March/April 2015
20
T W E N T Y
U N D E R
Fort Gaines Celebrates 200 Years• Use the Cloud to be Data Smart Secrets to Planning Spring Break• South Texas: Hidden Gem
Special Feature: Kourtney with a "K" Launches Mutt Life •40 under 40: Nominations Now Open•
RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 1
Contents
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Rural Leader Magazine, LLC is a digital publication that highlights every day people doing extraordinary things nationally and abroad. www.RuralLeaderMagazine.com Guest Contributors Jamie Broughton Founder Footprints Leadership Sara Lee Crumbs Director Quitman County Family Connection Bill Thomas Author Leadership Toolkit Margaret Paul, PhD Best Sellng Author and Founder of Inner Bonding
Readers’ Forum
5 Special Feature: Kourtney Shelley Launches Mutt Life
6 South Texas: Hidden Gem of the Lone Star State 7 Five tips for every Adult Student
24 Teacher Tips for the Classroom 26 Best Small Town Restaurant 27 Forty under 4o Call for Nominations Now Open
8 Head of the Class
29 Rural Leader Athletic Spotlight: Gary McCrae
9 Secrets to Planning Spring Break
30 Fort Gaines Celebrates 200 years
11 How to become 'data smart'
31 Businesses use Ethical Hackers to Protect your data
12 Two thousand Fifteen Twenty under 20 Unveiled 16 Reduce Employee Absenteeism 19 One in five children in America go hungry: Learn how you can help 23 Being called a 'tech geek' is now a compliment
Tell us what you think about our publications, if you have a great idea for a story, or to just share. We may print your comments in Rural Leader Magazine. By sending us your comments, you’re giving permission to call you for an interview. Please be sure to include your name, address, email address, and phone number so we can reach you. Write to us at info@RuralLeaderMagazine.com— 2 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
33 What Behavior Limits You? 35 Personal Power 37 Ten Attributes of Effective Strategic Leaders 39 Crime Fighting Accounts 42 Classifieds
Help us find the next Best Small Town Restaurant! Call for nominations is ongoing. Nominate Today!!! Visit RuralLeaderMagazine.com for details. Like us on Facebook! Reproduction in any manner, in whole or in part, in English, or other languages, is prohibited without written consent. Send editorial ideas to Kuanita Murphy, PhD, Editor-in-Chief editor@ruralleadermagazine.com
Editor’s Note
Sincerely, Kuanita E. Murphy, PhD Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Reader's Voice
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I loved the January/February issue, especially the article Changes to Know Before Filing your Federal Tax Return. —Jim C. Macon, GA
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for the article, Five Financial Fitness Habits to Begin in the New Year. The article was timely and informative. —Timothy R. New York, NY
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for the special feature on Tiffany Boyle and Emerge-The Magazine. It's refreshing to see entrepreneurs support each other. Continued best of luck! —Williams S. Tallahassee, FL
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Thanks for another great issue! —John T. Eufaula, AL
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Continue to keep up the great work. —Edith J. Valdosta, GA
Photo Courtesy of TieFotos
Dear Readers, I am delighted to present to you the March/April 2015 edition of Rural Leader Magazine. It is bitter sweet in that the month of March marks the one year anniversary of the publication! Though it is hard to believe, the past year has been a tremendous opportunity to share the stories of remarkable people in Small Town America! Inside this issue, we unveil the much anticipated Twenty under 20! We are pleased to recognize these deserving young people, who have demonstrated exemplary standards in academics, athletics, and community service. (See page 12) It's also that time again to accept nominations for Rural Leader 40 under 40! Last year, we had an overwhelming response, and we hope that this year will be even better! (See page 27) And last but certainly not least, I am exited to introduce you to Kourtney Shelley and her newest endeavor called Mutt Life. Her story will undoubtedly inspire you to go higher. (See page 5) Thanks again for your continual support! Happy Reading!
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, I am so looking forward to the Twenty under 20 feature! Thanks for filling the gap and recognizing such deserving young people in small communities. —Addie C. Jackson, MS
Dear Rural Leader Magazine, The article What if you learned leadership wrong? was thought provoking. It was a great discussion piece at our monthly peer meeting. —Janice M. Newark, New Jersey Dear Rural Leader Magazine, Expand your career options with a global perspective was a wonderful article. I learned valuable tips to help me transition to another career. —Helen W. Richmond, VA Dear Rural Leader Magazine, This is by far the best publication for small towns! Love it! —Edward J. Adams, TN
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Photo Credit: Christopher Turner Photography
Special Feature
K
ourtney Latimore Shelley, or Kourtney with a “K” as she is affectionately referred to, is well on her way to making her mark. The young wife and mother makes no qualms about sharing her faith with others, so much so that she created a business to do just that, called Mutt Life ®. Yes, that’s right! Mutt Life is the name, but there is purpose. The acronym stands for Made Uniquely Through Trials and was launched in 2014. Kourtney’s passion for the Gospel was where it all began. She is the worship leader at her home church, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church in Americus. “I love God, family, music, and people. The desire to bring the story of Jesus Christ to the world in a relevant way is one of my many motivations for bringing this vision to life,” she said. According to Kourtney, the Mutt Story is merely the Story of Jesus Christ. The story begins with a mutt on the side of the road that was abandoned. A man takes the mutt in nurturing it to wellness. The man falls in love with the mutt and soon discovers that it had left his home. Saddened, the man looks for the mutt in hopes of finding him once again. One day, the man goes outside. In the distance, he sees a number of dogs approaching his home. There in front was the mutt, bringing other mutts to meet His master, the one who saved him. Kourtney’s aim and hope is that Mutt Life ® will create conversations leading to salvation of the un-
saved globally. "Many people are not vocal concerning their faith for various reasons. The logo compels others to inquire about its meaning, opening the door for dialogue. Mutt Life® is relatable by all. Everyone has or will experience challenges in life. In all that I do, my prayer is God be glorified and lives are transformed,” she said. In addition to Mutt Life ®, Kourtney has a new project on the rise to compliment her current endeavor. She will release her first album entitled, Discover Jesus that is a compilation of traditional and contemporary gospel, Christian and inspirational music in the Spring 2015. Kourtney is the daughter of Frank and Dr. Robbie Latimore. She has two brothers: Brandon and Philip. She graduated from Sumter Comprehensive High School and Fort Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications. Currently, she is employed at Central Georgia Technical College as a Recruiting Coordinator and resides in Warner Robins, Georgia with her husband Tony and son Franklin.— Learn more about Mutt Life ® by visiting MuttLife. org and the following social media outlets:
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South Texas
The Hidden Gem of the Lone Star State For unexpected adventures, vibrant culture and a sub-tropical climate year-round, look no further than the Rio Grande Valley region of the Lone Star State. South Texas’ warm temperature give travelers the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities throughout the year and makes it the ideal destination for vacations or longer stays during the winter months. A trip to the region, which includes McAllen, Harlingen, Brownsville and the beaches of South Padre Island, will show visitors there’s much more to South Texas than amazing weather. From its unique music heritage to its flavorful culinary scene, read on to learn why a trip to South Texas should be on every travelers list. In the Rio Grande Valley region, rich culture and history lend a hand in developing a one-of-akind arts scene. For starters, the Rio Grande Valley is the cradle of Conjunto music, boasting several festivals throughout the year. Con-
junto music began on the farms and ranches of South Texas in the late 19th century and is similar to blues or country, but infused with German and Mexican sounds. As time progressed, the music evolved and became known as Tejano, and is influenced by rock, R&B and other genres. The Texas Conjunto Music Hall of Fame and Museum in San Benito will leave visitors immersed in the history of Conjunto music. Aside from the music scene, the Rio Grande Valley region is home to a variety of fine arts, including the International Museum of Art and Science in McAllen, which houses the largest collection of Mexican crafts in the country. These local, handcrafted art and gifts are available for purchase at the annual McAllen Mexican Artisan Expo, where more than 80 artisans feature colorful pottery, textiles, trinkets, paintings, candies, salsas, hats, toys, candles and more. Visitors to the region will also enjoy per-
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formances from the Rio Grande Valley Ballet and the Valley Symphony Orchestra. South Texas visitors will find that the Rio Grande Valley is home to flavorful cuisine and a rich agricultural area that is unlike any other region in the state. The area thrives through agribusiness and is the largest region in the state for citrus production, including the region’s famous Ruby Red grapefruit. Authentic Tex-Mex food is found in over 200 restaurants in the region, and some would argue the Rio Grande Valley is home to the most authentic traditional Tex-Mex in the state. In South Texas, the molcajete reigns supreme to the blender for preparing traditional Mexican spices including cumin, chile peppers and garlic. Culinary tourism is emerging as a popular travel trend for those interested in food and culture, and all visitors are encouraged to taste a number Contiued on page 41
Five Essential Elements that Should be in Every Adult Student’s Tool kit
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he face of the average college student is changing, with more working adults heading back to school to complete degrees and enhance their careers. Being an adult learner means bringing life experience to the table, but it also means juggling more responsibilities alongside coursework - including working, managing a home and family commitments. That’s why there are five essential elements that every adult learner should have in their arsenal of tools to support educational success. 1. Technology Whether you’re attending class on campus or obtaining an education through online study, the right technology can help streamline the learning process. In addition to a quality computer and mobile device, it’s smart to brush up on the basic software programs you’ll use regularly in class. Online tutorials and free classes at your local library help ensure that your technical skills are ready when class starts. 2. Tutor Students may find certain course topics more challenging than others, and having a tutor at your disposal can make a big difference in keeping up with more difficult curriculums. “Hiring an independent
