our organization,” Tolliver said.

JoeL dimmette

Joel Dimmette, 31, is vice president and co-founder of Seventh Knight Computer Software.

“Joel has turned his life into one of service to his fellowman,” said one of his nominators, Nellie Caldwell. “He is extremely wise beyond his years.”

Dimmette is a graduate of Warren Central High School and the former owner of Yasky ATV Co. He is education director and associ-ate minister at Bypass Church of Christ.

Dimmette is working on a master’s degree through Harding University, a Church of Christ school based in Searcy, Ark.

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Margie heltzelBen hawthorne

Ben Hawthorne, 33, is the administrator of Camellia Home Health & Hospice.

“Ben Hawthorne is a committed Christian who lives his faith in all aspects of his daily life,” said nominators and co-workers Terri Hendrix and Kim Cain. “In his profession as a nurse, he is extremely caring and stays up-to-date on all aspects of it.”

Hawthorne is an assistant scout master for his son’s Cub Scouts troop and is a member of Hawkins United Methodist Church, where he has taught prekindergarten Bible school. He has worked as a critical care nurse at River Region Medical Center and as an emer-gency medical technician and paramedic.

Hawthorne was promoted to the administra-tor position at Camellia within a few months of being hired there, his nominator said.

“Ben is a strong leader of his staff, encour-aging and inspiring them to work to the fullest of their potential and talents,” his nominators said.

sandra harris

Sandra Harris, 39, is owner and operator of Fantastic Finds Children’s Consignment Boutique on Culkin Road.

“Sandra should be recognized because she is a wonderful person who always puts others first,” said her nominator and hus-band, Roger Harris.

Harris arranged and coordinated “Crocs for Christ” through Fantastic Finds and First Presbyterian Church. The effort resulted in a donation of about 700 pairs of Crocs shoes to children in Haiti.

“Even though she is a very busy mother and busy with her business, Sandra always finds ways to make people feel special,” her husband said. “She is a very selfless person and always puts others first.”

Roger and Sandra Harris have three sons.

Margie Heltzel, 28, will begin her first year as a GATES teacher at Vicksburg Intermediate School this fall. She has taught at Sherman Avenue Elementary for the past four years.

“Anyone who knows Margie knows that she is committed to the youths in Vicksburg by being a positive role model,” said her nominator, Jordan Amborn, a fellow teacher who works at Bowmar Elementary. “She is a role model to her colleagues as well as the children in her school and church.”

Heltzel is director of the children’s ministry at First Baptist Church and is a sponsor for the Vicksburg Cotillion Club. She was named Teacher of the Year at Sherman Avenue Elementary, and she was first vice president of the Hester Flowers Garden Club. She is a member of the Center for Pregnancy Choices Ladies Auxiliary.

“Margie is one of those people who volun-teers in her community because she is very passionate about helping others,” Amborn said.

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Jennifer Lynne McMiLLinLaura beth Lyons

Jennifer Lynne McMillin, 29, is a senior staff accountant with May & Company.

“Jennifer Lynne is one of our most dedi-cated and focused employees,” said Nathan Cummins, her nominator and a partner at the firm, “and we are proud to have her as a part of the May & Company team.”

McMillin is the Vicksburg Lions Club’s membership chairman, is part of the Junior Auxiliary of Vicksburg and is co-vice presi-dent of the Vicksburg Art Association. She is a member of Crawford Street United Methodist Church.

“Jennifer Lynne serves her community by volunteering her time and accounting knowl-edge to a number of local organiza-tions,” said Cummins.

Laura Beth Lyons, 24, is the marketing and special events coordinator for the Vicksburg Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Laura Beth is truly an asset to the Vicks-burg community,” said her nominator, Katrina Shirley, who has worked with Lyons in organiz-ing Riverfest and other community events. “She has the most positive outlook on life, and is always thinking outside the box to contribute new ideas to local tourism and any other proj-ect she’s involved with.”

Lyons is a member of the Mississippi Tourism Association and the Southeast Tourism Soci-ety. She is membership chairman of the Vicks-burg Association of Marketing Professionals and vice president of programs for the Public Relations Association of Mississippi’s River City Chapter. She is on the Riverfest board.

“Laura Beth is an advocate for improving the quality of life in Vicksburg and Warren County,” said Shirley, also part of this year’s 20 Under 40 class. “You will rarely meet someone in town who doesn’t applaud her work ethic and involvement in the community.”

ben Luckett

Ben Luckett, 38, is a Warren County deputy tax assessor.

“Ben is an awesome person who is very actively involved in his community,” said his nomi-nator, Diane Pennington, who operates South-ern Sisters Cafe on U.S. 61 North which Luckett frequents. “If Ben comes in our restaurant and we are busy, he immediately starts to help us by doing whatever is needed.

