Here’s another round of applause for individuals and organizations doing great things in the community.

 

The Mercer baseball program honored the late Colton Shaw Wednesday, prior to its game against Georgia Southern at OrthoGeorgia Park in Macon. Shaw passed away in a hospital less than one day after being struck in the head by an errant throw during a Valdosta High junior varsity baseball game in Moultrie in March of 2015. The would-be senior had plans to pursue a degree in physical therapy at Mercer and play college baseball. “That was the plan,” said father Clay Shaw. Brad Porter took over responsibilities as the head coach of the Valdosta High baseball program this past June after five seasons at Tiftarea Academy, and in the process of familiarizing himself with the Wildcats, he made it a priority to learn more about Shaw.

 

A Florida-based organization for aiding veterans has expanded its operations to Valdosta. Ninety Works, headquartered in Pensacola, Fla., opened a Valdosta office at 507 N. Patterson St. in October. The organization helps homeless veterans find housing and helps pay utility bills and past due bills up to nine months, said Kira Williams, 90 Works’ eligibility specialist. The group also helps with job searches, she said. “We help to overcome homelessness, poverty and family violence and get them self-sufficient in 90 days,” said Shelly Barry, the group’s outreach specialist.

 

Storybook time got a little more interesting for the students at S.L. Mason Elementary School when New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell entered the gymnasium. Kids welcomed Mitchell with excitement and joy during a rally Wednesday morning as he made his way around the gym to personally greet the children, giving high-fives to those nearby. The rally was held to observe S.L. Mason teacher LaSharon Jackson’s fourth-grade class becoming Read Bowl World Champions in the elementary division. The Read Bowl is a national reading challenge hosted by Mitchell’s organization, Read with Malcolm. The Valdosta native brought each student a copy of his children’s book, “The Magician’s Hat.” With the assistance of his mother, Tina Woods, he read it to the audience.

 

Veterans First Light honored several veterans during its inaugural Freedom Fest at Mathis Auditorium. The event highlighted local veteran service organizations as well as military-friendly businesses. The organizer’s goal was to promote community among the veteran community. Following the business expo, several veterans and their spouses were honored for their tremendous impact and service to the community, according to organizers. The honorees included Deputy Joe Henry, a longtime public servant and retired Marine, Jackie Bracewell, Nola Johnson and Cpl. George Aigen. “Veterans First Light was founded in May 2017 but has been a dream of mine since separating from the Air Force in 2010. By honoring heroes like Mr. Aigen and others, we hope to connect veterans from all eras,” said Bryan Roy, Veterans First Light founder.