2018 LOU Women of Distinction Luncheon Souvenir Program

Wednesday

November 7, 2018 11:30 a.m.

First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 800 Van Buren Avenue Oxford, MS

and

Luncheon Program

Welcome................................................................................................... Mary Haskell INVOCATION..............................................................................Reverend Ann H. Kelly G ir l S co u t P l e d g e .......................Oxford-Lafayette County Area Girl Scouts introduction....................................................................................... Mary Haskell K e y not e S p e ak e r ...................................................................... Mary Ann Connell Girl Scout Highlights..........................................Melanie Schild, GSHS CEO 2018 Nominees...................................................................................... Mary Haskell Vicki Sneed c losing ....................................................................................................... Vicki Sneed

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2018 Women of Distinction Nominees Catherine Traylor Alderson................................................................................. page 3 Dr. Alice Clark............................................................................................................ page 3 Ca rol e B u t l e r Han ey ............................................................................................. page 4 Dicki King..................................................................................................................... page 4 L a r ra i n e K l e pzi g Ki tch en s ................................................................................. page 5 Laura Martin............................................................................................................... page 5 Vivian F. Banks Price.............................................................................................. page 6 Ky l e S t i l l ....................................................................................................................... page 6 Pe y ton Wa r ri n gton.................................................................................................page 7 Tor i e M a r i on W h i te.................................................................................................page 7 J e n n i fe r Yan cy ......................................................................................................... page 8

2018 Girl Scout of Distinction Honoree Kaleigh Garcia............................................................................................................ page 8

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Nominees

catherine traylor alderson Catherine Traylor Alderson has led an exemplary life that everyone can appreciate and try to emulate. She was born in 1920 in Paris, Mississippi— one of six children. When Catherine was 7, her mother suddenly died of pneumonia and Catherine became the provider of many of the basic needs a mother would provide. She cooked and cleaned and took care of her siblings. After moving from Paris to Alabama, Greenwood, Lambert then back to Lafayette County, Catherine’s father married, and their family grew to 11 children. The Great Depression made life tougher for Catherine’s family and she eventually dropped out of school in the 10th grade. Home dances were the norm and at one of those dances she met Rel Alderson and in 1939 they were married and had two children, Peggy and Michael. “Throughout my grandmother’s life, she has faced a great number of challenges many people would have crumbled under. She has led a simple life but one that has been a shining example to others. Not once, ever, have I heard her speak an unkind word about anyone. She has prayed and read her Bible her entire life. She hasn’t led a public life that would have brought about accolades, but she has been a solid example of how to survive the worst, not complain, and raise a family any mother would be proud of. I am proud of my grandmother and the life she’s lived. She is the literal glue that binds us all together. For all she’s done and survived in her life, I believe she deserves to be recognized in this manner.”—Randy Leister

dr. alice clark Dr. Alice Clark is a person of high integrity who has devoted herself to improving the lives of others. She has created opportunities for success for so many faculty and students at Ole Miss and professionals around the world. Alice has been a leader in STEM education for women— working with children and adults to promote opportunities for girls and women in the sciences. She has benefitted many around her by sharing her skills, intelligence and generosity. She has served as an energetic and devoted mentor to many students and new faculty members. Dr. Clark was a founding member of the Ole Miss Women’s Council, a group of philanthropic women committed to developing UM Students through leadership, scholarship and mentorship. Dr. Clark recently retired from Ole Miss after a 38-year span of excellence. She was instrumental in securing over $23 million for the establishment of UM research park, Insight Park and the Innovation Hub at Insight Park. In 2016 she was promoted to Vice Chancellor for University Relations and continued to oversee the University’s economic development and federal relations efforts. “Alice not only speaks of servant leadership, she is the embodiment of it. She is a woman of the highest integrity and dedication to serving as a leader in so many aspects of our community. She has and will continue to serve as a beacon of inspiration for young girls and women everywhere.”—Allyson Best

