2024 PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARDS

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DR. CLAUDIA JONES

 Dr. Claudia Jones is a university professor. She currently works at University of Alaska Anchorage/Mat-Su College. She received her degrees in International Trade and Business (Bachelor’s) and Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance (Master’s). She received her Doctoral degree in Education.

Claudia is a trained marketing professional and has an E-Leadership Plus Certificate. She teaches Spanish as a second language.

She is a member of GSL Network which forms leaders worldwide. Claudia is an honorary member of JUPV A.C. (non-profit organization) which empowers the youth of Mexico.

President of the International Honoris Causa Foundation in Alaska, USA

Founder and President of MORE Latinoamerica, a non-profit organization whose objective is to achieve gender equality through training www.more2020.org.

DAWN RENEE DARNELL  

Dawn Renee Darnell judges the Communicator/Davey/w3 awards. Honored in Who’s Who/Top Professional/Millennium Magazine.

Dawn Renee is a photographer, artist, and author. She has won 24 international photography awards, an AVA Digital Award, and a Communicator Award. Art and Photography in exhibits at Art Basel-Miami / Switzerland;

Expo Metro New York Times Square/Barcelona/Art Basel Miami; Red Dot Miami/Spectrum Miami; New York Pier 36; and in galleries in Zug and Zurich, Switzerland; Venice, Italy; Berlin; Spain; Athens; and Dubai.

TIM FUNKHOUSER

Tim Funkhouser will be one of six people inducted into the National High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in a ceremony on December 6, 2024, at the Sanibel Resort Hotel in Sanibel, Florida. In 24 seasons at Edwardsville High School in Illinois, Tim Funkhouser has gone 748-180 with three Class 4A state championships, 11 Southwestern Conference championships, 17 regional championships and 11 sectional championships. EHS also has runner-up finishes at the state tournament in 2002 and 2017 to go along with the state championships in 2019, 2022 and 2023.

 Funkhouser is 803-212 in 27 seasons overall as a high school baseball coach. 

Funkhouser was inducted into the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2015 and the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2019.

DR. CLAUDIA JONES 

Dr. Claudia Jones is a university professor. She currently works at University of Alaska Anchorage/Mat-Su College. She received her degrees in International Trade and Business (Bachelor’s) and Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance (Master’s). She received her Doctoral degree in Education.

Claudia is a trained marketing professional and has an E-Leadership Plus Certificate. She teaches Spanish as a second language.

She is a member of GSL Network which forms leaders worldwide. Claudia is an honorary member of JUPV A.C. (non-profit organization) which empowers the youth of Mexico.

President of the International Honoris Causa Foundation in Alaska, USA

Founder and President of MORE Latinoamerica, a non-profit organization whose objective is to achieve gender equality through training www.more2020.org.

ALYSSA SEEGERS

 Alyssa began her career as an athletic trainer, but the challenges brought about by COVID led to a change in her professional path. In response to these shifts, she decided to enhance her skills and knowledge by pursuing a new direction. Alyssa embarked on a journey to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). After two years of dedicated effort, she furthered her commitment to emergency medical services by returning to school to obtain her paramedic certification. Alyssa's resilience and adaptability shine through her career transitions, showcasing her dedication to making a meaningful impact in the field of healthcare. 

JEFF CALLAWAY AND 

ETHAN ALMIGHTY 

Jeff Callaway is the Facilities Director for the Kentucky Humane Society in Louisville, Kentucky. He has always been an animal lover and very involved in the welfare and humane treatment of animals. One cold January day in 2021, Jeff was heading home from work and received a phone call that there was a dead dog that had been dumped in one of the parking lots of KHS. Jeff went back to see if he could identify the car that dropped off the dog using camera footage. Jeff had no idea that going back to work would change his life forever! When Jeff first saw Ethan, he looked like a terribly abused, filthy, dead dog. But Ethan had other plans. Laying there on the table in vet services, he somehow managed to take a breath, a breath that changed everything. Ethan started receiving emergency care, everyone in the room doing whatever they could to save this dog. And they did, they performed a miracle! But another miracle happened for Ethan. A man who worked for KHS, a man who loved dogs, saw this particular dog needing so much help to even breathe and immediately knew in his heart that dog was his! Jeff knew Ethan belonged with him. And from that moment until now, Jeff and Ethan are inseparable! Jeff officially adopted Ethan in March of 2021 but Ethan was already his. Ethan became his that first time he saw him. Jeff was his Poppa. Now Jeff takes Ethan everywhere he goes, even to work every day! They spend their time spreading kindness and love. They work together as a team to make the world better for everyone. Jeff uses Ethan's social media platform to address animal cruelty issues and to support other causes that affect animals and humans. Jeff and Ethan make appearances throughout the community and state to advocate for so many important causes. Jeff has made it his mission to be Ethan's voice, his advocate, his protector. Because of their incredible efforts together, they have been received so many awards and recognitions.  

