<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=1Wo0sp_1GtgJfGB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1Wo0sp_1GtgJfGB00" width="768" height="432" ></figure>Held at the Lexie Bush Convention Center, Genesis Express’ third annual United to Serve Banquet Friday evening celebrated the organization’s work and recognized four individuals whose contributions reflect its mission of strengthening Trigg County.Genesis Express President Bobby Acree presented the awards, beginning with the United to Serve Woman of the Year Award, which went to Mary Ann Lander, a retired educator and former assistant superintendent of the Trigg County School System.A graduate of Trigg County High School and Murray State University, Lander returned to Cadiz to begin her career in education before eventually serving in the school system’s administration. Although retired, she remains involved in education through Genesis Express’ tutoring program.Acree said Lander’s personality and ability to encourage others made her a fitting recipient.Acree also expressed confidence in the impact Lander will have through the organization’s educational programs.“We’re going to produce and have some smart kids in Trigg County,” he said. “Watch and see. We already got some. We’re just going to help them get a little bit more and with her in our program.”The United to Serve Man of the Year Award went to the Rev. Marvin Barnes, pastor of Bloomfield Missionary Baptist Church.“He’s sincere, God-filled, and a spirit-led man,” Acree said. “And I’m telling you, from what I’ve seen and what I’ve learned about him, he’s the kind of guy that we need in this community.”In accepting the award, Barnes gave credit to God and described his desire to live in a way that benefits others.“I just try to live my life in such a way that it’ll be number one, pleasing to him, and that it’ll be a benefit to others,” Barnes said.Barnes also shared a personal account of his childhood, describing a time when he struggled in school and was viewed by some as a troubled student with little academic potential.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0naerA_1GtgJfGB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0naerA_1GtgJfGB00" width="1000" height="562" ></figure>He credited an uncle who believed in him when others had given up, explaining that the man’s encouragement helped change the direction of his life.After his uncle’s death when Barnes was 16, he dedicated himself to improving academically. A student who struggled and was nearly failing the ninth grade went on to earn high grades, graduate, and become a member of the National Honor Society.That experience, Barnes said, continues to influence his approach to ministry and community service.Barnes said he hopes to help others recognize their potential and understand the possibility of change.The Outstanding Genesis Express Member of the Year Award was presented to Jerry Wilson.Acree said members considered the contributions of individuals within the organization and the additional effort some put into ensuring its work continues.“There’s always somebody that’s going to pull a little bit harder than somebody else,” Acree said. “There’s always somebody that’s going to put in a little bit extra than someone else did.”He said Wilson was selected because of the work and commitment he has demonstrated as a member of Genesis Express.The organization’s Unsung Hero Award went to Shannon Lee Perry, whose family has supported Genesis Express and its activities.Acree described Perry as someone who consistently stands behind the organization despite not being a member.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3897DA_1GtgJfGB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3897DA_1GtgJfGB00" width="1000" height="563" ></figure>Acree thanked all four recipients, describing them as individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the community and helped others through their work.The awards were followed by a keynote address from Dr. Kewanis Kennedy, whose return to Trigg County provided an opportunity to reflect on the influence of hometown relationships, educators, and community members.Kennedy, a graduate of Trigg County High School’s class of 2005, has built a career in education that began as an educational aide in 2008. He has since become a school principal and received national recognition for his work in education.He said returning home and reconnecting with people who played a role in his upbringing brought a renewed appreciation for the impact others have had on his life.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2DXmPS_1GtgJfGB00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2DXmPS_1GtgJfGB00" width="1000" height="562" ></figure>“You don’t know how bright the lights are until you come back and you talk to people that poured so much into you growing up,” Kennedy said. “It really puts you in a spot where you have to reflect on your life and you reflect on the great people that you came in contact with and you reflect on the people who impacted you.”Kennedy said his career in education has given him an opportunity to work with children and families, helping students reach their potential and become successful.“None of us get to where we are in life by ourselves,” Kennedy said. “Someone has always helped me. Someone has always encouraged me. Someone has prayed for me. Someone has corrected me. Someone has given us an opportunity. Someone has believed in me.”Kennedy built his keynote address around the biblical parable of the sower from Matthew 13, which describes seeds falling on different types of ground and producing varying results.He connected the parable to the influence people have on one another, explaining that the encouragement, lessons and examples people provide can continue to make a difference long after the initial interaction.He said educators, in particular, often invest in children without knowing when or how those efforts will eventually make a difference. Some students move away, grow into adulthood or follow paths that take them beyond the reach of the people who once taught and encouraged them.That does not diminish the importance of the investment, he said.Kennedy encouraged those in attendance to recognize that even seemingly small acts of kindness, encouragement and support can have a lasting impact.</div></body>

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Held at the Lexie Bush Convention Center, Genesis Express’ third annual United to Serve Banquet Friday evening celebrated the organization’s work and recognized four individuals whose contributions reflect its mission of strengthening Trigg County. Genesis Express President Bobby Acree presented the awards, beginning with the United to Serve...

Genesis Express Honors Community Servants

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Held at the Lexie Bush Convention Center, Genesis Express’ third annual United to Serve Banquet Friday evening celebrated the organization’s work and recog

Genesis Express Honors Community Servants

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