EVERYDAY HEROES

Local Business Celebrates First Responders in Mural

Tomas Heard, Waycross Fire/Rescue Department Engineer/Driver

Corporal Jonathan Oliver, Ware County Sheriff’s Department

STORY BY SUSAN PIERCE | PHOTOS BY CANDICE MCKINLEY

When Gooey’s Pizza owner Jesse Thomas decided to open a new location in Waycross, he brought a special recipe for success - great pizza, a family-fun atmosphere, and a love for art.

Gooey’s original location in Jesup has been voted “Wayne County’s Favorite” pizza for more than 10 years and is known for its colorful artwork both inside and outside the restaurant. Thomas knew he wanted to recreate the “feast for the senses” experience at his new location.

Thomas recruited local Waycross artist Jorah Blaise Mitchell to create artwork inside the building and artist Candice McKinley to paint the exterior. McKinley painted the murals at Gooey’s Jesup location and has worked as Thomas’s public artist for more than five years. Two pieces of public art were commissioned for the exterior walls. But the second concept never made it onto the wall. A local resident’s casual suggestion became the spark for the public mural now known as “Everyday Heroes.”

Perry Blackburn, Ware County paramedic and EMS Coordinator, caught wind of the artworks Thomas was commissioning in Waycross and sent him a message suggesting an alternative idea for a mural. “What about a mural with local

Dee Meadows, Ware County Fire Chief

Deione Payne, Waycross EMT-I Responder

Jonathan Daniell, Ware County Emergency Management Agency Director first responders,” was the gist of the suggestion made by Blackburn. Thomas, who has been a longtime supporter of the first responders in Wayne County, said, “that’s a great idea -- why didn’t I think of that myself!” It is common knowledge in Wayne County that officers, deputies, agents, and first responders of all ranks can be found eating at Gooey’s in Jesup every week- -sometimes, several days a week. Blackburn’s suggestion made perfect sense and Thomas commissioned McKinley for a redesign of the artwork.

“What brought my attention to the project was that no one ever knows about the first responders until they need them,” said Blackburn, “so I thought, ‘let’s reach out and see about getting some community awareness for the first responders.’” Jesse Thomas helped make this possible.

“My great niece and nephew love fire trucks. Ware Fire/ Rescue visited them and made their day right before Christmas. Ware EMS and Ware 911 made another little boy’s day when he visited their station last Fall,” Blackburn explained. “I want to recognize the great staff from EMT, EMT-I, AEMT, and paramedics that serve on the staff of Ware County EMS. It is an honor to work with these fine men and women!”

Thomas said, “I personally, and Gooey’s Pizza, have always been huge supporters of first responders and everything that they do. They definitely do not get the credit they deserve. With all of the negativity in the world, it felt really good to be part of something that exists solely for the purpose of shining a positive light.”

The group met at Gooey’s for a photoshoot and McKinley incorporated each person’s portrait into the new design, which she titled “Everyday Heroes.”

“These men and women, who we see every day in our communities, put their lives on the line to keep us safe,” McKinley said. “We know them by their first names, know their families, we share meals with them. They have dangerous jobs that not everyone is cut out for -- heroe’s jobs. I wanted to honor our local heroes the same way we honor heroes in comic books and Marvel movies because these heroes- -our neighbors--are real.”

McKinley designed the mural to represent a comic book that kids look at when dreaming about what they want to be when they grow up--something to aspire to. “As an artist,” she said, “I am always looking for ways to inspire people visually and this project gave me the opportunity to inspire a community, not just with colors and shapes, but with an ideal.” O L

Jesse Thomas, Owner of Gooey’s Pizza in Waycross and Jesup

Candice McKinley, Public Artist

Planning for Retirement?

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Support the Best Healthcare Right Here at Home

WHY: Clinch Memorial Hospital depends on your support in order to be there in good times and bad. You can help us, this year and every year, with the Georgia HEART program. You can donate to us from anywhere in the State of Georgia, and receive a 100% Georgia Income Tax Credit. Businesses can potentially take a Federal business expense deduction. Your donation helps us to fi nance new hires, new equipment, and much needed repairs.