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Nominees

carole butler haney Carole Butler Haney has demonstrated leadership, excellence, determination and integrity in every aspect of her life since she was very young. In 1986 Carole became Director of the North Mississippi Regional Center. She devoted her life to public service and faithfully served NMRC’s clients with intellectual and related developmental disabilities, and staff for 26 years. She has always felt very strongly that her calling was to provide the proper love, care, attention and services for NMRC clients. As the first female director at NMRC, Carole became a role model for other women in the community—balancing life as a fulltime Director with that of her family’s demands. Since retirement, Carole has served on various boards and commissions. She is currently Chair of The Baddour Center Board of Trustees, a member of the Human Rights Committee at NMRC; Vice-Chair of the Oxford University Transit Board, Chair of the Communicare Board of Commissioners and a member of The University of Mississippi Alumni Board of Directors. Carole embodies all the traits of a community leader—integrity, dedication, motivation, role model and champion for quality of life in the community. She is a hard worker and a fiercely loyal and compassionate person. Carole has been married to Hal for 47 years and they have two children, Whitney and Hunter. “Her reputation long established as person of integrity and high ethical standards greatly contributed to the trust and respect of local and state officials thus allowing NMRC to grow.”—Mike Black

dicki king Dicki King has dedicated her life to making the Oxford community a better place in which to live—whether it was her 14 years of teaching English or through the beautification of Oxford or through her tireless dedication to the local Boys and Girls Club. Borrowing from her children’s book collection, Dicki helped school children with learning disabilities or language barriers learn to read after school. Dicki saw a need in our community for supervised after-school activities and coordinated with the United Way to bring the Boys and Girls Club to Oxford. Merrill Nordstrom notes, “Several times in the past there were unsuccessful attempts to form a Boys and Girls Club in Oxford. I like to believe that the Club has existed for almost 20 years because of my mother’s tenacity and perseverance. She has over these 20 years raised money to hire staff and to build a million dollar building. The Boys and Girls Club now serves over 150 youth every school day.” To this day Dicki remains on the Board and assists in grant writing. She combined her green thumb abilities and her writing abilities to obtain grants for a teaching garden for the Boys and Girls Club and for the City of Oxford for green spaces—Pat Lamar Park and the playground at Avent Park. “My mother is a champion even though she’s not even five feet tall. She is a champion for children. She is a champion for the underprivileged. She is my hero.”—Merrill Nordstrom

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Nominees

larraine klepzig kitchens Larraine Kitchens was born and raised in Abbeville and has spent most of her life in Lafayette County and a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Abbeville. Before taking the position of LPN Instructor with Northwest Mississippi Community College, she was a surgical nurse at the Oxford Lafayette County Hospital. At NWCC Larraine was able to use her skills and abilities and share her experience to help fill the need for more nurses. Larraine continued to be very active in church, taking on the position of Minister of Music. This allowed her to minister through her love of music. During this time she continued to be ready to help minister to the minor medical needs of anyone who asked, as well as comfort them in other ways. Although she has resigned as Minister of Music, she continues to play the piano for churches across Lafayette County.

“Throughout Larraine’s entire life, she has exceled in all endeavors undertaken. This is very evident by her piano playing—it is truly Heavenly. She has a very strong faith in her God, her Church, her family and her friends. She has always found the time to help anyone in need—the hundreds of students who have graduated from her nursing program, the Choir she directed for so many years and anyone who knows her, all agree that she is a very special person.”

laura martin Laura Martin is committed to the betterment of others and works tirelessly to help connect Mississippi communities to the resources they need most. She is dedicated to helping others and her persistence wins out. Laura is humble at heart and gives all that she does without ever expecting praise or recognition. A program that is dear to Laura’s heart is LOU Saves, a child savings program that seeks to improve quality of life by providing multi-generational financial education and nurturing collegegoing aspirations among underserved youth. Through successful grant writing, Laura was awarded close to a million dollars to lead the Delta Leadership Institute, a federal-state partnership. The DLI consisted of 50 leaders who, through training certification, were able to return to their communities to fight poverty through education. “Laura is committed to the LOU Community as a volunteer with ‘Housing for All.’ She is passionate about making a difference for others who are less fortunate. You see this developing pattern in her life’s work, from her time in Nicaragua to her legislative work in the House of Representatives in Texas fighting for children to now in the Lafayette-Oxford Community. For all of the programs mentioned, Laura ensures that there is representation of young girls and women. I watch her lead her own two daughters, Alice and Lucy, and I can guarantee these two little ones, ages 5 and 1, are learning from the best role model.”—Albert Nylander, PhD

