"We quite often recognize individuals of international notoriety, but so much of the time we have heroes at home who are missed," said The O Foundation's Charles Powell, whose organization is sponsoring the awards alongside the Grateful Ministries Mothers Board. "We recognize heroes in our own community who have made a contribution to the betterment of us all.

The ceremony will be held Sunday at 5 p.m. at Graceful Ministries International on South First Street. The 11honorees are Dr. James Hall, the Rev. Jerry Durr, Robin Tyler Faust, Roderick Henderson, Ivyrene Burt, Deborah Daniels, Cora Edwards, Willie Rice, Patricia Williams and Pamela Jenkins.

Hall will be honored for his achievements in the field of medicine, while Durr will be recognized for his work in the ministry and charity. Faust was named one of Mississippi's Top 40 under 40 businesswomen, and Henderson is Alexander Junior High School principal.

Attention will be drawn to Burt's expertise in financial management, while Daniels' experience practicing and teaching cosmetology will be recognized.

Edwards will be thanked for 30 years of teaching in the Lincoln County School District, while Rice will be honored for all-around community service.

Williams is a 37-year veteran educator at Jackson State University, and Jenkins is a 36-year veteran nurse for King's Daughters Medical Center.



O Foundation President Rose "Polly" Powell said the "ultimate" lifetime achiever to be honored would be Jesse Buie, a father figure to many black community leaders and longtime principal at Alexander High School during the segregation era.

All 11 achievers will be awarded trophies, and the event will feature presenters, entertainment and refreshment.