C DENISE SHOOK

In a single word, I am F.A.T.: Faithful, Available, Teachable. My journey unfolds through significant accomplishments and a commitment to a holistic and purposeful life.

• Weight Loss Success:  I triumphed in a transformative weight loss journey, shedding 100 pounds naturally. This venture demanded discipline, determination, and a profound commitment to my well-being and life's purpose. My approach involved meticulous research into my family's health history, comprehensive medical examinations, and the implementation of an action plan, guided by the Serenity Prayer.
• Pageant Triumph @ 65:  As a testament to my "wholeness journey," I ventured into uncharted territory by participating in a pageant with just 60 days of preparation. To my surprise, I clinched titles such as Ms. Midwest, Ms. Royalty International Elite, and Elegant Ms. BuckeyeFest. Judges marveled at my innate grace on the runway, marking a natural debut.

Life Philosophy:  My daily mission revolves around being a blessing to others. Embracing life with readiness (REDI), I adhere to the belief in "Loving Life and Letting Life Love You Back." My actions are guided by humility, inspired by the scripture 1 Peter 5:6, advocating for humility under God's mighty hand.

Recognition:  Receiving acknowledgment from the President of the United States for my volunteer work stands as a profound honor. In line with my belief, I let the praise for my works come from others and have enclosed testimonials from those who have witnessed my impactful contributions.

CALYNN M LAWRENCE 

My name is Calynn M Lawrence, 18x Award Winning businesswoman, media personality and former pageant queen (Miss United States Universe Tourism 2021, Miss World America Nation 2020).
My career started with my blog when I was barely 15 years old in January 2011 as a supplement to my application to the retail business internship at the downtown Chicago Nordstrom mall. I stayed there for 3 years learning the fundamentals of everything about fashion business from sales and marketing to media and modeling. This was a phenomenal foundation to my career as it gave me the rudimentary knowledge and competitive edge that I needed to be successful! 
From there, I went on to college and obtained my first degree in Business and Humanities (the arts and social sciences). I wrote as a freelance journalist and editor for several large publications and hosted live cable television for two years. I walked countless red carpets being a VIP media guest at major industry events all over the country and internationally such as but not only New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Chicago Fashion Week, Latino Fashion Week and Black Fashion Week! I did this while maintaining various office jobs in Marketing and Sales Management.
For my entrepreneurial endeavors, I own a media/marketing conglomerate, the Calynn Communications & Creative corporation! This is the parent company to my nonprofit initiative, The Fresh Faces Project, which has benefited over 800 brands, my 5-star rated web series "Chicago Talent TV" and several major online publications, including The World Times, What's Good Weekly, Millionaires In The Making and Icons In The Now! 
I've been blessed to to have been featured in nearly 60 major press interviews and won 18 awards for my work including 4 RCCI Academy Awards, Global IMA Social Impact Champion 2023, 4 Virtual Visionary Awards and Woman of the Year. I've also completed 2 new degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Social Science (Summa Cum Laude), a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and am currently working on completing my Doctorate in Clinical Pastoral Counseling to become a board certified trauma specialist. I will continue in my stride towards helping as many creatives, talents, entrepreneurs and change makers receive the promotion and exposure they deserve as I possibly can! 

https://www.freshfacesproject.org/  

www.calynnmlawrence.com
https://www.caycomcreate.com/2021/01/as-seen-in.html
https://www.caycomcreate.com/2021/05/read-our-client-reviews-case-studies.html

Calynn M Lawrence, Miss United States Universe Tourism 2021www.instagram.com/calynnmlawrence
www.facebook.com/calynnmlawrence
www.linkedin.com/in/calynnmlawrence
www.caycomcreate.com

KRISTIE SHOCKLEY  

Embodying a commitment to both physical and mental well-being, Kristie Shockley has spent the last two years making waves in the modeling industry. With a four-year dedication to lifting, she recently showcased her skills in the Battle of the Champions and PC Wellness Division in Des Moines, Iowa, clinching victories in both novice and true novice classes.