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Nominees

vivian f. banks price “Putting others first,” describes Vivian Price. During an “Ice Storm” Vivian and her young daughter made and delivered soup to the elderly in the West Springhill Community. Friends and family seem to agree: If in life one had the opportunity to pick their best friend, Vivian would be at the top of the list. She is full of compassion and is an empathetic listener, and an ‘all around’ joyful person. Bottom line, you cannot find a more willing person to help in anyway than she can, even before being asked. Vivian is kindhearted, loving and humble. She is devoted to her church, love for her family and friends. She loves all of us differently, recognizing and respecting individual needs. “It all starts with a smile! It’s one that will brighten anyone’s day, even if your day is riddled with chaos and confusion.

Somehow just seeing her face will assure you that everything is going to be alright. She’s a great person to confide in when you need someone to calm your fears when everything you’ve tried has failed. Never judgmental, because we all make mistakes, and it takes a special person to be able to talk you through with no condemnation. Vivian Price is a pillar of strength. I thank God for her and am so blessed that she is my Mom.”—Stephanie Price Mouton. Vivian’s Philosophy of Life: Don’t put anyone down, thus treating all with respect!

kyle still At the core of Kyle Still’s very being is a kind and giving heart and she shares these gifts in every facet of her life. She is a real-life super-hero counselor, mentor, volunteer, wife, mom and friend. By profession, Kyle is a licensed and nationally certified professional counselor. There is a renewed focus on mental health and Kyle has been passionate about it for decades. She coaches people through troubling times and encourages them. Kyle speaks to Ole Miss sorority groups regarding mental health and the stigma that accompanies that subject. She conducts weekly therapy groups for women suffering from depression and on wellness as a foundation of mental health. She has worked in after-school day treatment programs counseling troubled children. She is very involved in the local school system where she has been the ideal volunteer making a difference with numerous schools. Kyle has led the Bramlett and Oxford Elementary School PTO and earned the title of “Parent of the Year” on two occasions. She chaired the “Integrity Time” project, which sets a strong foundation of important traits for our school children. “Kyle makes leadership look more like friendship. She is a leader in every task she undertakes. She leads at home, in church, at school, at Ole Miss, and in the community. She notices a need and plugs herself in seamlessly to make a difference. She leads naturally and is a ‘roll our sleeves up and lead by example’ kind of leader, which earns her respect and causes others to want to volunteer to work alongside her.”—Betsy Smith

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Nominees

peyton warrington Peyton Warrington joined the Baptist North Mississippi team in 1994.

Little did she realize how quickly her time in Oxford would add up to nearly a quarter of a century. She has been active in community service projects throughout those twenty-five years. Peyton is a strong supporter of the Oxford Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce, serving as Chairman in 2011. She also served on the LOU HOME Board and was selected as a “Top Woman in Business” in the Delta Business Journal. In addition, Peyton served as president of the Delta State University Alumni Chapter for Lafayette County. She is a committee co-Chair for the American Heart Association and past board member of the United Way—LOU. In 2014 Peyton embarked on a new adventure that had been a desire of hers for some time—serving as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Mississippi. Over the past four years, she has been able to share her work experiences and knowledge with students in the Integrated Marketing and Communications department.

She enjoys working with students and promotes a strong work ethic, invaluable business skills and career planning in her classroom. “I witnessed Peyton generously give her time and expertise not only to the hospital but to the community. I will be forever grateful to Peyton for leading me down the healthcare path. Warren Buffett surmised that in evaluating people, look for integrity, intellect and energy. Peyton certainly possesses all three qualities.”—Mary Margaret Kennedy, former student