HOW: To make a donation, go to www.georgiaHEART.org. The application takes less than a minute to complete. When determining the amount to contribute, you can look at Line 16 of your Georgia income tax return for your income tax liability for the prior tax year and estimate your tax liability accordingly. If you are unable to estimate your tax liability, you may discuss with your tax preparer or call our Chief Financial Offi cer, Teressia Shook for any additional questions. Once you apply, Georgia HEART handles the rest of the process for you and approvals takes about a week.

1050 Valdosta Highway | Homerville, GA | 912.487.5211 | www.clinchmh.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Memorial Satilla Health’s Cardiology practice staff include Dr. Jonathan Constantin, Jana Revels NP, Michelle Mixon, Practice Manager, Mary Morgan, MOS, Jennifer Stilley, Pam Brockway, MA, Ashley Taft, MOS, Rachel Raulerson, MA, Dr. Timothy Catchings, MD, John Jacobs, PA.

Memorial Satilla Health Celebrates 10 Years of Caring for Your Heart

STORY BY KRISTEN KENNEDY | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY MEMORIAL SATILLA HEALTH

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), someone in the United States has a heart attack every 43 seconds.

With such an alarming rate of heart failure, it seems critically important to be able to trust the experience of a cardiac team should you ever need them. Whether a cardiac emergency or a planned procedure, a customized multidisciplinary approach is essential.

It's comforting to know that Memorial Satilla Health in Waycross, Georgia offers a specialized team of cardiovascular professionals to provide optimal heart health services…and has for over a decade.

On Feb. 17, 2020, Memorial Satilla Health celebrated the 10 year anniversary of the hospital’s interventional cardiology program. From the time the program began on Feb. 15, 2010 through the end of 2019, the hospital’s cardiology team performed 2,570 therapeutic cardiac catheterization procedures (stents and angioplasties) to treat cardiovascular disease.

Bobby McCullough, Memorial Satilla’s CEO, paid tribute to the visionary leadership team, who ten years ago, recognized cardiovascular disease was an unmet health need in the community. Under the leadership of Cardiologist Dr. Timothy Catchings, the hospital began its intervention program in 2010, which paved the way for the state-of-the-art heart center it is today. Catchings, who still heads up the program currently, said “This program has made a life-changing difference in our community. It is an honor to be part of an advanced heart care program that has impacted the lives of so many.”

“Hundreds of lives have been saved,” shared McCullough. “The day after opening our advanced heart care program, the hospital had its first ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), a type of heart attack caused by a blocked artery. We also performed our first

Donald, Mary and A.C. Kicklighter

Kristin Shepherd, RN, Becky Bennett, and Began Breeden, RN.

Rachel Raulerson, Jana Revels, and Mary Morgan

Brenda O’Steen, Barbara Miller, Margaret Refour, Chief Nursing Officer, and Bobby McCullough, CEO.

STEMI intervention, known more commonly as angioplasty or stenting.”

The celebration hosted a few former patients who spoke and shared their gratitude for the program, expressing they were alive today because of Dr. Catchings and the heart center. The celebration of “life” was accompanied by the opportunity to indulge in delicious cake.

One other exciting topic referenced at the event was Memorial Satilla Health’s “Door to Balloon” time. The time someone arrives at the ER presenting with symptoms of a heart attack until they receive cardiac catheterization treatment is known as the “door to balloon” time. The American Heart Association’s national standard guidelines recommend 90 minutes, but McCullough expressed proudly during the ceremony, “Our goal is 60 minutes. In 2019, our average was 63 minutes.”

For more information on Memorial Satilla Health visit MemorialSatillaHealth.com. O L

Dr. Timothy Catchings, Michelle Mixon, Christy Miller and John Jacobs, PA

Dr. Timothy Catchings is a board-certified interventional cardiologist and the Medical Director for Memorial Satilla Heart Center. He is a graduate of Emory University School of Medicine and completed post graduate work at Medical College of Georgia followed by a stint as Ships Medical Officer on the USS Sylvania. He is retired from the US Navy where he achieved the rank of Captain. His professional interests include acute coronary syndrome and radial artery cardiac catheterizations.