tutor can be expensive, so be sure to research colleges that offer tutoring services at no extra cost,” says Tracy Lorenz, president of Western International University. “At West we provide students with complimentary, one-to-one interactive tutoring sessions. These are available online in real-time, 24/7 - which is particularly important to adult learners.” Learn more at www.West.edu. 3. Time-management tools Adult learners must divide their time between many different demands. To cut the chaos, research smart time-management tools that can keep you organized every day. Apps and online calendars are ideal and many times can be synced with the schedules of other family members, so everyone knows the tasks for the day and you don’t risk missing a project deadline or your child’s soccer game. 4. Writing resources No matter what field of study you decide to pursue, you will be doing a lot of writing to complete your college degree. Having papers reviewed prior to submitting them can help reduce errors and improve grades. The West Writing Center offers current West students tools for success with their writing. Resources are provided to assist with organization, RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 7
structure, style, grammar, and formatting guidelines for citations and references. In addition, students can have their papers reviewed during an interactive tutoring session and receive immediate feedback prior to turning in the assignment. 5. Support system Being a working adult who is also a student can be complex, which is why having a support system in place can make a big difference. It’s important to have family and friends who are encouraging and available to lend a helpful hand - whether that means picking up the kids from school, helping you brainstorm
ideas for an upcoming paper or simply offering to listen. Having a solid support system is the last essential component that should be in every adult student’s toolkit. “Higher education is evolving and more adults are working while attending college,” says Lorenz. “With desire, dedication and the right resources, getting a degree and career-relevant skills can be a fulfilling process that helps boost career and personal fulfillment in the future.”—BPT
Head of the class: How to Get Accepted to the School of Your Choice
With tuitions at an all-time high, the cost of college and the increasingly competitive job market have become major considerations for aspiring college students and their parents. Students are not only focusing on where they can get in, but where they can get the best education that will set them up for a desirable career. The most challenging part of the journey to success is oftentimes the first step - gaining admissions. Where it was once considered common practice to only apply to three or four colleges, today’s students apply to 10-15. So how should today’s students tackle the daunting college admissions process? There is a lot that aspiring college students and parents can do to prepare, according to Dr. Katherine Cohen, LinkedIn Higher Ed expert and Founder and CEO of IvyWise. As one of the nation’s top college admissions consultants, Dr. Cohen offers tips on maximizing college preparation, including leveraging your network, to get you onto the path towards ac-
ceptance into college, and ultimately your dream job: Make the most of your college prep - start early, be prepared, and stay organized: The key is to start early and think ahead. Take the most rigorous courses available at your high school, particularly in the field of your intended major or in something that might interest you. If you think you might be interested in going into social work, take a psychology class. The same applies to extracurricular activities, select a few that are of interest and engage deeply. Admissions teams consider fit as well, and want to attract students who they feel will thrive and contribute to the campus community. Perhaps the most important way to prepare is by doing careful and extensive research. A college should be a great fit for your career aspirations, as well as your academic, social, and financial goals. Don’t limit yourself to just a short list of name recognition universities. Leverage available resources: There are a number Head of the Class, cont'd on page 17
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Secrets to Planning Spring Break as an Adult
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hen you hear the term “spring break” what comes to mind? Likely images of partying college students or theme parks packed to the brim with families. If you’re looking to enjoy a spring break vacation that’s a little more off the beaten path, consider a destination that proves to be a hidden gem for more mature crowds, whether it be young couples looking for romance to empty-nesters desiring a quick getaway. With a few insider tips and tricks, you can indulge your desire to travel by following this advice for planning a grown-up spring break vacation: Look for locations on the shoulder season The secret to enjoying a destination with fewer crowds is researching locations that are currently experiencing a shoulder season - times of the year that are adjacent to peak travel periods. One example is Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, with a shoulder season in March, April and May, as well as September and October. During this time there are fewer crowds and enjoyable weather, averaging 60 to 70 degrees. Visit www.visitmyrtlebeach.com for more information. Select off-the-beaten-path accommodations If you want a grown-up take on spring break, skip the mega-resorts and opt for more intimate accommodations. Research different neighborhoods and locally owned boutique hotels. Bed and breakfasts are
a great option for a more relaxing and comfortable adult experience. Vacation homes are also ideal for an adult getaway. These homes can also be found in great locations while offering more room and privacy to make guests feel right at home. Avoid tourist traps and research unique areas to explore Once you select a destination, research areas to explore that are less known to tourists. These places might include local favorites, a hidden beach a short drive up the shore, or a scenic town with loads of charm but not loads of people. Visitors to South Carolina looking to escape often head to the quaint fishing village called Murrells Inlet; the MarshWalk is a great area to indulge on delicious seafood, cold drinks and live music. No matter where you’re heading, a simple Google search or post on social media is sure to provide plenty of unique ideas. Leave time open for relaxation and exploration It’s your spring break, so make it exactly how you want it to be. There is no pressure to have a fully packed itinerary or to stay out late unless you want it that way. Leave time to read a book beach side, get up at dawn to watch the sun rise and hunt for shells, or take a siesta after lunch. You have no one to please but yourself, so leave the checklist of to-do’s at home and get into an adult vacationer's frame of mind.— Continued on page 32 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 9
Use the Cloud to Become ‘data smart’
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No matter your job or the size of your business, you are probably aware of the piles of digital information inside your company. Data is everywhere. You know this information can provide valuable insights, whether you’re in marketing, sales, human resources, product development or finance. But how do you tap into the data to make better decisions if you’re not a trained data analyst? There’s good news: Cloud services make it much simpler for you to analyze data so you can make the right calls and become more persuasive with your boss, your co-workers and your customers. “Business analytics is going mainstream,” says James Phillips, general manager at Microsoft Corp., who oversees the company’s Power BI cloud service. “And, with the cloud, you can get started fast. In a matter of minutes, you can pull in a variety of data to create reports and visualizations.”
Follow these five tips to start getting data smart in your job: 1. Identify the data. Wondering where to start? You likely already have data you can analyze in your financial, inventory, marketing and customer systems. To help you dig into this data, free cloud services such as Power BI (powerbi.com) can connect to other services such as Salesforce and Marketo. If you want to explore data outside your organization, free datasets, such as those on www.data.gov, are available on the Web. 2. Build on the tools and skills you have. You likely use Microsoft Excel to some degree, but even if you’re not an expert, your information and any analysis you do in Excel can be fed into cloud services. 3. Visualize. With the new tools, you can tell a story with data. They offer drag-and-drop ways to go beyond typical charts and look at information in mul-
tiple dimensions, over time, with maps and more. They’re great for creating presentations and plans. 4. Go real time. Keep your finger on the pulse of your business by mashing up data in easyto-use dashboards. Cloud services keep your dashboards up-to-date, providing insights about what your business looks like moment to moment so you can make better decisions, faster. Your bosses and teammates will be impressed. 5. Care to share. When choosing your service, look for features that make it easy to share reports and findings with co-workers. And encourage them to use the services so everyone has the opportunity to contribute insights. Now is the time to become data smart. Today’s cloud services make it simpler than ever to analyze your data and find the insights that will help your business.—BPT
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Honoring young individuals for exemplary Academic and Athletic achievement and Service to community
Under 20
Nationally and Abroad
We are pleased to present to you the 2015 Rural Leader Magazine Under 20 Honorees. The RL 20 under 20 initiative is designed to recognize outstanding youth in small rural communities nationally and abroad, who excel in one or more of three areas: academics, athletics, and community service. The first honorees were acknowledged in our inaugural edition March 2014 then recognized quarterly. However, the rapid growth of the publication gave way to annually dedicate the March/April issue, henceforward to the 20 under 20 Honors. Nominations will be accepted January 1 through February 13. We sincerely thank each of you for your nominations and support. Without further ado, we unveil the 2015 honorees. Congratulations!
