Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Madison Johnson!
Madison Johnson graduated from Halls High School in 2018. She continued her education at Jackson State Community College, earning her Associate of Applied Science in Occupational Therapy Assistant degree.
Madison is currently a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. When asked about her favorite part of her career, Madison said:
“As a COTA working in my current employment setting, I am able to work with all ages of the lifespan. The goal of occupational therapy is to increase independence in meaningful activities throughout one’s life, whether that is helping babies gain strength to roll, sit, and stand unassisted or help an individual gain hand strength back after an injury. The options are quite endless as occupational therapy practitioners help bring meaning back into one’s life!”
Madison is another reason we are #LauderdaleProud!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is James Scott Nelson!
A 1992 Ripley High School graduate, Scott Nelson continued his education at The University of Memphis’ Herff College of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering. He has also completed his Professional Engineering exam and Water Treatment State License exam.
Scott currently works as the Utility Superintendent for Ripley Gas and Water. When asked what his favorite part of his career is, Scott mentioned that he foremost enjoys working with a great team to solve utility problems to positively benefit the citizens of Ripley.
In addition to his professional life, Scott is also a Christian singer/songwriter with numerous award nominations. To hear Scott’s music and learn more, visit www.jamesscottnelson.com.
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, Scott!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is CaShonna Stenson!
A 2015 Halls High School graduate, CaShonna Stenson continued her education at Middle Tennessee State University and earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance. She has also earned her Master of Business Administration degree with a Finance emphasis. She is currently pursuing her Real Estate license.
CaShonna currently works as a Senior Client Finance Analyst. When asked about her favorite part of her career, she mentioned the growth opportunities that have been afforded to her within the company.
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, CaShonna!
The Free Meals for Kids program, sponsored by the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South, will begin this Saturday, June 10th. This weekly program provides 7-day meal bags for breakfast and lunch to anyone with children under the age of 18. Families with multiple children are welcome to get a 7-day bag for each child, and the child does not have to be onsite for pickup. Pickup locations will be available in Halls and Ripley.
For more information on the Free Meals for Kids program, visit www.ymcamemphis.org.
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Richard Dawson!
Richard Dawson is a 2002 graduate of Halls High School. He is a three time Union University graduate, earning his bachelor’s degree in Education, master’s in Curriculum and Instruction, and his Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership.
Richard has worked in Lauderdale County Schools for two decades, serving as a teacher, coach, and currently as an Assistant Principal at Halls High School. He most enjoys working with and supporting students and teachers each day.
Richard is another reason we are #LauderdaleProud!
Join the Lauderdale Co. Arts Council at the first Pops on the Square of the summer!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Cynthia Holland-Peete!
Cynthia-Holland Peete is a 1985 graduate of Ripley High School. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and her master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University.
Cynthia is currently an Advisor of Child Safeguarding, Protection and Community Engagement for Save the Children. She most enjoys being able to ensure children's safety, enabling permanency for children, and promoting the well-being of children and their families.
Cynthia is another reason we are #LauderdaleProud!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Kim Shelton!
A 1998 graduate of Ripley High School, Kim Shelton continued her education at Volunteer Beauty Academy. She received her cosmetology license in 1999.
Kim is currently the salon owner and cosmetologist at Southern Roots. When asked what her favorite part of her career is, Kim said that she enjoys being around clients who have become friends and making people feel happy and confident about themselves.
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, Kim!
LCS held the Faculty and Staff Recognition Program today. Congratulations to all of our honorees!
https://youtu.be/2lSAByqvvd8
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Shaina Matthews Hull!
A 2002 graduate of Halls High School, Shaina Hull continued her education at King University in east TN. She graduated with honors from King, earning her bachelor’s degree in Information Science with a double concentration in Network Management and Cybersecurity.
Shaina is currently an IT Software Development Specialist for Sedgwick Corporate Headquarters in Memphis. When asked what she enjoys most about her career, Shaina said she enjoys the fast-paced work environment and being able to help others.
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, Shaina!
Families of rising 1st-3rd graders: Books are coming to your mailbox this summer! Our district is participating in @GovLiteracyTN's K-3 Home Library program. Get ready for a reading adventure! #StoptheSlideTN #BookersBookClubTN https://youtu.be/I2CzNqIa0_g
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Katrina Burns Korszoloski!