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THE BARN at Live Oak Ranch is a rustic but elegant wedding and event venue barn situated on a 64 acre working farm in Wayne County. The Barn offers an unforgettable country farm and family oriented experience in a beautiful indoor or outdoor setting.

WEDDINGS ENGAGEMENTS ELOPEMENTS MATERNITY

912-424-8421

We are Ethan and Morgin Beverley, a young couple with a passion for Jesus, travel, coffee, and our work.

After our own wedding in September of 2017 we realized how important capturing every memorable part of that special day truly is. After all, “You don’t know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” For us, this is more than a job. It is a passion to make your day look the utmost cinematic and feel as magical as it did in the moment. We love getting to know the couples and families we work with so we can let their personalities shine through photo and film.

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I love seeing dreams come true and would be honored to bring a unique experience to your special occasion! My team and I offer full wedding services to include full decor, floral, custom signage, coordination of wedding day and all wedding day service vendors. 912.294.3973 | southernposhweddings@gmail.com

the Bride HERE COMES LOVE, LAUGHTER, AND HAPPILY EVER AFTER

EGinny Aldridge & Austin Lairsey Photo by Brauda Studios EVERY COUPLE’S LOVE STORY IS UNIQUE, SO IS THEIR WEDDING. IN THIS SECTION WE HIGHLIGHT FOUR COUPLES, SUBMITTED BY REGIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS, FROM THE

OKEFENOKEE REGION AND SHARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS FROM THEIR WEDDING DAY.

Wedding Photographer CHAD MERRELL MERRELL PHOTOGRAPHY

merrellphotography.com

� R CHRISTI DAVIS & ERIC SEYMOUR married on 04.07.2018 THE COUPLE: For those who don’t believe in love at first sight, they haven’t met Christi and Eric Seymour. They met by chance after bumping into each other one day in St. Marys. For them it was literally love at first sight. From that moment, they have been inseparable, either spending time with their children or traveling the world. They became engaged in Paris under the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. Following a honeymoon in Bora Bora, they have settled in Brunswick, where Christi chases the kids and Eric chases Christi.

THE WEDDING: For their wedding, Christi wanted a rustic wedding in South Georgia surrounded by family and friends. Christi is from Folkston and Eric is from Savannah, Tennessee. They chose the Buie Barn just outside of Brunswick, for its simple elegance and photographic charm.

MIDDLE, LEFT-HAND PAGE: Christi and Eric joined by their children; Makenzie, Dallas, Nichols, and Tyler.

BOTTOM, LEFT-HAND PAGE:

The bouquets were crafted by the Bride.

BOTTOM, RIGHT-HAND

PAGE: The delicious cake was designed and baked by Pastry Chef Eric Hourigan.

Wedding Photography

SCOTT BEAHAN, SHUTTERLY PERFECT PORTRAITURE shutterlyperfect.net

Taylor included Grandmother Norma Jean in the wedding by wearing a dragonfly brooch pinned to her wedding dress, part of GG’s extensive collection of dragonflies.

THE COUPLE: A � TAYLOR KING & MATTHEW ALDRIDGE married on 11.04.2017 Like many couples from rural areas, Matthew and Taylor feel they’ve always known each other. Though they went to the middle school Valentine’s Dance together in sixth grade, they had little interaction with each other again until they started dating after high school.

Their marriage brought together two families with deep roots in Pierce County. Taylor’s grandfather, Cleve Henderson is a well-respected member of the community, chosen as the 2018 Pierce County Farmer of the Year. Her grandmother Norma Jean Henderson was known to many in the area having worked at The Blackshear Bank/Prime South for more than 40 years. Matthew’s maternal grandparents, Bill and Eleanor Thornton owned and operated the service station in Bristol, and Mrs. Eleanor still cuts hair for her long-time clients in Patterson.

Matthew chose a sentimental location for his proposal; the dock at Dover’s Bluff. The Henderson family owns a home at Dover’s Bluff that was special to Grandmother Norma Jean who passed away in 2013.

THE WEDDING: Matthew and Taylor enjoy the outdoors, even hunting together. They both wanted a rustic setting for their wedding. After booking Oak Orchard in Glynn County, they were surprised to learn of another family connection. Taylor’s grandfather had planted trees on the property where they were to be married!