such as talking on the phone with friends, shopping and running track. The sixteen year old high school junior has two younger brothers: Tra'Veon, 13 and Edward, 11. Ta'Niya is an active member of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. She participates in various activities such as singing in the youth choir. Her grandmother, Marjorie Allen, aunt Vanishia Allen, and late grandfather, George Allen, Sr. are her role models. After high school, Ta'Niya plans to attend George State University in Atlanta and study nursing.—
Kanavia Sanchez Coleman Age 18 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Kanavia is the daughter of Deborah Coleman and Duane Garrett. She has three brothers: QuantaviTa'Niya Allen us, Cornell, Ralph and one sister, Age 16 Tuanchia. Her maternal grandHometown: Cuthbert, GA parents are Annie Coleman and Ta'Niya is the daughter of Regi- the late Curtis Coleman; paternal na Allen and Marcus Thomas. She grandparents are Lynn Garrett and is an A/B honor roll student at the late Silver Rose Garrett. Randolph Clay High School. She She graduated in 2014 from enjoys a extracurricular activities 12 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
Randolph-Clay High School. Kanavia was an A/B Honor Roll student. She was also involved in various extracurricular activities such as varsity cheerleading and volley ball. Kanavia also was a member of the Community Choir, J. B. Smith Youth Group, and Youth Empowerment Group, Inc., Kanavia is also involved in her church, Pine Island Baptist Church in Edison, Georgia; there she is a faithful member of the usher board. She also volunteered throughout her community. She received the Mayor's Volunteer Service Award for her work with Randolph County Library, and she also was a volunteer for Camp Georgia. She acknowledges Mr. James E. Mock, Sr., founder of the J. B. Smith Youth Group, and aunt Betty J. Starling are both inspirations and strong supporters. Currently, Kanavia is a freshman at Darton College in Albany, GA; she is pursuing dual subjects: a major in early childhood education and a minor in psychology. After college, she plans to teach fifth grade math. She also plans to start an organization for counseling and give back to her community. —
Jerrod M. Ellis
Brant Christopher Cox
Age 16 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Age 15 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Brant is the son of Christy Garcia and is a student at Pataula Charter Academy in Edison, Georgia. He is a stellar student who received the Design Principle, Honor Roll, and Perfect Attendance. He is also very involved in extracurricular activities, such as the National Honor Society, Quiz Bowl, baseball, 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), 4-H Forestry Judging team, board game night, and the cross county team. Brant also gives back to his community. He frequently visits the nursing home, and he also enjoys presenting forestry facts with various audiences. In his spare time, he enjoys playing video games, baseball, and ripsticking. In the future, he plans to pursue a four-year degree and eventually a doctorate and one day become a professor.—
Jerrod is the son of Shundra Hall and Carlton Ellis. He has two brothers, Ajoni, 13, and Jaymarea, 12. He is a sophomore at Randolph-Clay High School and plays a variety of sports, such as varsity football, track, basketball, and baseball. In his spare time, he also enjoys video games. He is also a former member of the J. B. Smith Youth Group. As a member, he learned valuable lessons and had the opportunity to mentor others. He is also a graduate of Swagga and Lace, a youth wellness program, in which teens to learn skills in the areas of leadership, community service, and civic engagement while gaining a sense of responsibility through healthy adolescent development. He is an active member of Piney Grove Missionary Baptist Church. He participates in a variety of youth activities and serves on the youth usher board. He participates in community events, such as Youth and Adult Engagement Day, Family Connection Day. He is a also varsity football, softball and track. After high school, he plans to join the military.—
Sam Evans
Age 15 Hometown: Vienna, GA Sam is an exceptional individual with a bright smile, positive attitude, and willingness to help others. He is a tenth grade honor student at Fullington Academy in Pinehurst, Georgia. He maintains excellent grades, while participating in extracurricular activities, such as Junior/Senior Beta Club, basketball, baseball, track, and tennis. Sam often goes beyond and above to help and to encourage others. He is also a young man of conviction willing to take a stand for his beliefs regardless of peer pressure. He is also an upcoming leader who easily takes charge of tasks and projects. He is involved not only in school, but also in church, and community. He participates in many different mission projects with his church youth group and volunteers for non-profit organizations, such as Crisp Area Habitat for Humanity, and Crisp County Community Council. He has collected jackets/coats for those in need during the Christmas season. Sam spends an hour or more a day tutoring children with learning disabilities, which not only helps them educationally but emotionally. With a giving spirit and willingness to give back to others, there is no doubt that Sam’s future is bright. —
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Under 20 Nationally and Abroad
Honoring young individuals for exemplary Academic and Athletic achievement and Service to community
Under 20
Nationally and Abroad
Award. He was voted Homecoming King (2014-2015). Dwight is a member of Beta Club, Delta Epsilon Chi and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Future Farmers of America (FFA), and he serves on the Sumter County Schools Superintendent’s Student Cabinet. He completed several community service projects that include Dwight B. Harris, Jr. Keshuana Groom a Summer Home Building Project Age 17 Age 18 with the Miller Fuller Center; Hometown: Americus, GA Hometown: Cuthbert, GA packed lunches for needy families Dwight B. Harris, Jr. is the son at C.B. Dowdell American Legion, Keshuana is the daughter of Ke- of proud parents Mr. and Mrs. shua Groom and the granddaugh- Dwight B. Harris, Sr. He resides in and mentored kids at the Sumter of Kathleen Tillman Americus, Georgia. Dwight is af- ter County Parks and Recreation and the late Robert Groom. fectionately known to his friends Department. Throughout her high school and family as “D.J.” He is an active He will be traveling to Washington, D. C. in April to participate career, she was an A/B Honor Roll member of Bethesda Missionary student. She graduated in the top Baptist Church where he serves as in the National Youth Leadership 10 of her class in May 2014. She the President of the Youth Usher’s Service Conference. Dwight has not selected the college that he will also played volley ball through her Ministry. junior year. She was also a mem Dwight is a senior at Americus attend after high school, but he ber of Future Farmers of America Sumter High School in Americus, plans to major in Marketing.— (FFA) and the year book commit- Georgia where he presently holds tee. a 3.7 GPA. He is a Scholar Athlete In her spare time, she volunwho has participated in football, teered at the Randolph County Li- basketball and baseball throughbrary. As a volunteer, she often led out middle school as well as all a number of activities for youth four years of high school. patrons. She received the Mayor's He has received several honService Award for her volunteer ors and recognitions to include service. Principal’s Honor Roll, Football She believes in striving hard for Scholar Athlete Award (Highher goals. Throughout her life, her est GPA on team), 1st Team All family has been a constant source Region Award, Wide Receiver of support and encouragement. Meionne "MeMe" Harvey Award, WDEC Player of the Currently, Keshuana is a fresh- Game Award, Basketball MVP Age 18 man at University of West GeorHometown: Cordele, GA of Ronaldo Pierce Holiday Clasgia. She is pursing a degree in sic-Turner County, Basketball Meionne, or MeMe as she is afnursing.— Scholastic Award, and Baseball fectionately called, is a high school 1st Team All-Region Utility Player 14 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
senior at Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia. She has a very positive attitude and an incredible reputation among her friends, family, and community. MeMe has a 4.0 grade point average. During the 2013 Undergraduate Awards Ceremony, she received numerous awards for the highest averages in Spanish and Math. She also received the University of Georgia Certificate of Merit. She has been accepted into several colleges that include Abraham Baldwin Agriculture College (ABAC), University of Georgia, Georgia Southern, and Valdosta State University. MeMe maintains excellent grades while working part-time as a shift manager for the local ChicFil-A. She has been employed with the popular franchise, since its opening in 2012. In 2013, she traveled to Utah for 2 weeks to assist with a new franchise’s grand opening. MeMe is not only an excellent student but is very involved in school and church activities. She is a member of the Honor Band and a section leader in the Crisp County High School band; she also mentors students in middle school band. During the 2013 Christmas concert, she directed two songs performed by the middle school band students. She is also a member of the Beta Club, Student Government, and is a Choosing Health Activities and Method Promoting Safety (CHAMPS) Role Model. She is a member of First Baptist Church where she faithfully participates in youth ministry. MeMe believes in volunteerism as a way to give back to her community. Through her dedication and hard work, MeMe hopes to inspire others, especially her younger sister who is a 5th grade student,
to follow in her footsteps.—
Victoria James
Taylor Hudson
Age 17 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Age 14 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Victoria is a ninth grade student enrolled in honor classes at Taylor is the daughter of Carla Pataula Charter Academy in EdiTaylor and Johnnie Hudson. She son, Georgia. is a junior at Randolph-Clay High She is very active in school and School. Taylor is an A honor roll community. Victoria participates student, who strives for perfection. in cheerleading, one-act play, track She is well-mannered and a posi- team, youth choir, student govtive peer leader. ernment, TRIO, Future Farmers Taylor is very involved in extra- of America (FFA), Literacy Team, curricular activities, in addition to and 4-H. her studies. She is the co-captain Victoria plans to dually enroll of the Varsity Girls Cheerleaders, in college during her senior year. Junior Class President, member She is the daughter of Rhonda J. of Student Council, president of and Andre Johnson. — the Prom Committee. She also won 11th court, during Homecoming (2014-2015). Taylor also participated in Andrew College's Leadership Program. Her hobbies include shopping, doing hair, writing, reading, and hanging out with friends. Taylor scored a 23 on the ACT, which will allow her to attend any college of her choice. She plans to attend Howard University and Amber Catrese Marcus pursue a degree in business manAge 17 agement.— Hometown: Americus, GA Amber is a senior at Americus Sumter County High School in Americus, GA. She is the daughter of Alton and Sharron Marcus. She has a 3.7 Grade Point Average. In addition to maintaining Cont'd on page 18 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 15
Under 20 Nationally and Abroad
7 Big (but easy) ways Businesses can Reduce Employee Absenteeism
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure - especially for small businesses grappling with the high costs of worker absenteeism. Employee time lost to health issues costs American businesses $84 billion a year. For U.S. businesses, helping workers stay healthy costs far less than the financial impact of having them miss work for illness or injury. With cold and flu season in full swing, HR directors and other business leaders should take steps to help employees stay healthy and on the job. Here are seven steps your small company can take to help reduce worker absenteeism: 1. Encourage healthful habits. Simple factors such as getting enough sleep and frequent hand washing can go a long way toward keeping people healthy. While you can't make workers get seven to eight hours of sleep, you can spread the word on how it's done. Key tricks? Turn off the electronic devices an hour before bedtime, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and go to bed at the same time every night. Employers can more directly encourage other healthful habits, such as hygiene. Create mini-health stations throughout the office and include hand sanitizer, fresh tissues and a covered receptacle nearby. Post signs with proper hand-washing guidelines in
