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Pine Belt Strong Women Honored
Instead, these women were honored for being strong on the inside — as one passionate defender of those less fortunate, one community leader, one cherished mentor, one who perseveres and one who shows promise. Five strong women were honored for their contributions to the Pine Belt region of Mississippi — and their contributions to other women — at Wesley Medical Center’s third annual Celebration of Strong Women. Whitney Pickering, one of Mississippi’s Leading Business Women for 2008, was the luncheon keynote speaker. Co-creator of Southern Living at HOME, Pickering is also the wife of state auditor Stacey Pickering. “Strong women are present in our everyday lives,” said Wesley’s CEO, Ron Seal. “Whether they play leading roles or work behind the scenes, these women are prevalent throughout our days. Wesley Medical Center is proud to sponsor this program as we celebrate these strong women and others like them. We’re grateful to learn from their guidance, patience, experience, strength and love, and hope to embody all these noble characteristics so the work they do here may continue beyond their years and into the lives of the others who follow.” Janet Stewart, who is described as “a blessing and a true leader in the Pike County community,” received the Defender honor. A teacher, Stewart spends most afternoons with various Girl Scout troops involving 135 impressionable young girls and many evenings helping students with homework. “I could write a book on all of her accomplishments,” said Julie Moore, who nominated Stewart for the award. “Working with students, young women and those with disabilities are just a few of the things Janet does. She’s absolutely hilarious, has a million incredible stories to tell. She’s honest, headstrong and stands up for the things she believes in. She’s made a difference in so many lives. I’ll remember her and all the things she has taught me for the rest of my life.” Mary Clare Shaw, described as “a dynamic leader in every aspect of her life,” was the Leadership winner. A 30-year BancorpSouth employee, Shaw is known by her colleagues as a strong, knowledgeable leader and a team player. “She is the first one to send cards or visit employees who are in the hospital, and she is the first one to organize employees for the bank’s many community service projects,” said one admirer. Known in her neighborhood as “the mayor of Tarra Lane,” Shaw serves a vital role at Westminster Presbyterian Church, where she is clerk of the deacons; serves as secretary of the Women of the Church; works with the youth; teaches Sunday School; organizes Easter egg hunts, games, and caroling; and visits homebound members regularly. She is said to “inspire, recruit and organize volunteers with grace and humor.” “Several years ago, our church faced a major decision that would require the church to do something it had never before done — borrow a great deal of money,” said Shaw’s reverend, Steve Ramp. “Some wanted to move ahead, and others were cautious. This strong woman spoke up and said, ‘Look, this is an investment in God’s house. It’s going to help people for the next 30 years. God is not going to allow us to fail. If we step out in faith, there’s no way this can fail. Let’s do it.’ Her faith in God and her credibility as a leader immediately struck home. We followed her lead and never looked back.” Described as “a servant leader who acts not for recognition, but for what she feels is right in hopes of helping others,” Wynde J. Fitts received the Mentor nod. Despite never having mothered any children of her own, Wynde has “mothered” thousands of students at the University of Southern Miss throughout her career. “To say that Wynde is my mentor is an understatement,” said one nominator. “Not only do I look up to her in a variety of ways, but also I think of her as my Southern Miss mom. She has a way of reaching out to each person she encounters. She’s my role model, boss, friend, mother figure, and will forever be my mentor. She’s one of the strongest women I’ve ever met, and I’m lucky to know her. I strive every day to be half the woman she is — with a quarter of her class.” Barbara Lenard, a single mother of five who worked two to three jobs at a time to support her family, and often rode the school bus with her children because it was her only form of transportation to work, received the Perseverance award. “There were some good days and some not so good days, but even in the midst of our struggles, Mom made sure we were all fed, clothed and sought a good education,” said her daughter, Chinika. “I’m more than honored God chose her to be my mother. She’s my best friend, a great mentor, a conqueror and the love of my life.” Candace Dearman, who has endured more hardships than most of her high school peers, received the Promise award. Dearman works a 40-hour work week to help with bills, paying for her own car insurance, phone bill, clothes, school supplies and food, while taking every advanced placement and college preparatory class available. An excellent student, she often helps other students who are struggling to graduate. “She never says a word when her classmates are complaining because they didn’t get the brand new car they wanted or the newest style of clothing,” observed a nominator. “She even worked extra hours to pay for her advanced placement and ACT tests, and she’s trying hard to pay for college so that one day she might become a nurse.” “This young woman’s impact is like a seed,” said one of Dearman’s teachers. “She plants it and nothing happens at first, but later a sprout shows through and becomes a beautiful flower.” During the awards luncheon, all 131 Strong Women nominees were recognized. Each category winner received a crystal award, a certificate and a lapel pin designed and created by Light’s Jewelers and Gemologists specifically for the Strong Women program. June 2008 Tags:NoneBookmark:
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