Taylor and Matthew believe relationships with family and friends are important. They look forward to setting their own roots in Pierce County.

What is your Wedding Style?

BY LYNN VALLOTTON, FLORAL DESIGN – WEDDING CONSULTING – EVENT PLANNING

Flowers are an essential part of the wedding. They're not only pretty and a wedding tradition, but they also allow you to express your personal style and creativity. In general, your wedding flowers should reflect the overall style of your wedding. So, what to consider in choosing a wedding style? Where is your event to be held? What season and time of day will your event be? Are you going for a formal or more relaxed atmosphere? Which style most describes your dream wedding?

Here are a few of the most popular wedding styles.

Classic / Traditional Traditional and elegant, your wedding is a formal black-tie affair set in a church or grand ballroom. You’ll feel beautiful with a formal cascade bouquet, and a string of pearls. Floral centerpieces full of roses and peonies is the way to go, and a monogrammed dance floor will complete your vision of the perfect wedding. Favorite flowers: peonies, garden roses, ranunculus, stock, dendrobium orchids, stephanotis, hydrangea.

Modern /Chic

Chic and sophisticated are words used to describe your style. When it comes to your wedding, you envision an urban loft or art gallery transformed artfully into a warm space with mixed metallic accents. Your perfect bouquet has clean lines and architectural details. You're an effortlessly stylish modern bride. Favorite flowers: calla lilies, ginger, antherium, succulents, tropical greenery.

Rustic / Garden

You love the idea of a romantic wedding outdoors- whether dancing under a big white tent or right beneath the stars- and you look for ways to incorporate natural elements into your big day. Picture a converted barn, and you with a gathering of garden flowers. Twinkling lights, wood accents, and Mason jar centerpieces complete the vision for your rustic wedding. Favorite flowers: hydrangea, tulips, lilies, daisies, dusty miller. Vintage / Romantic The great romances of the past continue to capture your imagination. When it comes to your wedding, you look to create an atmosphere with antique and vintage finds such as mercury glass and soft lace. Your bridal style includes a vintage headpiece, a lace handkerchief, and a bouquet of an open bloom cluster of soft colors. Favorite flowers: Tea roses, ranunculus, hydrangea, peonies, Queen Anne’s lace.

Boho / Indi

Dream catchers, feathers, and lots of fresh blooms come together to make your boho wedding dreams come true. Whether you swoon for a palette of jewel tones or soft watercolors, bring your vision to life with a hand-tied bouquet of colorful flowers and playful textures. Pair your flowy wedding dress with a blooming floral crown. Favorite flowers: Anemone, mini calla, alstromeria, thistle, lizianthus, waxflower, eucalyptus, berries. Glam / Luxurious

With a love for glitter, sparkle, and all things extravagant, you’ve never had a hard time setting yourself apart from the rest. For your wedding, you opt for dramatic arrangements of your favorite blooms, dangling chandeliers, and a large bouquet shades of white with a mix of bling and shimmer. Favorite flowers: Orchids, Casablanca lilies, hydrangea, roses.

L

GINNY ALDRIDGE & AUSTIN LAIRSEY

married on 12.14.2019

THE COUPLE: Ginny and Austin met December 12, 2015, at an event at Eagle Station in Patterson, when they were both in high school. Ginny is a life-long native of Pierce County. Austin moved to Blackshear in the third grade. Their first encounter was less than memorable. He asked her to dance but she just walked away. She thought he was so handsome it made her nervous. In 2016, they had different dates for prom but ended up hanging out together. That night she told her mom she would date him one day. They officially started dating December 19, 2016, after Austin had decided to join the Army and after Ginny had agreed to “be by his side.” The next year, on the same day, Austin gave Ginny a promise ring with a letter of promises. December 19, 2018, he proposed. The next month, he was deployed. Upon Austin's return November 2019, he and Ginny were married. They currently reside in Fort Riley, Kansas, but hope to return to Georgia soon.