company restrooms. You can promote a healthy diet by providing healthful options such as trail mix and water in vending machines. Distribute healthy recipes (try the spaghetti squash!). 2. Provide 24/7 support through a wellness program. Businesses that offer employee wellness programs like the health and wellness solutions provided by Provant can lower their medical costs and offer a spectrum of additional benefits, including reduced absenteeism. Customized workplace wellness programs give employees round-the-clock access to valuable information, health professionals and advice, live or via technology, that can help them stay healthy. Plus, these programs can help employees manage diseases, assess their health and set personal wellness goals. 3. Reward well-being actions. Sometimes inertia is all that stands between employees and improved health. You can inspire employees to be healthier by offering, say, an exercise class at lunch. Provant health incentive programs such as reimbursement for gym memberships, health challenges for most miles walked in a month, insurance premium reimbursements, or rewards points (good for merchandise) for healthful habits have
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seen marked increases in engagement and significant health risk migration for those rewarded for their healthy choices. 4. De-stress the workplace Stress is part of having a job, but you can help workers stay healthy and be more productive by helping them manage that stress. Give them chances to get up from their desk - how about making that next meeting a walking one? Offer a workshop on relaxation techniques, and make sure your health plan offers an Employee Assistance Program for mental health help. Have a de-stress zone in the office. 5. Provide auxiliary benefits. Auxiliary benefits such as dental or vision coveragesupport
employees' overall health maintenance and value-adds such as partnerships with local farms for vegetables, dry-cleaning drop-off service, and onsite fitness classes create a convenience factor that encourages healthy engagement. In addition to supporting employee health, they are a low-cost way to round out a benefits package without increasing monthly premium costs. 6. Tell them to stay home. Despite their best efforts, employees will get sick. When that happens, it may be best to encourage them to stay home. Workers suffering with a virus like the flu or a bad cold could spread the illness throughout the office if they come to work when sick. And
Head of the Class, cont'd from page 8 of new online resources available to help guide you and your family as you tackle the college decision-making process. LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional online network, offers a range of new higher education tools that provide aspiring students and young professionals with the opportunity to make informed decisions on which universities, majors and skills will help them achieve personal and professional success in years ahead. * University Rankings helps students identify and rank universities that are launching graduates into their desirable jobs in key industries, based on career outcomes of alumni from the more than 332 million
those with non-communicable illness or injuries may extend the total amount of time they miss from work if they push themselves to return too soon or don't take the time they need to make a full recovery. 7. The obvious - Get a flu shot. Sometimes the answer is right under your nose. Make it easy to get flu shots. You can even bring nurses right to your workplace or offer a remote flu program, making it convenient for individuals to get vaccinated. To learn more about wellness programs that can help reduce employee absenteeism, visit www. provanthealth.com.—BPT
LinkedIn members. Say you are interested in Advertising; did you realize that the University of Pennsylvania is one of the top schools for you? * Decision Boards is a great new tool that helps prospective students organize their school search in one place. It also helps students make well informed decisions by enabling friends, family, alumni, and current students to provide advice and insight on a school that might interest you. * University Finder helps students achieve their career goals by easily identifying schools that meet their interests based on desired area of study, companies of interest and preferred location. Connecting, Head of the Class, cont'd on page 20
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Honoring young individuals for exemplary Academic and Athletic achievement and Service to community
Under 20
Nationally and Abroad
Marcus, cont'd from page 15 her grades, Amber is very active in school. She is the captain of the volleyball team, member of the Beta club, Student Government, and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Amber is a member of the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church where she serves as the secretary for the Sunday School Class. Amber enjoys working with youth and upon graduating from high school, she plans to attend Columbus State University to pursue a degree in Middle Grades Education. Her ultimate career goal is to have a successful career in education and Open a Day Care.—
and received the Captain's Award his senior year. Caleb was a member of the Student Council, participated in Academic Bowl, and was active in Literary, where he won All-Star Actor as well as placed first in Region 1-A Extemporaneous Speaking and fourth in State. Caleb volunteered as a tutor and mentor for others, especially in writing. He also has helped with the Boys and Girls club and with cleaning Iris Gardens in Cuthbert. He graduated third in his high school class with a GPA of 3.82. As a result, he earned several academic scholarships and awards. He received two scholarships: RCHS Alumni and Pride, and also won the Dean Scholarship at Reinhardt Collage for Creative Writing. After graduation, Caleb received an athletic scholarship to Reinhardt University to play football, as well as several academic scholarships, one for which he competed with other upcoming freshmen. However, he attended Reinhardt for one semester, but decided to return home due to a back injury. Caleb McFather Upon his return, Caleb applied Age 19 to Andrew College in Cuthbert, Hometown: Cuthbert, GA where he was awarded the Andrew Serves Academic Leadership Caleb is the son of Lana and Scholarship. Caleb has already Daniel McFather. He is a 2014 completed several of the required graduate of Randolph Clay High hours of service that the program School. While in high school, demands. Caleb played football and was the Caleb is active in his commustarting quarterback all four years. nity. He fills in when needed as a He made All-Region for football Sunday School teacher and ushboth his junior and senior year, er at his church, Salem Baptist 18 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
Church, in Edison, Georgia. He also volunteers as a community coach with his father at Randolph Clay High School and often visits the elderly in the nursing home. While completing his studies at Andrew College, he is a sports feature writer for the Cuthbert Southern Tribune.—
Tithi Shailesh Patel
Age 14 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Tithi is the daughter of Bhavini and Shailesh Patel. She is a ninth grade student at Pataula Charter Academy in Edison, Georgia. She is an excellent student. Tithi is an A-student, who has perfect attendance. She also was recognized for high averages and a perfect score on the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT). Tithi also participates in a number of extracurricular activities such as the quiz bowl team, 4-H Senior Forestry team, and Future Farmers of America (FFA). She is also involved in her community. Tithi visits the elderly at nursing home, reads to children, commits time to assist with Cont'd on pg 21
1 in 5 Children in America go to Bed Hungry Learn How You can Help Youth hunger activist helps rally America to share time, food, or a meal with a family in need. You may consider child hunger to be a world away problem, however, the reality is there are 16 million children right here in America who are faced with hunger. That’s one in five children who don’t know where their next meal will come from. When you think about that statistic, one of these children can easily be your own neighbor - or even your child’s best friend. Unilever Project Sunlight, an initiative focused on encouraging people to create a brighter future for children, is rallying people nationwide to “Share A Meal” to
turn the tables on child hunger in - small steps can make a difference when multiplied over time to America. Award-winning filmhelp end child hunger and build a maker, Patrick Creadon, joined the effort and created a four-min- brighter future for children. Proving that no one is too ute documentary “Going to Bed young to do their part is hunger Hungry: The Changing Face activist Joshua Williams. At age of Child Hunger,” that takes an five and with just $20, Williams inspiring look at child hunger in America as told through stories of created Joshua’s Heart Foundation with a goal to stomp out hunger real families faced with the issue. Creadon notes, “Going beyond one community at a time. Now 13 years old, Williams and his organidonating - to sharing a meal or a zation distribute food to about 50 moment of support - truly unfamilies each week and have delivderscores that this is an issue that touches us all in every community ered more than 650,000 pounds of in every pocket of this country. food to date. “I started my foundation beThese are our children.” Whether it’s sharing a meal, cause I didn’t want to see people go hungry,” says Williams. “Now, donating time or money, volunteering, or deciding to learn more eight years later, I’m mentoring RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 19
other kids to join in the fight against child hunger and teaming up with Unilever Project Sunlight to get even more people involved in the cause.” Here are just a few suggestions on how you can get involved and make a difference: * Help a family in your neighborhood: Share a meal with a neighbor. A simple dinner party, or even packing an extra lunch for your child to take to school, can go a long way. * Partner with local organizations: Tap local community organizations to find opportunities to coordinate an event or volunteer your time. * Coordinate with your local food bank: Get in touch with a local food bank in your area to help collect
donations or even or host your own local food drive. * Host a virtual food drive: Unable to get out of the house? You can create your very own personal food drive online to share with friends, family and colleagues for contributions. * Donate: Consider donating to a child hunger relief organization. * Lend your voice: Inspire others by revealing why you’re helping to end child hunger on social media using, “I #ShareAMeal because...” Go to ProjectSunlight.us to watch the documentary and learn even more ways to get involved.—BPT
Head of the Class, cont'd from page 17 connecting, connecting is king: Even though students don’t have decades of professional experience, they can still develop strong relationships with their network of teachers, family friends and coaches - to help provide insight into suggested schools, how to tackle college applications and to provide recommendations. Don’t forget to also connect with admissions officers, they hold the keys. Introduce yourself at college fairs, on college visits, and request their contact information in order to establish a line of communication. Ask meaningful questions but don’t bombard them - you don’t want to be remembered for the wrong reasons. Use connections to seek out internships or volun-