Luckett serves as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and youth leader at Northside Baptist Church. He is also a member of the Warren County Relay for Life committee, serving as logistics chairman.

Luckett helped establish a ministry in Vicksburg that provides roofing services to the needy. He is treasurer of his neighborhood association.

Luckett is running as an independent candidate in this year’s Warren County tax assessor’s race.

“Ben is the kind of young man who is always there to assist,” said Pennington. “That’s just the kind of person Ben is. He is always willing to help — whatever the need.”

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Jamaya “Rocky” smithkatRina shiRley

Jamaya “Rocky” Smith, 27, is a contract specialist intern at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Develop-ment Center.

“Jamaya should be recognized...for his tire-less involvement in church, work and com-munity activities,” said his nominator, Renee James, an ERDC employee.

Smith is a tutor and discipleship teacher for youths. He works with the outreach minis-try at King Solomon Baptist Church. He is president of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Corps chapter, and serves on the Vicksburg Convention and Visi-tors Bureau board.

He is co-chairman of the Contract Closeout Team for the Vicksburg branch of the ERDC contracting office and treasurer pro tem for the Mississippi Chapter of the National Contracting Manage-ment Association.

Katrina Shirley, 25, is project manager for the Warren County Port Commission.

“Katrina deserves this honor because she exemplifies such great leadership qualities,” said her nominator, Erin Hern, who has served with Shirley in planning Vicksburg’s annual Riverfest event. “She is very supportive and has great morals.”

Shirley was president of the 2011 Riverfest board and served on the 2010 board. She is a member of the Vicksburg Association of Marketing Professionals and is participating in Marathon Makeover. She is a founding member of TIES, the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s young professionals group; and is a volunteer with Tapestry, the city’s annual tour of homes, the Vicksburg Convention Center and Visitors Bureau and the Southern Cultural Heritage Center.

“Katrina’s attitude is always positive, and she has the ability to light up a room with her smile,” Hern said. “She is what Vicksburg is all about. She wants to see her hometown be success-ful and is doing her part to make sure that happens.”

DaviD shaRp

David Sharp, 28, is a teacher at Grove Street School. He also operates a business, Sharp Enterprises.

“David Sharp is a great guy with a heart of gold,” said his nominator, Edna Richardson, a family friend. “He has a genuine love of people and the community in which they live.”

Sharp is a Culkin Fire Department volunteer and a Riverfest board member. He is also a vol-unteer with and executive board member of the Storehouse Community Food Pantry. Sharp is lay Eucharist minister at The Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal. He has served on the board of the Warren County Executive Committee.

Sharp is running as a Republican in this year’s Warren County circuit clerk race.

“David has a desire to help others with a clear understanding of right and wrong, which is so lacking in today’s society,” Richardson said. “Every community needs more people like David.”

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lori williamsshelley tingle

Lori Williams, 39, is an accountant with Waring Oil Co.

“Because Lori works at Waring full time, takes care of her family and still manages to volunteer for several different organiza-tions, she never has any down time,” said her three nominators, aunt Beverly McMillin and cousins Andrea McMillin and Debra Grayson.

Williams is lead umpire for the Vicksburg Girls Softball Association, and she raises funds for Blair E. Batson Hospital for Children in Jackson. She is president of the Vicksburg Girls Fast Pitch Association, which is com-prised of 23 teams, and she is in charge of fundraising and concession stands.

She also participated in a fundraiser for flood victims.

“Lori is a wonderful person who will help anyone she thinks needs help,” her nominators said.

Shelley Tingle, 38, is a community organizer and research civil engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineer Research and Development Center.

“Over the last 10 years, Shelley has co-founded two nonprofit groups that have had a positive impact on Vicksburg,” said her nominator and husband, Jeb Tingle.

The groups she helped organize are the Center for Pregnancy Choices Ladies Auxiliary and Bowmar Baptist Church’s Mothers of Preschool-ers (MOPS).

She also founded Help4Dyslexics, and she is a growth group coach and leader at Bowmar. She was named the American Society of Civil Engi-neers’ Mississippi Section Young Civil Engineer of the Year.

“Shelley is a natural leader who sheds light on areas that need improvement and then follows through by being a part of the solution,” her hus-band said. “But, most of all, she is an incredible wife and mom to three beautiful children.”

branan southerland

Branan Southerland, 31, is a partner and attorney with Southerland & Southerland.

“Branan was born and raised in Vicksburg,” said his wife and nominator, Brooke South-erland. “After finishing law school, Branan made the decision to come home and work to improve his hometown.”

Southerland was a member of the Chill in the Hills and Gator Bait planning commit-tees. He was the attorney adviser to Warren Central’s mock trial team, was president of the Warren County Young Lawyers and was Warren County’s delegate to the American Bar Association convention. He is a member of the Y’s Men.

“Branan uses his time and talents to serve his community,” his wife said. “He is also a committed husband and father of two children.”

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