THE WEDDING: The wedding and reception were held at The Hunter Barn, a rustic-style wedding venue in Waynesville, Georgia. The groom’s uncle performed the ceremony which included a special mention of Austin's deceased sister, Cassie, and the highlights of Austin and Ginny's love story. They were flanked by twelve of their closest friends and family members. They concluded their union with an intimate sand ceremony.

�� December is significant to Ginny and Austin so picking a wedding date was easy. Hints of Christmas, Ginny's favorite holiday, as well as military service in honor of Austin, were each woven delicately through their ceremony making it a beautiful representation of the couple.

Wedding Photographer BRAUDA STUDIOS Brauda.com

Mr. and Mrs. Lairsey shared their first dance to "Forever Girl", a song specifically selected to tell the story of their southern relationship. Ginny is "natural Southern beautiful, his everything, his whole world, his forever girl."

WKIMBERLEE LANDRUM & DALTON WETHERINGTON married on 02.16.2019 THE COUPLE: Dalton and Kimberlee met at a pregame meal for the football team at Cornerstone Baptist in Homerville, while Dalton was a football coach at Clinch County High School. They dated for a year before Dalton proposed in Fernandina Beach, Florida. Both families are from Clinch County. Kimberlee’s parents are Morris and Laura Landrum, who reside in Homerville. Dalton's mother, Rhonda Stripling, and her husband, Tripp Stripling, live in Douglas. Dalton’s father, who lives in Atlanta, is Darrel Wetherington. THE WEDDING: The wedding was held at Cornerstone Baptist Church. The reception was at the Railroad � Depot in downtown Homerville.

LEFT: The bride was beautiful in her Morilee wedding dress.

OPPOSITE PAGE: Diane Gilbreth created both the wedding cake and the groom's cake.

ABOVE: Following the reception, guests gave the couple a radiant sparkler send-off as they headed to Gatlinburg, Tennessee for their honeymoon.

Wedding Photography

JOY SUMNER, JOY SUMNER PHOTOGRAPHY joysumnerphotography.com

"My goal is to deliver bright + colorful images and create lasting friendships with my clients."

joysumnerphotography.com | 229-444-1 985 | joy@joysumnerphotography.com joysumnerphotography

2343 Bob Bowen Road • Blackshear, GA 31516 912-449-6190

Arts & CULTURE

A Spring Bouquet

Rhonda Cooper, a budding artist who has only been painting for two years, finds her inspiration in her love of pretty flowers. She loves to paint anything with pleasing colors. Her sister, Sybil Lee, also an artist, encouraged her to paint A Spring Bouquet, her first large painting. “I also follow other artists and a particular artist that inspired me for this painting was Brooke Ring. I used one of her paintings for reference,” Rhonda explained. Having received a degree in clothing and fashion design, Rhonda also enjoys sewing, but has found painting as her “new interest.”

Rhonda resides in Patterson where A Spring Bouquet currently is on display in Eagle Station’s Patterson Art Gallery at Patterson City Hall. O L

Arts & CULTURE

Dana Lucas, left, and Amy Cunningham, right, are the organizers of Ware County’s Poetry Coffee House. Amy began PCH more than a decade ago and the program continues to grow. Dana has expanded PCH since she took over organizing in 2019, adding a Fall line up to the traditional Spring show. Photo by Candice McKinley.

Poetry Coffee House Inspiring Young Artists to Explore Their Talents

STORY BY DANA LUCAS | PHOTOS PROVIDED BY POETRY COFFEE HOUSE

So many times life throws us a curveball, erects a speed bump, or manages to place a stick in the spokes of what we perceive as a comfortable life. We have many options available to ease those interruptions. In my experience, the healthiest way to do that is through the arts. Expressing joy, pain, grief, and sorrow through a spoken word piece, poem, or song is always cathartic therapy.

More than 10 years ago, Ware County High School teacher Amy Cunningham and a few students met across from the Bistro at Ware County High School to share a few songs, some spoken word, and some of Mrs. Karla Parker’s chocolate-dipped biscotti and a hot cup of joe. Poetry Coffee House (often shortened to “Coffee House”) is what the students came to call this new-found platform for personal expression. “Poetry Coffee House (PCH) provided a wonderful opportunity for students with literary or artistic interests to meet and share their creations in a warm and supportive environment,” Amy said. “The Coffee House events drew many from across the community and it was very rewarding to witness the level of support the students received.” Flash forward to November 2019, and the First Annual Poetry Coffee House-Fall Edition was hosted. The last Thursday in February has traditionally been the evening of Coffee House so the Fall performance was a new addition.

