South Cobb Cities name Citizens of the Year

During the recent meeting of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s South Cobb Area Council, citizens of the cities of Austell, Mableton, and Powder Springs were honored as their respective “Citizens of the Year.” The meeting and award ceremony were held at the Riverside EpiCenter and celebrated individuals from each city for their remarkable contributions that have significantly improved their communities.

Austell Mayor Ollie Clemmons presented the 2023 Austell Citizen of the Year Award to Delores Powell, the founder and executive director of the Cool Kids Committee. This organization runs a gang and bullying prevention program for at-risk youth, collaborating with local law enforcement, schools, community leaders, and parents. Cool Kids is an acronym representing Courageous, Outspoken, Outgoing, Leaders, Kind, Independent, and Determined.

Mableton Mayor Dr. Michael Owens recognized Dr. Christopher Boyd as the 2023 Mableton Citizen of the Year. Dr. Boyd is a pastor and the general manager of the Riverside EpiCenter, a facility that is actively involved in the South Cobb community.

He serves as a minister at Word of Faith Cathedral and is the president of the South Cobb Business Association. Additionally, as GM of the Riverside EpiCenter, Dr. Boyd has overseen numerous initiatives like a business incubator space, hosted various business and community groups, and provided essential services such as COVID-19 testing, vaccination, and educational opportunities for the local residents.

Powder Springs Mayor Pro Tem Henry Lust bestowed the 2023 Powder Springs Citizen of the Year award upon Laurie Wong, the founder and executive director of the nonprofit organization Reflections of Trinity.

Since its inception in 2000, Reflections of Trinity has been dedicated to combating food insecurity through service and education. They distribute grocery boxes every Saturday, deliver groceries to seniors in housing projects across Cobb, Fulton, and Paulding counties, and offer weekly grocery bags to 300 at-risk students at an elementary school.