torie marion white Torie Marion White’s accomplishments, tireless work ethic and willingness to go above and beyond create a positive environment to develop new ideas and solutions to obstacles through her creative problem-solving abilities. She focuses on the younger generation in the LOU Community and is extremely enthusiastic and passionate about inspiring the youth of today and giving them the opportunity to contribute to the development and desire of making the world a better place. She is co-founder of Juneteenth Festival, in its 11th year, the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery. In addition, through her sorority, AKA, she mentors members and young girls in Lafayette and Panola counties through AKA’s signature program Fashionetta. Torie also serves as a volunteer for the Junior Auxiliary of Oxford where she works each year with 5th grade girls at Camp Sunshine, an overnight camp for local children who would otherwise never have the camping experience. She serves as a Leap Frog Board Member and is always willing to fight for a cause she believes in. She sits on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and has been Chair of the Leadership Lafayette for eight years. She has earned the title of Chamber “Ambassador of the Year” four times. “Tori’s dedication to her work and her ability to multi-task allows her to manage multiple projects simultaneously. She is ambitious, honest, dependable and incredibly hard working.

She has a positive attitude always looking for ways to make the most of each day.”—Rosie Vassallo

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Nominees

jennifer yancy Where there’s a need, Jennifer Yancy finds a way! She serves in a variety of organizations across the LOU community. Being passionate about education, Jennifer has served multiple years on the LES and LUES PTO boards, raised funds for playground equipment and serves on the board for the Lafayette Endowment Fund for Education. It’s no surprise that Jennifer was chosen for “Parent of the Year” for the entire Lafayette School District. She is an active member of the Lafayette Literacy Council Board of Directions and devotes part of her time each week to Lovepacks.

Jennifer, Jimmy and son, Whitt, have opened their home to a number of foster children, giving them peace in a time of crisis. She created a Foster Kids Closet that provides clothes, toys and bedding to families who may not have the items they need on hand when taking in foster children. In addition, she opens her home to foreign exchange students and helps to place students in homes for the International Student Exchange. Jennifer is also an avid animal lover, fostering animals at their home in Taylor. She is involved in sheltering and rehabbing for 2nd Chance Animal Alliance, Arabian Rescue and 9 Lives Animal Rescue. She is also passionate in fighting for the rights of special needs students, ensuring that each gets the best, most accommodating education. In 2016 Jennifer was presented the Governors Initiative for Volunteer Excellence Award (GIVE) which honors Mississippians who inspire others with their volunteer service. “Jennifer is a true motivation to those around her. She puts service above self and without a doubt makes her community a better place because she is in it.”—Pam Swain

Girl Scout of Distinction Honoree

kaleigh garcia Kaleigh Garcia is an active member of the Paris Baptist Church and she is an “A” student at Lafayette Middle School, enrolled AND excelling in high school MATH as an 8th grader! Kaleigh is a member of the BETA Club, a first chair saxophone, is a member of the LMS basketball team and is very active in her Girl Scout Troop, where she enjoys helping younger members. She has completed requirements for the Girl Scout Silver Award and is working on a project that involves social media awareness and how to spread a positive influence through Girl Scouts. For the many accomplishments at school, church and in her community, it’s an honor to award The GIRL SCOUT OF DISTINCTION TO KALEIGH GARCIA.

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Keynote Speaker

mary ann connell Mary Ann Connell is “Of Counsel” with Mayo Mallette, PLLC, in Oxford, Mississippi. She was university attorney for the University of Mississippi from 1982-2003 and a former president of the National Association of College and University Attorneys. She received her B.A., M.A., M.LSci., and J.D. degrees from the University of Mississippi, and her LL.M. from the Harvard Law School.

While a student at the University of Mississippi, Ms. Connell was president of Chi Omega fraternity, president of Mortar Board, a member of the university’s Hall of Fame, and Miss Ole Miss. After beginning service as the university attorney, she was selected as Mortar Board’s outstanding teacher of the year, Chi Omega’s Professional Woman of the Year in Mississippi, the Mississippi Women Lawyers Association’s Outstanding Woman Lawyer in Mississippi, school board attorney for the Oxford, Mississippi, School District, president of the Mississippi Council of School Board Attorneys, a fellow of the Mississippi Bar Foundation, recipient of the NAACP Freedom Award for life-long service in the fields of education and civil rights, the Stetson University Law School award for leadership, integrity, and service in the legal profession and the higher education community, and the University of Mississippi Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

She presently teaches classes in employment discrimination law and school law. She has formerly taught classes in business law, legal research and writing, employment law for business, and the law of higher education. She is a frequent speaker at national meetings on topics involving higher education and has published widely on the subject. Her autobiography, An Unforeseen Life, was published by Nautilus Press in 2017.