The venue was The Depot in Downtown Waycross. The Depot was transformed into an atmosphere that beckoned one to come close, to listen, to feel. Guests enjoyed finger foods (of course Mrs. Cunningham’s famous brownies were included) and some of Waycross’ finest coffee from Elianos. Many local patrons of the arts prepared food and donated their time to make the evening a splendid event. The stage was backlit with a curtain of amber lights that gave the venue an authentic coffee house aura. The stage was decorated to showcase artwork, instruments, and books to further impact the theme. Antique china barrels and lit burlap screens flanked the sides of the stage and added a bohemian ambiance.

The event showcases various local artists who are striving to master their craft as adults and to inspire the students to continue their passion beyond their formative school years. The

audience was treated to an inspirational poem by Gracie Johnson; an original R&B song by Matthew Priest; a cover of “I’m so Lonesome I Could Cry” by Connor Griffin; and Justin Spivey ended the evening with a cover of Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” and his original song “Didn’t Say Goodbye”.

Gracie, a 14-year- old homeschooled student from Alma, Georgia, is a regional prodigy. Her parents are Ray and Jennifer Johnson. “Gracie’s love for writing was evident as early as three years old”, said her mother Jennifer. “This is a gift that God instilled within her.” Gracie is currently taking college courses through Brewton-Parker College. She is also a published author. Her first book, in a series of six, called “Held Captive” was published last year.

Matthew Priest is a former Ware County student now residing in Valdosta. He performed an original song for the audience that had them clapping their hands. He is a member of the band Unique Sound in Valdosta and plays various instruments.

Connor Griffin, who graduated from WCHS in 2012, is the percussionist (playing the instrument called a cajon) for the local band, The Pine Box Dwellers. Connor has been a PCH performer since the group’s humble beginning. Hearing Connor perform is such a testament to what the program was intended to be from the start. “When I think of Coffee House, the words community and family come to mind,” said Connor. “I definitely want this to keep going--I’m excited to see where it goes and I want to be a part of it as long as I am able. I love seeing the [participants] build each other up. They are saying to each other, ‘I’ve got you.’”

These students dress themselves in the “armor of courage” and step in front of a microphone to connect with their audience. One student in particular made PCH history by being the youngest performer to date. Cash Sweat, a 2nd grade student at Ruskin Elementary in Waycross, spoke about losing his Grandfather and how that loss impacted his life. His sister Kerrigan performed at the previous PCH and he was with her through the audition process. He said that he too wanted to perform in February (2019), but he was too nervous. When Kerrigan auditioned for Fall Edition, Cash was with her. “I have my nerves together now, Ms. Lucas. Can I sing?” I explained to him what the requirements were and at the following audition he was there. Cash sang “Tuesday’s Gone” by Lynyrd Skynyrd with the assistance of his sister Kerrigan. “I’m singing this tonight because it’s my Papa’s favorite song,” he said. “It kind of makes me sad to sing it, but it helps me remember him. I know my Papa is looking down tonight and proud of me.”

Ms. Ansley Johnson’s performance also resonated with the audience. She performed in February (2019) and has an outspoken and bubbly personality. As she read through her audition, I was moved to tears. Ansley had recently been through a life changing event. The young man whom she had dated for three years took his own life. Her spo

Gracie Johnson at PCH Fall Edition “Rising From the Ashes” with her first book, “Held Captive.”

Connor Griffin and Dave Griffin perform music for the Spring 2020 PCH show.

Madison Bryant, and elementary student, reading, “I Will Rise.”

Arts & CULTURE

“Coffee House is important to me because I love writing poetry and [PCH] is basically one big talent show. When I get on stage, I feel unstoppable, I feel amazing...I feel great!” -Madison

Caset Brennan playing acoustic and singing, “Simple Man.” Justin Spivey performing an original song.

