A West Tennessee Community Champion is someone who goes out of their way to help raise awareness and assist with a need in our local community. They volunteer their free time and resources to make West Tennessee a brighter, safer, and more beautiful place to call home. The work of these individuals often goes unseen, but their impact is felt in ways beyond what we can imagine.
The Community Champion Award recognizes individuals for their dedication to improving lives in West Tennessee. In 2024, the following individuals were awarded for their impact in our local communities.
Teachers impact the lives of students in so many ways, and Hazel Pearson wants to cherish their stories in our community. Pearson helps maintain the West-East High Schools Museum to remember the alumni of East and West High Schools, even after both schools were closed. This museum contains remnants of memorabilia like trophies and photos to help our community remember the accomplishments and lives of the students who attended East and West High Schools.
“If there is no history, you don’t know what you have been through and how you got to where you are,” said Doris Weddle, a West High Alumna who has been impacted by Pearson’s efforts to preserve the stories of the school.
Johnny McClure is using fitness to bring awareness to a cause close to his heart. To improve his health after turning 60, Mr. McClure undertook bike riding to remain fit and to build awareness for Carrol Academy in Huntingdon. The school is an adolescent intensive day treatment program, and Mr. McClure has been raising money through social media to support their cause.
McClure shared, “People don’t know what these kids go through, that’s why we need to raise awareness about this place because it’s all about the kids.”
Linda Hudson enjoys serving at RIFA's soup kitchen by cooking meals for those in need, and she also helps residents in nursing homes by giving them gift bags with toiletry essentials.
“If you just set your mind to it and say, ‘this is something I want to do’ and go for it, you’ll feel good about it,” said Hudson.
When Lori Dillahunty saw a need in her local community to have an accommodating playground for children with special needs, she didn't hesitate to help. Starting with a bake sale, she rallied her community of Huntingdon to raise money to make improvements. They raised up to $230,000!
“There was a lot of misconception about this being a playground for just children with disabilities… it was for all. It was for all children,” said Dillahunty.
Jamaal Brady is the Director for Special Olympics TN Area 11 - Greater Jackson and is the Founder of Better Balance Sports & Fitness. Through these programs, Jamaal reaches youth who have disabilities or developmental needs.
“Unlocking your true potential is like, you know, if you don’t, what are you doing?" said Brady. "You’re really sitting on the talents and that God’s giving. And so you don’t know how many other people are waiting on that.”
Hazel Johnson has been making a huge impact in her community for years by serving the Yahoos, a senior citizens group. The Yahoos, which stands for Young at Heart and Otherwise, gather to learn about common scams the elderly face, play a game of bingo, and share a meal. Johnson also helps with the Good Grief Girls, a grief group for widows or who have experienced loss.
“There’s too many out here who need other people who care about people,” said Johnson. “So, if you care about people, dive in and do it.”
Grayson Hart is the Production Director for Lights Up! Theatre Company, which he created when he was a teenager for youth performers. The theatre company has put on shows like Shrek Junior, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Wizard of Oz.
“There’s so many people that are my age that have these ideas that want to not just be a performer, but also build the sets or build costumes or can work on the tech side of it. And so that gave a voice to the high schoolers to be able to work on the production while also leading younger kids in the production,” said Hart.
Ricky Long serves the Jackson community by keeping its history alive. By serving on the board for the Hollywood Cemetery and sharing daily posts about Jackson history on Facebook, Ricky is passionate about learning the stories that have carried through the centuries.
“History has just always been my thing,” said Long. “History tends to kind of repeat itself and a lot of times, if we would bother to learn from past history, it might keep us from making the same mistakes a second and third time.”
Jean Ralston serves with the Jackson Woman’s Club, an organization who finds unique ways to pour back into the Jackson community. They host a poetry contest for students, and they also have an event where one of their members dresses up as Mrs. Claus to read to students during Christmastime.
“I think through service, each of us has found a fulfillment, so, make time,” said Ralston. “I would encourage young women to make time to get involved. When you serve your community, it always comes back to you.”
KaBao McCarver serves with the Jackson Area Robotics Club, where she helps students learn STEM skills through designing and building robots. When they compete in robotics tournaments, McCarver serves as a referee and gets to witness the team practice their skills firsthand.
“They learn how to problem solve, and they learn how to accept, crushing failures, and then learn humility when they succeed wildly,” said McCarver.
Stacie Freeman serves with the Global Citizen Adventure Corps, a nonprofit that gives students in Northwest Tennessee a chance to serve domestically or internationally and receive scholarships. Students have been able to travel to Central and South America while earning volunteer hours. Freeman also knows how important it is for students to pour into their own communities as well.
“What we require is that 60 of those 100 hours come serving your own home community and then the next 40 you earn in country with Global Citizen Adventure Corps and BU global studies,” said Freeman.
Suzy Escue is making a difference in her community by serving educators and schools in Milan through the Adopt-A-Teacher Program. This program is designed to recognize teachers for their sacrifices and dedication in the classroom.
“You have to give back. You have to make the world a better place,” said Escue.
Leaders Credit Union partners with WBBJ Eyewitness News to present the Community Champion award monthly. If you know someone who is making an impact in your community, nominate them on WBBJ’s website.