Melissa DiFatta
After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, lawyer Melissa DiFatta wanted to revaluate her priorities. Her brother lost his home and, a month later, lost his son. "I decided to change jobs and really make a difference in Mississippi," DiFatta says.
Steve Guyton
Steve Guyton, 63, has been involved in Mississippi politics for more than 40 years. He has worked on numerous campaigns and with countless public officials including Sen. Roger Wicker, former Rep. Chip Pickering and Rep. Gregg Harper. Guyton is currently the shared congressional staffer for congressmen Wicker and Pickering. His duty is helping students nominated by congressmen get into military academies such as the United States Military Academy at West Point or the United States Naval Academy.
Dr. Aaron Shirley
Blackburn Middle School will have a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jan. 3, at 6 p.m. They were recently chosen to receive federal grant money from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Health Resource Service Administration. With the help of Dr. Aaron Shirley, who cultivated the grant proposal, Blackburn will be able to open a new clinic, purchase equipment for the clinic and hire workers. In addition to providing health care, funds will help supply rewards for use at participating food markets to help children and families with healthy eating habits while at home. Other needs will be assessed for use of the grant money.
Tatiana McDonald
Tatiana McDonald had modest beginnings when she arrived in the United States from Bogota, Colombia, eight years ago. "Before I entered the nonprofit world, I was always trying to make a living cleaning or babysitting, like most of us do when we come to the United States," McDonald says. "My first job in the nonprofit (as a legal assistant) was what made me want to do more. I was always trying to know more and more about the struggle immigrants face once they get here."
Ineva May-Pittman
One of Ineva May-Pittman's greatest current concerns is the process the Jackson school board uses to select a new superintendent. She feels the people who should be making the decision are left out of the process.
Elise Winter
Habitat for Humanity Metro Jackson dedicates its 500th house tomorrow at an event honoring Elise Varner Winter. The nonprofit group built the house in honor of Winter, a founding member of the organization's board of directors. She is also a lifetime member of the board.
Nettie Stowers
CORRECTION: In an earlier version of this story, we spelled Nettie Stowers wrong. We apologize for the error.
Charley Jenkins
What do animals do for fun and entertainment when humans aren't around? That's what Charley Jenkins has been trying to answer with his art.
Gene Moore
Gene Moore is a chaser of dreams and determined to do what he can to leave the world a better place. In 2003, he left his position as the news director for WJTV-12 to start his own business, T-KAM Video Production.
Carl Jackson
On Dec. 8, recording artist Carl Jackson joined more than 30 other local performers featured on the Mississippi Country Music Trail. The trail, similar to the 140-member strong Mississippi Blues Trail, celebrates Mississippi's rich heritage of country music legends and chart toppers. Jackson's marker unveiling will take place during the annual "Home for Christmas Concert" at the Strand Theatre, 118 South Church St. in Louisville, Miss.
Malcolm White
Malcolm White just won a top honor from the Mississippi Art Education Association for promoting visual arts in the state. White, executive director of the Mississippi Arts Commission, received the Prism Award for supporting arts education programs.
Jamie White
The Jackson Police Department recently recognized Officer Jamie White for apprehending a pair of armed-robbery suspects. JPD named White the Officer of the Month for October. He received his award alongside Officer Daniel Elam, who accompanied White during his investigation and received a certificate of commendation.
Carol Clark Hammond
Michelangelo once said, "He who does not master the nude cannot understand the principles of architecture." It's just one of many quotes by which Carol Clark Hammond lives. As a freelance artist, she specializes in portrait drawing and courtroom sketching. Her work these days comes sporadically, however, because her specialties seem to be going out of style.
Carol West
Carol C. West, a law professor at Mississippi College, died yesterday at age 67. An expert in domestic relations, women's issues and criminal law, West donated some of her academic papers from 1972-1993 to the American Association of Law Libraries.
Rick Comegy
Coaching football is the one profession where the common question is "what have you done lately?" Jackson State University knows the answer to that question. Coach Rick Comegy led Jackson State to a 9-2 regular season record with a 7-2 SWAC record to earn a two-year extension.