Meridian woman recognized as Volunteer of the Year'

By By Fredie Carmichael/staff writer
Jan. 29, 2002
Manny Mitchell of Meridian has been trying hard to keep a secret from his wife: she will be named the state's "Community Volunteer of the Year" at a luncheon today.
Mitchell, president of Mitchell Distributing Co., has known for two weeks that Attorney General Mike Moore will give his wife the award during a noon luncheon at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Jackson.
Melanie, though, won't know until her name is announced.
The luncheon will culminate a two-day community programs conference sponsored by Moore and the Mississippi Mentoring Network.
Melanie's award will be one of five presented at the luncheon. Others include: Corporate Volunteer Program of the Year, Community Program of the Year and Youth and Adult Mentors of the Year.
Sandra Shelson, a special assistant attorney general and director of the children's division, said Melanie was chosen as the "hands-down" winner of the award because of her work with the Boys &Girls Club of Lauderdale County and Hope Village for Children.
Melanie has served as a committee board member of the Boys &Girls Club for the past three years and is an original board member of Hope Village. She is the president of Mitchell Cranes.
When Melanie accepts the specially designed plaque at today's luncheon, her husband said he just hopes his wife will be shocked.
Mitchell said he's excited his wife is being recognized for her hard work.