Katrina Korszoloski graduated from Halls High School in 1997. She has earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Memphis (Biology) and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Cytotechnology). She has also earned her Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Dyersburg State Community College and a Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner) from East Tennessee State University.
Katrina is currently a Family Nurse Practitioner. When asked what her favorite part of her career is, Katrina said that she enjoys caring for those in need, improving quality of health through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, and building a community support system.
We are #LauderdaleProud of Katrina and her dedication to healthcare!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Lieutenant Colonel Retired Amber Terry Saldana!
A 1994 graduate of Halls High School, Lieutenant Colonel Amber Saldana continued her education at Valdosta State University and the University of Memphis. She earned her master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence and Middle Eastern Studies from American Military University as well as a master’s degree from the Air Force’s Air War College.
While attending the University of Memphis, Lieutenant Colonel Saldana joined the Air Force ROTC program and earned a commission in the USAF as a behavioral scientist. She entered the Air Force as a Second Lieutenant and, after attending intelligence officer training, transitioned her career to Air Force Intelligence Professional. After retiring from USAF in 2022, she is now a full-time flower farmer in Lauderdale County.
Lieutenant Colonel Saldana’s favorite part of her Air Force career was serving her country and making a difference. Now, she loves serving her community by bringing joy through beautiful local flowers.
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, Lieutenant Colonel Saldana! Thank you for your service!
LCS releases 2023-2024 Calendar and Registration Schedule
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Danielle Gilbert Lynch!
A 2007 graduate of Ripley High School, Danielle Lynch continued her education at Jackson State and Dyersburg State Community Colleges, earning her associates degrees in Applied Science - Radiology and Applied Science - Nursing.
Danielle is currently an Emergency Department Registered Nurse. Her favorite part of her career is helping people of all ages and backgrounds in their time of need. Being in a fast-paced environment and using critical thinking skills allows her to learn something new during every shift. Danielle is humbled to serve as a Registered Nurse.
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, Danielle!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is McKenzie Heath Hilliard!
McKenzie Hilliard is a 2018 graduate of Ripley High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Union University in 2022.
McKenzie is currently a Cardiovascular ICU Nurse at LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. Her favorite part of her career is connecting with patients and families and being a support system for them during some of the hardest moments of their lives. She also loves learning about complex heart defects and medications, as well as being challenged in the ICU setting.
McKenzie is another reason for us to be #LauderdaleProud!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Madison Hutcherson!
Madison Hutcherson is a 2015 graduate of Halls High School. She has earned degrees from Dyersburg State Community College and Union University, including her master’s degree in Accounting.
Madison has worked with Nucor Corporation since she was 19 years old. She has served as an Internal Audit Analyst and traveled all over the country to ensure financial compliance. Most recently, Madison has been promoted to Credit Supervisor at Nucor Hickman. Her favorite part of her career is working for a company that rewards hard work and talent. She feels confident that her career possibilities are endless as long as she stays focused and ambitious.
Madison is another reason for us to be #LauderdaleProud!
Halls Elementary School's Mr. Stevens shared the learning impact that High Quality Instructional Materials (HQIMs) have for student engagement and understanding during the #KnowledgeMatters School Tour.
https://knowledgematterscampaign.org/video/educator-lauderdale-county-school-district-ripley-tn-2/?utm_campaign=Social_KnowledgeMatters&utm_content=246074007&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-2767448414
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Gaston Garrett II!
Gaston Garrett II is a 1992 graduate of Ripley High School. He attended the University of Mississippi and the University of Memphis and earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications.
Gaston currently works for Rough Country Suspension Systems as a spokesperson, on camera talent, and marketing manager. What he enjoys most about his career is informing people about the innovative products that Rough Country has to offer.
Gaston is another example of why we are #LauderdaleProud!
Our next #LauderdaleProud feature is Chris Dennis!
A 2004 graduate of Halls High School, Chris Dennis has served in the United States Air Force for the last 18 years. He has completed Airman Leadership School, Non Commissioned Officer Academy, Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education course, SERE Combat Survival Training course, SERE Water Survival course, and Basic Combat Convoy Course.
Chris has earned his Associate’s Degree in Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technology and is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Computer Networks and Cybersecurity. His favorite part of his career is mentoring the next generation of young men and women that join the world’s greatest AIRPOWER!
We are #LauderdaleProud of you, Chris! Thank you for your service!