Kerrigan and Cash Sweat singing “Tuesday’s Gone.” “[PHC] has developed me into the artist I am today,” Ansley said. “...I never thought I would be this deep into my craft and Coffeehouse helped me with that.” She added, “I was never shy or anything but people have told me that I will never be beautiful, creative, a singer or songwriter. But PCH has developed me in the ways that I needed. I am very grateful.” The PCH- Fall Edition lineup included: Amy Cunningham, Leah Brown, Maddy Bryant, Ansley Johnson, Marisa Nino, Micha Smith, Gracie Johnson, Kerrigan Sweat, Cash Sweat, Connor Griffin, Kortney Tatum, Paige Mckinney, Tatiana Keys, Matthew Priest, Gini Bowles, Casey Brennan, Summer Hambrick, Zy Newson, Rosa Flores, Tiffany Johnson, and Brandasia Smith.

The traditional Poetry Coffee House, which takes place in February, was held at Plant 520, a hidden gem owned by Steve and Marla Howell. Intimate and a historical showcase of our community, Plant 520 was the perfect venue for PCH. Plant 520 has served the city under numerous identities. . . the old WAYX radio station, for starters. Louie Armstrong actually participated in an interview there and treated the listeners to a song when he came to Waycross. I thought how fitting, these students will be performing in the same room where “Satchmo” himself once performed. How could I not use What a Wonderful World as the theme?

My first year as coordinator of Coffee House was 2019 and as with any debut, there were a few hiccups, but overall, the evening was a success. Besides loving Amy Cunningham like a sister, the main reason I took on PCH is my love for the local arts and hopefully to inspire the younger members of our community to follow that pull they have to create, speak their mind, and convey their ideas about life from their viewpoint.

The evening’s performances were not perfect or flawless; however, they were brave. It takes enormous amounts of courage to stand in front of a crowd and reveal your innermost thoughts and feelings. The students performed spoken word, songs by their favorite artists, original songs with music, and poems. I was very proud of two of my own students from Ruskin Elementary School, Tatiana Keys and Madison Bryant. Both of these brave young ladies performed original spoken word pieces about why they feel like this planet we live on is in fact, wonderful.

The 2019 Poetry Coffee House line-up was: The Triad (Dreama Smart, Emily Gayle, and Mrs. C), Emily Hardee, Mabry Rigdon, 17 ( Kennedy Brice, Marisa Nino, Lex Thornton), Kortney Tatum, Chad Connor, Casey Brennan, Lynn Floyd, Emily Gayle, Olivia Williams, Savannah Bell, Kerrigan Sweat, Dreama Smart, Ansley Johnson, Kendall Moore, Paige McKinney, and Anna May.

We couldn’t have made these productions happen without one special person--Jody Rollins coordinated the sound for these events. We are all so grateful to him!

Our legacy as a community depends on the storytellers, whether it is through word, song or both. As Amy said, “A rising tide lifts all ships.” O L

The SGSC Theatre Productions was invited to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center, American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Front Row: Shanya Jackson, Katherine LeRoy-Lawson, Jesenia Lopez. Second Row: Tristan Buckhalter, Madison Gruber, Ivee Cole, Victoria Highsmith, Katelyn Worley, Hunter Moore and Kerrington Hollis. Back Row: Crystal Francis and Joseph Rollins. Photo by Tracy Bosworth Page

Arts & CULTURE

South Georgia State College Theatre Productions Draws National Attention

STORY BY KRISTEN KENNEDY

Who knew a two year theatre program at a judges; they make nominations and recommendations for local state college with a limited performawards, merits, and special invitations. The production was ing arts budget would gain the attention of such a success, it launched the students into an opportunity the nation's busiest performing arts center of a lifetime and earned LeRoy-Lawson with a Meritorious and living John F. Kennedy memorial? South Georgia State Achievement Award for Excellence in Directing for the College did just that. Margaret Edson’s Pulitzer Prize-winproduction. The SGSC Theatre Productions was invited to ning play, Wit, was performed by the South Georgia State perform at the John F. Kennedy Center, American College College Theatre Productions in 2019 and received great Theatre Festival (KCACTF) in Spartanburg, South Caroliaccolades time after time. The exciting performances even na. Only the three most distinguished theatre arts producwarranted a personal and unique visit from Edson herself, tions are invited to KCACTF after they are selected from a famous American playwright. Edson’s only two requests each of the eight college and university regions. SGSC’s for the privileged appearance were to watch the students Wit production was one of only three to perform in Sparperform and for them to provide her “vittles”. Wit Directanburg, representing their respective Region IV Festival. tor, Katherine LeRoy-Lawson, made sure both happened. Edson wasn’t the only special guest during the designated Victoria Highsmith,19, was the lead character in Wit, and performance. Other theatre respondents also came to evalgained a lot of attention early on. She began rehearsals in uate the production. Respondents are similar to theatrical September 2019 with a full head of hair, but because of