teer opportunities to get hands-on experiences in a particular field. Students can achieve this by connecting with others on LinkedIn, and exploring possible connections through the LinkedIn University pages. Tap into the resources available to develop meaningful and influential relationships that can help you make an informed college decision. Finding, applying, and gaining admission to the best fit college for you is an incredible challenge, particularly as it pertains to your job prospects and career path once you graduate. However, by following these tips and using the online resources available, you’ll not only find the best college for your academic and career goals - you’ll get in, too. For more information, visit LinkedIn University pages: www.linkedin.com/edu/.—
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Honoring young individuals for exemplary Academic and Athletic achievement and Service to community
Under 20
Nationally and Abroad
Patel Cont'd from pg 18 charitable activities such assembling goodie bags, and volunteers at community events such as the annual Crossroads Festival. Her favorite hobbies are reading, drawing, making crafts, and listening to music. After high school, she plans to attend an Ivy League school to pursue a master's or doctorate degree. She plans to study genetics. —
to strive for the best. Nyshia also works part-time afterschool at local franchise. She loves working, for it gives her an opportunity not only to learn but to earn money. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends. Nyshia is excited about her future. She scored a 59 on the ASVAB or Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery. She plans to join the AirForce immediately after graduation.—
semester. Ralph plans to one day attend the United States Airforce Officer Training School (OTS) in Montgomery, Alabama. The OTS is a nine-week highly specialized school that prepares college graduates for leadership roles in the Air Force. After high school, Ralph plans to join the Air Force and attend college to pursue a degree in business. —
Bharath Sharma
Nyshia Brionna Pope
Age 19 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Ralph DeWitt Porter, II
Nyshia is senior at Randolph Clay High School. She is an excellent student who demonstrates a strong work ethic and is willing to help others. In addition to maintaining her grades, Nyshia participates in a variety of extracurricular activities. She is a member of the varsity cheerleading team. Her family has been a constant source of support and inspiration, especially her grandmother Betty Thomas. Nyshia credits her grandmother for always being there for her and encouraging her
Age 15 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Age 17 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Bharath is a well-mannered and modest individual, who is an exceptional academic achiever. He is an Honor Roll student who has a 3.85 GPA. Bharath scored a 23 on the ACT and 1650 on the SAT. He is also the 2014-2015 STAR Student for Randolph County School District. He also scored a 77 on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or ASVAB test. He attended the Chamber of Commerce Youth Leadership Academy during the 2013-2014
Ralph is the son of Catrina Cobbs and Ralph D. Porter. He is a freshman at Towers High School in Decatur, Georgia and is very involved. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, camping, and video games. Ralph also participates in extracurricular activities such as the swim team, Boy Scouts, and the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer's Training Corps (ROTC). By far, JROTC is Ralph's favorite. He was promoted to 2nd Lieutenant First year second RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 21
Under 20 Nationally and Abroad
Honoring young individuals for exemplary Academic and Athletic achievement and Service to community
Under 20
Nationally and Abroad
Sharma, cont'd from pg 21 school year. Bharath is the recipient of the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Academic Achievement. He is also a member of the baseball and cross-country teams.—
Persia Tillman
Age 17 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA
Kaylie Smith
Age 15 Hometown: Shellman, GA Kaylie is the daughter of Cyndi and Tom Smith. She is a student at Pataula Charter Academy and is an excellent student. She received the academic honor of Design Principle. Kaylie is a member of Future Farmers of America (FFA), 4-H, and the National Honor Society. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and shopping. After high school, Kaylie plans to attend college and pursue a degree in nursing.—
We do not see the world as the world is, we see the world as we are. Stephen Covey
Persia is a junior at Randolph-Clay High School. Throughout her entire school career (K-11th grade), Persia has consistently made all As and is currently number 1 in her class. Persia currently has a GPA of 4.0. She has scored a 27 on the ACT, a 1800 on the SAT, and a 90 on the ASVAB. In elementary and middle school, she was a member of Jr. Beta Club. As a high school student, she was inducted into the National Beta Club Association. Nationally, Persia is the recipient of the Jr. Merchant of Hope Scholastic Achievement Award, Randolph County Youth Leadership Award, Special Congressional Recognition from the office of Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr., the United States Achievement Academy National Award, and the American History Award that is presented by the Woodmen of the World Life Insurance Society. She was nominated for the National Academy of Future Physicians
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and Medical Scientists Award of Excellence as well. She is also the recipient of the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. 1000 and Above Club Award for the SAT/ACT. She also serves as the Chairman of Education at her local NAACP chapter. On the region level, Persia serves as the Reporter for the South Region of the Georgia FFA (Future Farmers of America) Organization. On the local level, Persia serves as President of her local Randolph-Clay Future Farmer's of America (FFA) chapter. Persia participates in a number of extracurricular activities as well. She served as captain of the volleyball team, participated in band (playing the clarinet), track and field, One-Act Play, of which she received the All-Star Actor Award, cheerleading, archery, and student news. Persia is highly involved in her community. She is a member of Youth Empowerment, Inc., which is a local mentoring program that seeks to provide a better environment for youth. Persia participated in Andrew College's Leadership Seminar; She also participated in local clean-up events and spends time with the elderly at the local nursing home. She enjoys lifting their spirits by singing and reading to them.—
Under 20 Nationally and Abroad
Being called a ‘tech geek’ is now a Compliment
A
re you the family member or friend who is always called when someone’s computer breaks or starts acting up? Do you have a person on speed dial whenever you need a website created or program updated? The old stereotype of a computer geek who’s always wearing a pocket protector and glasses with taped-together frames is quickly becoming a thing of the past. These days, men and women who are able to speak “tech” and fix those pesky computer programs are in high demand, both professionally and among friends and family. One reason is that more than 80 percent of American households have a computer, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. When those computers don’t
work, who are you going to call? When someone calls a person a tech geek these days, it’s meant to be a compliment, according to a new survey conducted by GMI Research and commissioned by Crucial.com. Are you single and trying to promote yourself on dating sites? You might want to advertise that you’re a tech geek, according to the Tech-Know Meter Survey. One in three women say they prefer their significant other be tech savvy. “Americans recognize how prevalent tech has become in everyday life,” says Ed Walker, Crucial.com marketing manager. “These findings demonstrate that society has warmed to people who are the most capable at fixing and improving the devices we rely on, both in our personal and profes-
sional lives.” It’s not just that people want to be friends with tech geeks - they want to become one themselves, the survey found. A majority of men and women are interested in improving their personal tech savviness, even if it’s so they don’t have to constantly bug a friend for help. And while the percentage of people who claim to be tech savvy is heavily male, a significant number of women are showing interest, too, making the term tech geek more gender neutral. There’s a good chance you have a tech-geek friend, both in your personal life and at the office. In fact, you might have several at the office. Most industries these days rely on technology to survive, and survey respondents say job candidates with tech skills have a stronger resume than those who don’t.
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Having a strong list of tech geeks handy is important if you are not one yourself. So the next time someone is introduced to you as being a tech geek, be sure to get his or her number! And if you can call yourself a tech geek, wear the title like a badge of honor - and depending on how popular you want to be, protect your cellphone number!—BPT
The moment when you want to quit is the moment when you need to keep pushing.— Anonymous
Teachers: Tips to Bring Classroom Energy Levels Back to Normal After Break to pin on bulletin boards, helping students under The start of the spring semester in the classroom is a great time for teachers to refresh the room so all stand each holiday’s importance. learning goals can be accomplished before the end of Another idea includes posting colorful posters with fun facts about each of the holidays or events. the year. Sometimes a refresh involves disinfecting everything to help students stay healthy. Perhaps this These teaching decorations will be a hit with the students and aid you in presenting the importance of year’s refresh even involves incorporating some new events like President’s Day and Black History Month. decor and bright colors. This semester, help your students stay energized all spring long, right up until 2. Ask students for decorating help by assigning them educational projects related to the time the final bell rings for summer break: 1. Give the classroom new decorations to celeof the year. For example, set up a reading corner of the room and have each student create and decobrate the upcoming spring events - The calendar is full of great educational moments during the winter rate a flower to turn the corner into a cozy garden space. Your crayons and colored pencils are probably and spring months. From Learn to Read month in February to Arbor Day in April, you can decorate the well-used from the fall semester, so use the Staples walls in your classroom with educational materials to Teacher Rewards program to refresh your stock. This program gives participating teachers up to 10 percent help students look forward to each celebration. Melissa Taylor of the blog Imagination Soup recback on teaching and art supplies. With scissors, glue sticks and Scotch tape all restocked, your students ommends you ask parents to help you out by bringing in old magazine articles celebrating the different won’t have any roadblocks to keep them from holidays. You can find great quotes and photos inside Continued on page 32 24 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
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20 Under 20 Cont'd from page 22
Matthew Watson
Age 17 Hometown: Cuthbert, GA Matthew is a well-mannered young man, who strives for excellence. He is a wonderful role-model for underclassmen. Matthew is currently an A/B Honor Roll student. He also scored a 24 on the ACT, which will allow him to attend the college of his choice. Matthew participates in cross-country track and volunteers with the Upward Basketball Program at the First Baptist Church in Cuthbert every Saturday. —
Carter's Fried Chicken Carter's Fried Chicken is the recipient of the Best Small Town Restaurant Award. Owned by Rosalyn (aka Sissy) and Charlie Matthews, Carter's has been a staple in Cuthbert, Georgia since 1976. The small establishment is best known for its finger-licking fried chicken. However, other items are available, such as fried livers, gizzards, hamburgers, Catfish, Tiliapia, filet steak, chicken, and fish sandwiches and much more! Carter's is open seven days a week from Sunday thru Thursday 10 AM- 8 PM; Friday thur Saturday 10 AM- 9PM. Stop by any time. They are located at 201 College Street in Cuthbert. For more information, call 229-732-6400.— Help us find Small Town America's Best Restaurant, visit RuralLeaderMagazine.com and vote today!
