We asked some very thoughtful members of our community to reflect on what they’ve learned from their heroes.

Jessica Youngson

I cannot narrow my heroes down to just one. I have two heroes in my life, my grandma who I call Kobu and my Grandaddy. They both are very creative souls. Kobu is a an artist as well as a photographer who photographs primarily abstracts and landscapes. She was the one who inspired me to pick up my first camera and start clicking away. My Grandaddy inspired me to be creative and have fun and bought me my first DSLR camera. He was a carpenter and had a whole wood working workshop in the garage. Whenever I went over to my grandparents’ house he would let me watch him work and encouraged me to make stuff as well. Read more>>

Beth Brown

I would say that my hero is my dad. He is a great father and grandfather but also a savvy businessman who has led a a successful commercial real estate family business for over forty years. I have learned so much from him. One of the biggest lessons is to act with honesty and integrity in all of my dealings and the golden rule – to treat people how you’d like to be treated. He is thoughtful and meticulous in all that he does and whatever he sets out to do, he does it well; he takes care of his obligations and his family. He is generous and philanthropic, reminding us that we must share our good fortune with others. Read more>>

Ashley Hall

One of my biggest heroes is my late Great-grandmother, whom I dearly called Mamo also known as Christine Manuel. Mamo was an excellent cook and baker. She did not have a college degree, so she took a part time job as a dishwasher at a local school in her area to help provide for her family. Mamo worked extremely hard. She worked her way up to a full-time position and later became a cook at the school. Eventually Mamo became a dietitian and worked in the school system for over 30 years. I admire Mamo for her resilience and determination. She didn’t let anything stop her from her goals. Mamo wasn’t afraid of hard work. everything she did was filled with passion and love. That same work ethic and drive has influenced me and my career. I put the same passion and love into my work and dishes. I know that even though I will face times of struggle, I will overcome them. Each lesson is another step towards growth. Read more>>