Polk County Publishing Company’s inaugural 40 Under 40 Professional Leadership Awards culminated Thursday with a mixer at Tempe Creek Vineyard & Farms for recognition, networking and celebration, as well as the announcement of the winners.
First place honors went to Timber Wright of Chester who was nominated in the fitness, healthcare and wellness category. Second place honors went to Cydnye Robinson of Chester who was nominated in the civic/public service category. Third place honors went to Brandon Prescott of Livingston who was nominated in the entrepreneurial category.
There were actually 41 individuals honored, as there ended up being a tie. In addition to Wright, Robinson and Prescott, the other honorees included: Alyssa Tolar, Amanda Maggio, Andrew Boyce, Andrew Harmon, Brad Elrod, Brandon Wigent, Brent Franklin, Brett Foisie, Brittany Lawson, Brooke Montalbano, Christina Stutts, Danielle Smith, Dr. Sharon Marsh, Emily Harmon, Hailey Smith, Heather Mosser, Jared Jernigan, Jayde Young, Jennifer Wall, Jeremy Stutts, Jessica Garner, Justin Carlson, Kami Foisie, Kaytlin Scott, Kelton Farmer, Kole Puckett, Lacy Troutman, Madeline Phillips, Maloree Reed, Megan Murphy Rowe, Melanie Spivey, Paige Gonzalez, Paloma Perez, Sam Handley, Sarah Ege, Serenity White, Vay Davis and Zuni David.
The purpose of the contest was to recognize the top 40 individuals younger than 40 who demonstrate leadership, professional excellence and commitment to the East Texas community.
Nominations were accepted online at easttexasnews.com from Oct. 1 through Feb. 15, with the voting period occurring from Feb. 16 to March 31.
Numerous categories were represented, including: business development and sales; civic/public service; education; entrepreneurial; finance; fitness, healthcare and wellness; legal and criminal justice; real estate; and tourism and community commerce.
Several dignitaries attended and spoke, offering their congratulations to the honorees. They included Polk County Judge Sydney Murphy; Livingston Fire Chief Corky Cochran; Tyler County Judge Milton Powers; State Board of Education Member Dr. Audrey Young; Jennifer Harris, the district director for Sen. Robert Nichols; and James White, the former state representative for District 19.
The contest and event were sponsored by My TX Ranch Realty and easttexasnews.com.
A special section spotlighting the honorees will be included in the May 29 issue of the Polk County Enterprise, the Tyler County Booster, the San Jacinto News-Times and the Trinity County News-Standard.
