Juanita Thompson Is Named Citizen of the Year

Juanita Thompson was named Citizen of the Year last week at the Monticello-Jasper County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting and soiree held at the Turtle Cove Clubhouse.

The announcement of Mrs. Thompson as 2012 Citizen of the Year came from 2011 Citizen of the Year Ann Mercer, who chaired this year’s selection committee.

Mrs. Mercer said, “When the committee met about two weeks ago to look at nominations for this year’s Jasper County Citizen of the Year and make a choice, it was the consensus of the group that criteria should include going above and beyond job and personal life to make positive changes in our community through volunteer work. I believe the decision is an outstanding example.

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“This person has lived in Jasper County for many years. This person has served the citizens of Jasper County for many years both professionally and personally, with main focus being children and families. She has worked at an important job and expanded on the job description to truly make a difference. She has served on many boards and committees in community service capacity.

“Mrs. Thompson has lived in Jasper County for 60 years and taught here for 34 years. She has a B.S. and a Masters degree from Fort Valley State College. As a teacher, she ‘ran a tight ship’ while making learning fun and challenging. She was great at recognizing individual needs of her students. She was Teacher of the Year at Jasper County Training School and Washington Park in 1961, 1978 and 1984. She also received the Retired Teachers Service Award.

“She helped to write the first Head Start grant application for a summer program in 1965 and served as director. This was a brilliant move because it determined the Head Start program would be part of the school system and provide the educational continuity which Head Start enjoys today in Jasper County. Today Head Start and the state funded Pre-K jointly make a quality pre-school program for our 3 and 4 year olds. We need to thank Mrs. Thompson for having a hand is this.

“Mrs. Thompson has been an active member of St. John C.M.E. Church for many years and served on the Board of Trustees there for 40 years. Last year, she received the Community Service Award given by the Atlanta–Rome District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

“Mrs. Thompson has always shared her music ability with school and community. In addition, Mrs. Thompson has served on boards and committees here in our community, including:

Jasper County Department of Family and Children Services – 19 yrs.

Overview Community Action Board of Directors – 35 years.

Jasper County Hospital Board – 25 years.

Jasper County Care Corp.

Jasper County Library – served on the first board.

Jasper County Family Connection.

Counselor for Neighborhood Youth Corp.

Bonner Street Civic Organization.

American Association of Retired Persons.”

Mrs. Mercer closed by calling Mrs. Thompson, “An inspiration to all of us.”

Also at Thursday’s annual meeting, Mrs. Cissy Benton was introduced as the new executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, and the new board members and officers were introduced.

Lori Worley is chairman; Kathy Mudd, vice-chairman; Carol Ann McMichael, secretary, and Angela Spivey, treasurer. New board members include Brandie Deraney, Skip Davis, and Dodie Proctor.

They join Sage Edwards, Wes Chester, immediate past president Amanda Crews, and ex-officio members by reason of their position, School Superintendent Mike Newton, Southern Crescent Technical College Director Linda Simmons, County Manager Lorri Smith, and City Manager Tim Sweezey.