Damyria Young
Age 17 Hometown: Shellman, GA Damyria is a junior at Randolph Clay High School. She is a quiet and modest student that is a constant reader. Damyria scored the highest ACT score (28), which will allow her to attend any college of her choice. She is dually enrolled at Albany Technical College in Culinary Arts.— 26 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
Twenty Fourteen
Rural Leader Forty under 40 Top Four Honorees
L to R: Trent Brown,Winner, Tesharra Alexander, Ben Andrews, and Antonio Shelley Honoring Exemplary Young Leaders in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia
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2 0 1 5
The winner will be announced during the luncheon Rural Leader Magazine is searching for 40 exhonors. emplary individuals who have made outstanding contributions to their communities. So often leaders 5. Selected nominees must attend luncheon honors that will be held Friday, September 4, 2015 at 11:30 in smaller communities are not recognized. Rural AM at Americus First United Methodist Church in Leader 40 under 40 was developed with the purpose to recognize exclusively leaders who live and work in Americus, Georgia. 6. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of judges small communities. selected by Rural Leader Magazine. Selected nomi Many are dedicated to making things happen in nees will be notified via email. All decisions final. their churches, businesses, organizations, and com7. To apply, visit RuralLeaderMagazine.com. Or Send munities. They are unsung heroes who contribute the information below via email by the above deadmuch to the vitality and sustainability of their comline to editor@ruralleadermagazine.com munities. Rural Leader 40 under 40 is an effort to 8. Information to include: demonstrate the value of those contributions. Nominee’s Name, Age, Employer, Title/Position And so, Rural Leader Magazine needs your help Mailing Address, (County), State, Zip Code to identify these deserving young leaders in GeorPhone (Include Area Code), and Email Address gia, Florida, and Alabama. The call for nominations opens March 1, 2015. The deadline is April 30, 2015 8A. Send a quality headshot photo of at least 300 dpi of the nominee under separate cover to editor@ruralfor all applications. leadermagazine.com Here’s what we’re looking for: 9. Answer the following questions about your 1. Nominee must be at least 20 and under 40 as of Nominee: October 2015 AND reside or work in a small rural community with a population of 15,000 or less in AL, 1. What distinguishes your nominee? 2. Tell us about their contributions and involvement FL, or GA. in community. 2. Applications must be completed online or via 3. Describe your nominee’s professional achieveEmail by April 30, 2015. ments and activities. 3. Nominees can nominate themselves or be nomi10 Also include: nated by someone else. Nominee/Nominator may also attach resume (3 page 4. The selected 40 will be featured in the September/ limit, please). Name of Nominator if different from October 2015 edition of Rural Leader Magazine. nominee; How do you know the nominee? Phone The top four nominees will be featured on the and Email (of the nominator).— magazine cover. The selected Rural Leader 40 under 40 nominees will be honored with a luncheon. 28 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
Rural Leader Athletic Spotlight
Gary McCrae Stats
Age 18 School: Randolph-Clay High School Grade: Senior Accolades: Captain of Varsity Boys Basketball Team, Pre-season Albany Herald Super Sixer, All Region and Albany Herald Dynamite Dozen, University of Georgia Full Football Scholarship Photo Credit: Facebook
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Fort Gaines Celebrates 200 Years By Going Back to the Future
Sara Lee Crumbs There is just something special about the town. Your senses are aware that something pulls you in the moment you enter Fort Gaines city limits. Perhaps it's the beautiful homes and idyllic store fronts that line the main road. Perhaps it's the ghosts of past calling out from the Spanish Moss draped trees. Whatever it is, your soul is at once at peace yet eager to explore the hidden history and treasures buried in a town that was once a home to the Creek Indians and a bustling stop for river boat captains traveling the Chattahoochee. It is this peace and lore that has drawn many like Sheri Baker to the area. She, like others not born in the area, discovered Fort Gaines and its charms when she traveled here from Texas with her family. She has since become an active community member and avid supporter for the town's Fort and planned Creek Indian Village. “The idea is to in our own way is to utilize what we naturally have which is the lake, the river, the trees and the location of the Frontier Village,” Sheri states. “It's basically to get some economic development going here.” The project began with a conversation between Baker and local resident James Coleman who is a city councilman. After visiting the Frontier Village, she asked about the possibility of using the space to highlight the community and boost the economy for the city. “People want to come to Fort Gaines,” she adds. “It is one of the coolest places I have ever been and I have traveled all over. People want to come and they want to have a good time here. It's the kind of place you want to come to when you want to relax because it has such a great vibe.” She suggested using the space to raise funds to repair Frontier Village and to build the Creek Indian Village. The purpose of the village will benefit the economy as well as provide an educational resource for surrounding schools. It was Coleman who had the idea of building the Indian Village. The site currently has nothing that shows the life of the Creek Indians at the Frontier Village. “The village itself will consist of the typical household set up,” Baker said. This will be a summer house and a winter house. The Creeks didn't use teepees in this region. It will also feature storage structures and a smoke house. It will represent every day life and
activities in the Creek Indian village of our area. After researching the area, Coleman approached Baker with the idea of celebrating the Bi-Centennial of the Fort. She thought it was a great way to bring the community together and create a common bond among residents. She is working with other residents Cindy Shute, Coleman, and Laura Williams to make the village a reality. “It started out like that and the more I thought about it, the more I realized what needs to happen that we all work together in the region,” Baker said. With that in mind, she focused on creating the celebration that brings area attractions to visitors from Clay, Randolph, Quitman and even into Alabama. The Fort's purpose when built was to protect people living on the Alabama side of the lake. “We want to be able to draw people here, but also have other things for them too,” Baker states. “ We will need places for them to stay and restaurants for them to eat. I had to develop relationships with the other counties so they can see how they benefit from the Bi-Centennial, too.” These natural relationships exist and she wanted to capitalize on that. It won't be a hard sell. The history and beauty of the area is a big asset to any endeavor that showcases the natural assets of the area. Funding for the project is coming from several fund-raiser efforts including a community Halloween Festival at the Frontier Village and a 4th of July celebration for the ground-breaking. “For the 4th of July we had a celebration and had a ground-breaking ceremony for the village,” she states. “There is a tribe from the Thomasville area called the Lower Muscogee Tribe that came and did a blessing ceremony and cleansed the grounds.” Resolutions were also passed from the House of Representatives from Alabama and Georgia to commemorate the event. Sponsors have helped spread the word and she has found creative ways to get the word out on the project. She also solicited help from area chambers, individuals and civic groups to help with funding. Memorial Day weekend is the next planned fund-raiser for the Village project. The celebration begins on Friday of Memorial Day weekend. They will open with the golf tournament, the Edmund Invitation featuring their mascot Edmund the Pig, Continued on page 32
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Businesses use Ethical Hackers to Protect your Data
Home Depot announced that personal financial information from 56 million credit and debit cards was at risk following a data security breach in September. Americans were still reeling from the Heartbleed bug, which compromised the security of some of the country’s largest companies in April 2014. Today cyber hacking a crime that exploits technology to compromise personal information - is all too familiar. In an increasingly digital world, financial losses from cybercrime will continue to rise. Experts estimate cybercrime leads to global financial losses of at least $375 billion annually, according to a 2014 Intel Security report. How do businesses strengthen protection against cyber criminals? They beat them at their own game by employing ethical hackers. Cyber security expert Dr. Karmaveer Koonjbearry, professor in the Colleges of Business & Management, Engineering & Information Sciences and Health Sciences at DeVry University, explains how
hacking can be used for good. grams in computer information What is ethical hacking? systems and network and comEthical hacking is a legal, authomunications management can rized process to identify security prepare students well for future vulnerabilities in computer syscareers in ethical hacking. The tems. Professional ethical hackers International Council of Elecidentify unnecessary open ports tronic Commerce Consultants and backdoors that malicious (EC-Council) offers a Certified hackers could potentially infiltrate Ethical Hacker (CEH) course to to access files, credit card and help professionals develop the Social Security numbers or othskills required and prepare for the er personal information. Ethical EC-Council CEH Certification hackers make recommendations exam. to large companies on how to mit- What soft skills should ethical igate such vulnerabilities. hackers possess? Ethical hackers Where do ethical hackers must have strong communication work? skills to explain system vulneraJobs for ethical hackers are exbilities constructively to corporate pected to increase as organizations leadership, Web developers and seek to strengthen their Internet application owners. They must security. Many large organizations be efficient yet thorough, and already employ ethical hackers to be prepared to work with some test applications before they are people who may not welcome the deployed. Smaller organizations additional work required to secure typically outsource ethical hacking their systems. periodically to check their sysAre there any risks in ethical tems. hacking? Ethical hackers develop What training is available for extensive knowledge about an someone who wants to become organization’s systems, safeguards, an ethical hacker? Degree provulnerabilities and practices. This RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 31
Ethical Hackers, continued from page 9 information, in the wrong hands, can have disastrous consequences. It is critical that organizations select ethical hackers with the right background and ethical disposition. A “bad” ethical hacker can have significant consequences on an organization’s bottom line and reputation.—BPT Spring Break cont'd from page 9 music hall, which has entertained Sip and savor until your heart’s millions since 1944 with its Southern hospitality flair. Fun fact: the content Bowery is where the band “AlaFor decades, adults looking to bama” got its start. kick back and tempt their palates Spring break months are ideal have visited wineries to pop open local bottles in beautiful surround- for traveling, and even adults need ings. Today there is a new libation a getaway from the winter blues. Fort Gaines cont'd from pg 30 movement that can make for a fun With these tips, you can plan your at Meadow Links Golf Course in own grown-up spring break and activity on your grown-up spring Fort Gaines and will also feature a break: microbrewery tours. Small, enjoy the hidden gems of any White Oak Bar-B-Que challenge destination.— locally operated breweries, such sanctioned by the Georgia Baras New South Brewing located in B-Que Association. White Oak the heart of Myrtle Beach, offer an Pastures is the main sponsor for intimate look at the complicated the event. There will also be live process of beer brewing, including music and food/craft vendors. weekly tours and samplings that Her big goal is to make the allows guests to try a few pours. residents and visitors aware of the Look for mature entertainbeauty that exists in the city. She ment options wants this to translate into an ecoSay goodbye to theme parks and nomical boon for the community splash zones, and say hello to in order to bring attention to the theater, music, history and more need for something that will transwhen you include alternative late into income for those who live entertainment options in your in Fort Gaines. She hopes to do itinerary. Spend the evening at a this by highlighting the natural world-famous stage, such as the resources the region has and pull highly acclaimed Carolina Opry, everyone together to create opporwhich offers award-winning varitunity with the raw materials they ety shows for adults. Or head to a already have. — historic locale, such as the Bowery at Staples so you can quickly attack germs and help Teaching Tips, cont'd from page 24 your students - and yourself - stay healthy throughexpressing their creativity with the classroom work you assign. out the year. Make it fun for your students with 3. Add some cozy factors in the classroom to games, like singing the song, “Row, Row, Row Your brighten the last few months of winter. Taylor Boat,” while washing hands with soap and water, or recommends bringing in rugs, pillows and lamps for challenging your students to see who can clean their extra warmth to help energize the students and make desktop the fastest using a Lysol wipe. There are only a few short months of school left, the room feel warm and friendly. which means you have limited time to help students 4. Between the winter weather, childhood illnesses and glitter that is so prevalent during the learn everything they need to so they can advance to holiday season, your classroom may need help the next level. If energy is falling in the new calendar getting rid of the germs. Be sure to restock all your year, do what you can with classroom supplies and decorations to revive them for an awesome classsupplies, like Purell Advanced Instant Hand Sanitizroom experience.—BPT er and Lysol Disinfecting Wipes. Both are available 32 RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015
What Behavior Limits You?
