Cantonians recognized for achievements

Special to The Canton News

The second annual Best of Mississippi Awards Gala was held on October 2 at The Oak Crest Mansion in Pass Christian, Mississippi. This prestigious statewide event is hosted by Business Empowered Mississippi Chamber of Commerce and was created to recognize and honor citizens across Mississippi in twelve categories for their notable contributions to Mississippi communities. This year’s theme was “Honored to Serve,” with Dorothy Wison as keynote speaker.

Representing the City of Canton was Tameka Amos, the Governor’s Choice “Rising Star” Award; Ashton Teer, Kid Entrepreneur of the Year; Clara Thompson, Pastor of the Year; and Courtney Warren, Teacher of the Year.

Tameka Amos is the Owner/chef of Assembled Blessings Baking And Catering LLC. She’s the wife of Derrick Amos and the mother of five children. Her business platform is bringing families together at the table. Life is hard for everyone sometimes. “All people really want to do is go to their corners but when there’s a delicious hot meal on the table, everyone can forget, if even for a short while, the problems of the day,” said Amos.

Courtney Warren is an educator and journalist. With a BA from Delta State and an MFA in Children’s Literature from Hollins University, Warren is entering her eigth year in education. She is the English Chair at Canton Academy, Yearbook Advisor, Junior Class Sponsor, as well as the Managing Editor for The Canton News. She is the Membership Coordinator for the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Warren has been recognized nationally for her writing and teaching skills as she brings fun and games to her classroom through interactive lessons, costumes, and even rubber ducks. Warren resides in Canton with her husband and their daughter Berit.

Pastor Clara Thompson is a wife and the mother of five children. She has tremendous compassion for God’s people from all walks of life. She serves as Senior Pastor of Turning Point Fellowship Ministries International Church in Canton whose mission strives after fulfilling the desires of God’s heart for his kingdom, his purpose, and plans. Clara also enjoys her business Joy Destiny Sewing and Alterations. She is passionate about seeing new creative ideas unfold before my eyes. She sees it as threading the pieces of her life together as she works with her hands. Her favorite scripture is Proverbs  3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.”

Ashton Teer is a fourth-grader at Canton Academy. He began his business during the flea market in Canton. He was excited to receive his award at the gala and said “Congratulations to everyone else!” With a kind heart and positive spirit, Teer is known around the CA campus for being a good friend and a loving classmate. 

The Honorees are nominated and voted on by the public. Additionally, this year President’s Award, presented by BE Mississippi President Glendora Williams, and the Governors’ Awards,  presented by the BE Mississippi Board of Governors Founders Drs. Joe and Kathy Amos and Governor Tate Reeves, were presented as the highest honors of the awards ceremony. For more information about Business Empowered Mississippi Chamber of Commerce, visit www.bemississippi.com.