Arts & CULTURE

Scene from Wit in November: L- Madison Grubber, Crystal Francis M- Victoria Highsmith , R- Rachel Vuong and Kerrington Hollis Highsmith

Victoria Highsmith, before having her hair cut to portray the lead character with stage 4 ovarian cancer. Victoria Highsmith as the lead character in Wit. Photos provided by SGSC

her immense dedication to portraying the entirety of her character who had stage 4 metastatic ovarian cancer, Highsmith shaved her head. She then donated her long locks to an organization that creates children’s wigs. This enormous act of humility and bravery, along with the entire casts’ sensational performances, hurled the team into the spotlight. “This is for all those brave and strong humans who have battled, or are battling, this terrifying, life-altering disease. I have had numerous people in my life who have battled cancer or are currently battling cancer. Cancer is a mental, emotional, spiritual and physical battle; it is a battle for life. This play displays all of that, —the lows, the laughs, the grace and the battle for life —in a real and intellectual way,” Highsmith humbly stated.

Originally a Waycross native, Highsmith graduated from SGSC in May of 2020 with an Associate of Arts in Theatre and has been accepted to Kennesaw State University, UGA, Oglethorpe University, Columbus State University, Georgia Southern, and Piedmont College. She is still deciding which school she will attend in the fall. While most of the original cast and crew was able to participate, Rachel Vuong, A’Kye Smith and Noah Rouse did not reprise

Margaret Edson with original Wit cast: Front Row- Margaret Edson, Crystal Francis, Jesenia Lopez, Tristan Buckhalter, Madison Gruber – Back Row Shanya Jackson, Akye Smith, Noah Rouse, Victoria Highsmith, Rachel Voung, Kerrington Hollis

their roles for the festival in Spartanburg. Ivee Cole (the costume designer) took the place of Vuong; Kerrington Hollis played the role of Jason Posner, M.D. and Hunter Moore played the roles of Harvey Kelekian, M.D. and Mr. Bearing. Tristan Buckhalter also joined the ensemble. Katelyn Worley remained as the stage manager and Joseph Rollins as the technical director for the traveling production. “It was a great honor for this show to be selected to perform at our KCACTF – Region IV Festival,” says Katherine LeRoy-Lawson, SGSC assistant professor of theatre. “I am extremely proud of our students for achieving such a wonderful accomplishment, especially considering we are a two-year theatre program at the beginning of our second year of revitalization. The other two schools presenting at the festival were Florida International University and The University of Louisville. We have some amazingly talented students at SGSC.” As a previous attendee of KCACTF, LeRoy-Lawson was excited to share memorable experiences with her students that she once held so dear. Mingling with like-minded performers is something she deems essential and life altering. The invitational opportunity concluded with the cast and crew giving two outstanding performances to a sold-out space of over 400, receiving deafening applauses and a standing ovation afterwards, according to the South Georgia State College press release. SGSC Theatre Productions is currently exploring opportunities for the 2020/21 theatre season which may include virtual and live performances. For more information about SGSC Theatre Productions, please email Katherine LeRoy-Lawson at Katherine.LeRoy@sgsc.edu. O L

For more information about SGSC Theatre Productions, pursuing an Associate of Arts in Theatre, or how to support our upcoming seasons, please contact Katherine LeRoy-Lawson at Katherine.LeRoy@sgsc.edu or 912.260.4352.

Katherine LeRoy-Lawson Assistant Professor of Theatre South Georgia State College Douglas | Waycross