Jamie Broughton
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"To understand is to perceive patterns" ~Plato (c.427-347 BC) Greek philosopher, studied Socrates, taught Aristotle A good friend of mine, Jon Dixon, has a beautiful golden retriever named Holly. Jon and his family have moved a 2hr drive away so we don't get to see them as much as we'd like. One day we were invited over for a barbecue. We knocked on the front door - no answer. We rang the door-bell - no answer. We knew they were expecting us so assumed they were out back, unaware of our arrival. Jon has a fairly big property approximately 80' wide. We went around the side and opened the gate. There before us, deeply worn into the grass, was a slightly curved footpath, not 6" wide. It must have been about 50' long before it disappeared around the back of house. To be honest, I didn't really notice the path until Holly came bounding around the corner to greet us, ears flapping and tongue flailing with glee... ...following the path exactly. It was Holly's path. It was her habitual, patterned way of getting to the gate. Judging by how worn it was she must have traveled it thousands of times. We're not much different than Holly: much of how we think/behave and can accomplish as leaders is patterned... and limited. Kind of like the difference between a hard-packed, well-worn footpath and the alternate of lush lawn underfoot. Coaching Fieldwork If you want to have access to a "lush lawn" of potential options, you first need to become conscious of your own hard-packed, well-worn "behavior footpath" - component #2 of your success strategy. The success strategy is made up of three interrelated components. What do I listen for? What pattern of actions gets me results? What outcome do I most desire in the long-run? If you haven't identified component #1 yet, you can click on the previous issue here: Anatomy of a Success Strategy to do that if you wish. We will distinguish component #2 below and #3 in the final issue of the series. Success Strategy Component #2: What pattern of actions gets me results? This is the "then I act by" component of your success strategy. While the "listening for" component is a question (ex. what's the right answer; how can I influence the outcome?) the "then I act by" component is a verb. Once the "listening for" component of your success strategy has been satisfied you move
into action. So, what action do you take? What is the every-day, patterned way of acting that for you is fundamental to create success? What action, when you find yourself doing it makes you think and feel that you're doing things "properly?" At first glance you might think that there are an infinite number of actions you can take. Yet if you look more closely, you'll find that all the approaches that occur to you about how to respond fit into a particular pattern. That pattern of action is at the heart of what action is for you. The purpose of this portion of the exercise it to distinguish that pattern. Your pattern of action occurs to you as the best way to handle anything. It is shaped by the past and indeed is the way you've produced your most successful results to date. In all likelihood you are known for your "then I act by" behavior - "Steve is really great at planning," someone might say, or "Gail is super at facilitating," or "Alan is brilliant at getting people motivated." Like Holly bounding down her beaten path, you don't dwell on how you're going to act, you just do it. Your actions are natural and habitual responses to the context created by your listening (component #1). Your "then I act by" component is a verb - ending in "-ing" which signifies an ongoing action. In order to win, you might find it critical to "act by" teaching, analyzing, fixing things, taking responsibility for everything, standing up for people, or taking charge etc. You may recall Alex from the previous article who was constraining the growth of his company despite working exceptionally long hours. He had maxed-out his success strategy. He was listening for "how do I do it properly?" In doing this exercise below Alex identified the "acting by" component of his success strategy as "researching, analyzing, and testing." Approaches to identify the "then I act by" component: Consider who you have negative opinions about. Often we find ourselves criticizing others for not doing things "properly" - basically not doing things the way we think they "should" be done. These responses give us a clue as to the "then I act by" component. Who do you have negative opinions about? What aren't they doing "properly"? Describe what you look like in action. Think of 4-5 examples where you got the results you wanted. What did you "do" to get the results? Are you giving orders, supporting, inquiring, experimenting, exploring, or persuading etc.? What behaviors do you
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consistently return to? You will likely begin to see a pattern emerge that captures the approach you use to achieve success.— About the Author Jamie Broughton is North America's Emerging Leader Specialist who is the founder of Footprint Leadership. If you’re ready to take your career to a new level, please visit Jamie's web site at FootprintLeadership. com for additional leadership articles and resources for new and emerging leaders."
Personal Power Margaret Paul, PhD
All of us would love to have personal power - the power to manifest our dreams, the power to remain calm and loving in the face of fear, the power to stay centered in ourselves in the face of attack. Our society often confuses personal power-"power within" with "power over," which is about controlling others. There is a vast difference between personal power and control. Personal power comes from an inner sense of security, from knowing who you are in your soul, from having defined your own intrinsic worth. It
is the power that flows through you when you are connected to and feel your oneness with a spiritual source of guidance. It is the power that is the eventual result of doing deep inner emotional and spiritual work to heal the fears and false beliefs acquired in childhood. Without this inner work to heal the beliefs that create our limitations, we are stuck in our egos, our wounded selves. The very basis of the ego is the desire for control, for power over others and outcomes. Our ego is the self we created to attempt to have
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control over getting love, avoiding pain, and feeling safe. We created our ego self in our attempt to protect ourselves from the losses we fear - loss of self, loss of other, loss of security, loss of face. As children, when we didn't get the love we needed, we decided that our true Self must be unlovable. In our attempt to feel safe, we buried our true Self and created the false self - the ego, our wounded self. The ego self then went about learning how to feel safe through trying to control others and outcomes. The ego believes that having control over how people see us and feel about us, as well as over the outcome of things, will give us the safety we seek. Even if you do manage to have some control through anger, criticism, judgment, or money, this will never give you personal power. This will never fill you with peace and joy and an inner sense of safety. Control may give you a momentary sense of safety, but it will never give you the deep sense of safety that comes from knowing your intrinsic worth, the worth of your soul. As long as your safety and worth are being defined by externals which can be temporary - your money, your looks, your performance, your power over others - you will feel anxious. We feel anxious when we attach our worth and happiness to temporal things rather than to eternal qualities, such as caring, compassion, and kindness. For example, Walter is a man who has tremendous power over others but no personal power. Walter has made millions as the president of a large investment company. He has a lovely wife, three grown children, and two beautiful homes. Yet Walter is often anxious. He worries about losing his money. He is easily triggered into anger when things don't go his way and people don't behave in the way he wants. Because his heart is not open, he is a lonely man.