Master of Ceremonies

mary donnelly haskell Originally from Beaumont, Texas, Mary was crowned Miss Mississippi in 1977, and graduated with distinction from the University of Mississippi in 1981. She has starred in episodes of Touched By An Angel, Seventh Heaven, Sisters, Diagnosis Murder, Days Of Our Lives, and over twenty movies for television, including two of the Hallmark Channel’s highest rated Christmas movies - Once Upon A Christmas and Twice Upon A Christmas.

An accomplished singer, Mary has performed at venues including The Kennedy Center, The White House, and with The Prague Symphony Orchestra. She is also a popular children’s recording artist, having released four CDs through her company, My Songs. In 2005 she released her first contemporary adult album entitled Inspired - a collection of inspirational standards. In May 2007, she released Power Of The Cross - a collection of Sacred Hymns and Praise Songs recorded with The Prague Symphony, and in Christmas 2008 she released a Christmas CD entitled Just In Time for Christmas. Mary continues to perform with various Symphonies and at churches across the country.

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ambassador level sponsors Kappa Delta Sorority

mTrade LLC

Alpha Mu Chapter

cadette level sponsors Charter Road Hospitality, Inc. The University of Mississippi Foundation

junior level sponsors Abi Rayburn Regions Bank Vicki & Harry Sneed Bill Tait

Abbeville Bank Baptist Memorial Hospital North Mississippi

Friends of Alice Clark Mary & Sam Haskell

brownie level sponsors Y’all Twins

FNB Oxford Gloria and Jerry Kellum

Margaret & Katherine King

daisy level sponsors Renasant Bank

Hickman, Goza & Spragins, PLLC

The Girl Scout Mission Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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Event Sponsors

luncheon sponsors Many thanks to the following businesses for providing such a wonderful lunch. As you patronize these locations, please thank them for their generous contributions to our community.

Elizabeth Heiskell Catering McAlister’s My Michelle’s No Time 2 Cook

Oby’s Party Waitin’ to Happen Tallahatchie Gourmet

Special thanks to Abner’s Famous Chicken Tenders and Holli’s Sweet Tooth for providing lunch and treats for our attending Girl Scouts.

floral arrangements by Oxford Floral Company University Florist

The Twisted Twig Mimosa Flowers, Gifts & Gourmet

Thanks to Regions Bank for the generous gift of the Life Green Bike, and spcial thanks to Oxford Floral Company for donating our speaker’s gift.

Girl Scouts Heart of the South wishes to thank our dedicated 2018 Women of Distinction Committee Members: Chairperson - Vicki Sneed, Mary-Baldwin Albriton, Jennifer Eastland, Mary Haskell, Margaret King, Katie Naron, and Abi Rayburn.

Without you, this extraordinary event would not be possible.

Thank you for investing your time and talents to help recognize and honor Women of Distinction in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community and to promoting Girl Scouts’ mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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This world needs more G.I.R.L. leaders, and no organization prepares girls to lead better than Girl Scouts.

Girl Scouts prepares girls to lead by practicing the skills that many of today’s leaders lack - the four key G.I.R.L. leadership skills - grit and goal setting, innovation and real-world problem solving, risk taking, and leading others with empathy. We believe deliberate practice is the key to reaching one’s full leadership potential, and we do this by preparing girls to lead—deliberately and consciously—through everyday experiences and activities. Girls can only reach their full potential when they practice leadership the Girl Scout way over a lifetime, not just during a specific life stage.

Girl Scouts is for every girl, at every age, every day.

Help Girl Scouts Heart of the South build more G.I.R.L. leaders who are ready and prepared to create a better future for themselves and for their communities.

Visit us online to Give for G.I.R.L.s today!

http://bit.ly/gshs_GiveforGirls

The Girl Scout Promise On my honor, I will try: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times, and to live by the Girl Scout Law.

The Girl Scout Law I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

www.girlscoutshs.org

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800.624.4185