A night to remember: Honoring the heart and soul of Pemiscot County's difference makers

It was a lovely evening for an event Saturday night after having spent the beginning of the week snowed in.

Residents throughout Pemiscot County sent in their nominees over the past couple months which were then placed on a ballot in a February edition of the Pemiscot Press. The top nominees in each area were then invited to a special awards dinner where the winners were announced.

This years 2025 Pemiscot County Difference Maker was awarded to Dot Currie of Caruthersville. Ms. Currie is well known throughout the area for her many years of service to our schools, church and community.

However what she is most known for is her friendly, gracious, encouraging and always loving spirit as a true southern lady.

While Ms. Currie was unable to attend, her son Keith Currie was in attendance and shared his great appreciation to the community and for his mom, who never fails to make everyone feel loved and appreciated.

The Steele/Cooter Award went to Shea Watkins who works as a preschool teacher at R-3 School tirelessly loving and teaching the next generation of leaders. She also serves in various ministries throughout the area and is well known for her soft spoken kindness.

The Caruthersville Award was presented to Jeremy Yates, in memory of his grandfather the late Bishop John Stepp. Stepp was not only known for his faith, his enduring love of God, family and community. But also for his willingness to teach and guide others. He ministered for more than 50 years in our communities however not all of his sermons were from behind the pulpit. He lived a life that pointed others to God everywhere he went.

The Hayti Award was presented to Ashtyn Gardner. Ashtyn has poured her heart and soul into the youth of Hayti and strives to always do more to help by raising funds, feeding the players and cheering on the kids in all she does. She shared that evening how kindness has a ripple effect and she longs to be the pebble that makes the first splash.

Each and every nominee was appreciated that evening for their hard work and dedication to their communities, neighbors, churches and families.

Editor Christina Williams spoke about how hard serving others can be, stating for every good thing you do, there will always be a voice of dissension, a grumble or a complaint. But it is important to keep your focus on the good, on the forward movement and on the true reason why we all do what we do. To help those who want help. To make our communities a better place. And to train up the next generation of leaders to take our place.

Special thanks to our nominees who may not have taken home an award, but are a great blessing to our county and communities. In Hayti, Mayor Lisa Green, Cheryl Pollard Wolfenkoehler, Courtney and Cora Sanders and Dr. Kathy Bell.

In Caruthersville, Pam Alston, Jim Tom and Heather Pilcher, Velma Mead and Jacklyn Underwood.

In Cooter/Steele, Barry Ray, Tony Dale, Karen Neil and Loretta Shepard.

Thank you all for all you do for our communities.

This year was the 3rd Annual Difference Makers event and continues to move throughout Pemiscot County. The first year was held in Caruthersville, the second in Hayti and this year in Steele at the Community Center.

Special thanks to the ladies of 506 Events for decorating, cooking and serving for the event. This years theme was “A Night to Remember” and it certainly was with the delicious pasta bar, homemade sourdough bread and fresh made canollis!

We hope all of you will continue to strive to do more for your communities and make Pemiscot County a wonderful place to come home to.