Walter operates totally out of his ego self, believing that having control through anger and money will bring him the happiness and safety he seeks. Yet he has achieved everything he believed would bring him happiness and safety and what he feels most of the time is anxious and lonely. Walter is empty inside. He has no sense of his true Self, no sense of the beauty within him, no sense of his lovability and intrinsic worth. His life is based on externals rather then on the spiritual values of love, compassion, honesty and kindness. Personal power comes from embracing spiritual values rather than just earthly values. It comes from making love, kindness and compassion - toward oneself and others - more important than power over others. It comes from doing the inner work necessary to allow the soul to have dominion over the body, rather than allowing the animal instincts of fight or flight - the instincts of the body - to have dominion over our choices. When the soul has dominion over the body, you have the power to manifest your dreams, to stay centered in the face of attack, to remain loving in the face of fear. When the soul has dominion over the body, you have tremendous personal power.— About the Author Margaret Paul, Ph.D. is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?" She is the co-creator of the powerful Inner Bonding healing process. Learn more at InnerBonding.com or write to: Inner Bonding Educational Technologies, Inc. 2531 Sawtelle Blvd., #42 Los Angeles, CA 90064 310-390-5993 888-646-6372 (888-6INNERBOND)
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10 Attributes Of Effective Strategic Leaders Bill Thomas
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D
id you know that people who lead strategically resemble fine-tuned machines? By focusing on their strategies, leaders see a bigger picture, they understand the reasons why and recognize the worthiness of elusive opportunities. What are these attributes of strategic leaders? Let's describe those functions by comparing them with common mechanical devices: 1. Engine - converting one energy source into a greater or more focused source of energy; 2. Pump - concentrating and directing a source of energy in such a way as to provide a focal point for the user of that energy; 3. Processor - manipulation of energy in such a way as to make a value, logic or null based decision to channel that original energy source; 4. Channel - a directing of or being a conduit for energy without adding or enhancing that energy source in any appreciable way; 5. Amplifier - the expansion of energy by using methods of analysis in such a way so as to increase or strengthen the original energy source; 6. Filter - maintaining smooth, stable, unpolluted flows of energy through the cleansing, clarifying process of open and honest communications 7. Catalyst - that which encourages and facilitates speedy, significant course changes or positive actions 8. Transformer - the conversion of energy into another form so as to increase or enhance the magnitude of the original energy source; 9. Synthesizer - combining or composing the elements of an energy source in such a way as to create a new or greater whole form of energy; 10. Carburetor - mixing or combining a supply of energy in such a way as to facilitate a more powerful or effective use of that energy source. Effective leaders make strategic use of and add value to every challenge in four important ways: 1) Thinking through the lessons to be learned in each
situation; 2) Leveraging the available sources, imports and exports of energy; 3) Boosting weak, diffused signals and messages of meaning; 4) Sharpening the leading edge of innovative efforts - their people. Making skilled use of leadership in these suggested roles could improve, energize and empower the success of your strategic planning process. By being mechanical you could become an instrument which enables energy flows. Remember energy can not be created and it can not be destroyed. However, energy can be re-directed, converted into new forms or released into the environment and become another form of energy. You could also think of using these mechanical processes to develop, train and nurture the leadership behaviors, skills and competencies of your people. "Dreams grow holy put in action; work grows fair through starry dreaming,But where each flows on unmingling,both are fruitless and in vain." - Adelaide Anne Procter Are you using your planning process to energize and electrify the commitment of your people to imaginatively exploit the opportunities of change? Leaders help transform dreams into holy action and energizing, empowering work products. Be that strategic leader who empowers others to be proud of and enjoy the fruits of their labors!— About the Author Bill Thomas teaches leadership techniques using strategic, innovative, evolutionary-focused concepts in his two-volume, how-to Manual, "Strategic Organizational Leadership: Create and Deliver Fail-Proof, Breakthrough Plans", uses an energizing process of group development to produce value empowered results! "See it, Plan it, Lead it, Improve it!" For more information, visit Leadership-toolkit.com/planning. html
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Crime-fighting accountants? New Specializations are Changing Long-held Industry Perceptions Optimistic job forecasts for trending specializations in accounting are making the field more appealing than ever for recent graduates. Accounting jobs are projected to grow 13 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with select specializations projected to grow even faster. Emerging opportunities in the field call for new and diverse skill sets that have not been required in the past. Today’s accountants are being asked to go beyond number crunching to help companies make important business decisions that impact their bottom line, impart technologically-driven insight and even solve white-collar crimes. In fact, each of these assignments represents a hot, new professional specialization in the accounting field. Financial analysis, business systems analysis and forensic accounting have emerged as exciting opportunities for job-seekers to
Called business systems analysts fill in-demand business roles in (or sometimes computer systems almost every industry. analysts), these professionals use Financial analysis their knowledge of IT to deter Accountants who can analyze financial information and identify mine the best way to implement and upgrade the use of technology key trends are in high demand. to maximize business perforThese financial analysts weigh mance and profit. As cloud comcompany risks and rewards by puting, cybersecurity and mobile assessing the current state of networks are further integrated the business, how the market is into everyday business, demand expected to perform and how the business will be impacted by a for business systems analysts will potential deal. Companies rely on continue to increase. The field is this type of accountant to interexpected to grow 25 percent bepret financial data and turn it into tween 2012 and 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. insights that can be used to make investments and offer background Forensic accounting Forensic accountants combine information around mergers and acquisitions. Employment of traditional accounting with investigative skills to help companies financial analysts is expected to grow 16 percent between 2012 sniff out fraud and white-collar crime. Past high-profile fraud and 2022, faster than the national cases involving Bernie Madoff and average, according to the Bureau Enron prompted stricter regulaof Labor Statistics. tions and public calls for greater Business systems analysis Many companies are looking transparency. Large companies now routinely employ forensic for accountants who understand accountants to protect them from information technology (IT). RuralLeaderMagazine.com | MARCH/APRIL 2015 39
similar activities. Nearly 40 percent of the top 100 accounting firms in the United States now have a forensic accounting department and the field is expected to be one of the top 20 job markets in the next few years. Students interested in pursuing these career opportunities in accounting will first need a bachelor’s degree in the field. Graduates can enhance their career potential by earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation to demonstrate their high level technical skills, advanced knowledge and high ethical standards. A student can earn a CPA designation through 150 semester hours (typically 30 more than a bachelor’s degree), passing the CPA exam and then applying for licensure. Eligibility requirements for the exam vary by state. Many schools now offer degree programs that address the growing demand for these “new” accountants. DeVry University, for example, offers a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and accounting specializations within its bachelor’s degree programs in business administration, management and technical management. Upon completing their degree, students can begin
training in the field for a specialized accounting career. Some companies offer applicants a self-selection test to help them determine the right specialization for their qualifications and interests. In general, finding the right specialization comes down to personal preference. Financial analysts require a more indepth understanding of business markets, business systems analysts need a solid IT background, and forensic accountants require knowledge in law enforcement and criminal justice. “The days are long gone when all accountants did was manage financial statements and taxes,” said Beth Rolison, accounting professor at DeVry University. “Today’s complex business environment requires accountants to be the eyes and ears of a company and demands that they possess a variety of soft and hard skills to live up to the role of trusted advisor.” Trending specializations open the door for students with diverse backgrounds and interests to enter the field. Demand for accountants will continue to rise as they play an increasingly important role in helping businesses navigate the financial landscape in our dynamic marketplace.—BPT
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South Texas cont'd from page 6 of the regions favorite dishes such as barbacoa, enchiladas, tamales, fajitas and chiles rellenos to experience the region’s traditional bold flavors. The warm climate of the Rio Grande Valley region makes it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts year round. Anglers will enjoy casting their rod at Falcon Lake, the number one bass lake in the country. From legendary largemouth bass to catfish, it is rare to leave Falcon Lake empty-handed. Birding is another popular activity in the region, as South Texas is the most distinctive avi-fauna area in the contiguous United States. With nine unique locations of the World Birding Center spanning from Mission to Edinburg to South Padre Island, birders will enjoy the challenge and the thrill of spotting the more than 500 bird species in the area while taking part in wilderness walks, float trips and hands-on, state-ofthe-art educational exhibits. The Rio Grande Valley is also home to the National Butterfly Center, the only butterfly park in the country boasting over 300 different butterfly species. South Texas loves its winter visitors. In fact, longterm visitors escaping the frigid winter temperatures of the north receive the honorary title of ‘Winter Texans’ and are celebrated at the annual Winter Texan Appreciation Fiesta in Harlingen. The fiesta is a truly unique experience celebrating the culture of the region and includes live music, Mexican artisan crafts, salsa dancing lessons, mariachi performances and a classic car show. Throughout the winter months, Winter Texans will find a variety of events and activities to enjoy across the region, including golfing on over 15 scenic courses within a 50-mile radius, with two along the banks of the Rio Grande River. Whether Winter Texans drive down in their own RVs or take advantage of the special condominium rates extended to long-term visitors throughout the winter, they are sure to enjoy spending the coldest months of the year in a warm climate surrounded by warm and
welcoming locals. When people think of Texas they don’t always think of relaxing beachside with their toes in the sand, but the Rio Grande Valley region’s beach getaway, South Padre Island, is home to 34 miles of uninterrupted beaches. The perfect destination for a family vacation, extended Winter Texan trip or getaway with friends, South Padre Island offers fun beach activities such as kayaking, parasailing, wind boarding, surfing and deep sea fishing excursions. The Island’s unique eco-system features a wide variety of wildlife including bottlenose dolphins. Visitors that want to get up close and personal with the majestic creatures can do so through a variety of local businesses that provide excursions to see them in their natural habitat. For the kiddos, South Padre Island, known to many as the Sand Castle Capital of the World, hosts Sandcastle Days each October in which sand sculpting masters from all over the world compete to create the most unique sand masterpiece. This free public event truly is bigger than life! Like any other South Texas location, South Padre Island welcomes Winter Texans. In late January, Winter Texans are invited to trade frigid temperatures, winter coats and toboggans for sunshine, an ocean breeze and flip-flops at South Padre Island’s Winter Texan Music Fest, where eight bands play throughout the day accompanied by an endless supply of fresh, Texas Gulf seafood. No matter the season, South Padre has an endless amount of activities to entertain visitors of all ages. Whether visitors are seeking outdoor activities, flavorful cuisine, arts and culture or a relaxing beach vacation, they are sure to find it in South Texas where warm weather and exciting adventures await. To explore the many great travel experiences in Texas, visit www.traveltex.com and find us on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram.—BPT
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