Beyond the stage, Kristie has graced multiple fashion shows and photoshoots, effortlessly transitioning from fashion to fitness and even venturing into the realms of lingerie and boudoir. This versatility reflects not only her modeling prowess but also her ability to adapt to diverse creative spaces.

Driven by a passion for the fitness industry, Kristie is not just a model but a visionary on a mission. She is working towards establishing her own supplement brand while collaborating with other fitness brands. As an ambassador for Caged Muscle, Kristie is a recognized figure in the fitness community, bridging the gap between style and strength.

In her pursuit of excellence, Kristie understands the importance of mental well-being and seeks balance in her dynamic lifestyle. She is an inspiration to those aspiring to conquer both worlds with resilience and grace.

DAWN RENEE DARNELL 

Dawn Renee Darnell judges the Communicator/Davey/w3 awards. Honored in Who’s Who/Top Professional/Millennium Magazine.

Dawn Renee is a photographer, artist, and author. She has won 24 international photography awards, an AVA Digital Award, and a Communicator Award. Art and Photography in exhibits at Art Basel-Miami / Switzerland;

Expo Metro New York Times Square/Barcelona/Art Basel Miami; Red Dot Miami/Spectrum Miami; New York Pier 36; and in galleries in Zug and Zurich, Switzerland; Venice, Italy; Berlin; Spain; Athens; and Dubai.

DEANNE VOEGELE

 Deanne is a true pillar of education, having devoted over 30 years to teaching Honors English at the high school level. Her unwavering commitment to her craft goes beyond the classroom, shaping the academic experiences of thousands of students during her tenure in teaching. Deanne's dedication is evident in her passion for literature and language, creating an engaging and intellectually stimulating environment for her students. Throughout her illustrious career, she has not only imparted knowledge but has also inspired and mentored future generations. Deanne's enduring impact on the educational landscape is a testament to her exceptional teaching and commitment to fostering a love for learning. 

SANDRA and STEPHEN GEISER

Sandra and Stephen Geiser met in Chicago in 1986 while attending a dinner with mutual friends. That was the beginning of their friendship which was sparked by their one common interest- their love for travel. They married in 1989 and settled down in a Chicago suburb where they raised their daughter, Stephanie who was born in 1991. Early in their relationship they didn’t have much money, they were beginning their careers and had a mortgage to pay. Stephen was self-employed, designing alarm and fire systems, and Sandra was a customer service manager/ credit analyst at Ford Motor Company. They saved their money for experiences as opposed to material things.

Initially, they traveled within the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and South America. When their daughter reached 5 years of age they took their first European vacation. They visited Ireland where they stayed at the Adare Manor House located on the banks of the River Maigue in the village of Adare County,  County Limerick, Ireland, the former seat of the Earl of Dunraven and Mount-Earl. The present house was built in the early 19th century, though retaining some of the walls of the 17th-century structure. It is now the Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort, a luxury hotel. They also lodged at the Dromoland Castle, formerly the family seat of the Baron Inchiquin, until it was bought by United States citizen Bernard P. McDonough in 1962. It has since then been converted for use as a luxury hotel. Dromoland Castle Hotel is a member of Historic Hotels Worldwide.

While in Ireland they visited the cliffs of Mohar, The Cliffs of Moher are sea cliffs located at the southwestern edge of  the Burren region in County Clare, Ireland. They run for about 14 kilometers (9 miles). At their southern end, they rise 120 meters (390 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head, and, 8 kilometers (5 miles) to the north, they reach their maximum height of 214 meters (702 ft) just north of O'Brien's Tower, a round stone tower near the midpoint of the cliffs, built in 1835 by Sir Cornelius O'Brien.

Lastly, they visited the Blarney Stone, a block of Carboniferous limestone built into the battlements of Blarney Castle, Blarney, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) from Cork, Ireland. According to legend, kissing the stone endows the kisser with the gift of the gab. The stone was set into a tower of the castle in 1446. The castle is a popular tourist site in Ireland, attracting visitors from all over the world to kiss the stone and tour the castle and its gardens. 

From Ireland they ventured to London England where they toured the grounds of Windsor Castle, and the Tower of London. From this trip their love for world travel ensued. 

Since then they have visited 29 countries around the world and they are still going strong. Nowadays they prefer visiting places where they can emerge themselves in the culture more so than tourist activities. Sandra & Stephen select tours which build meaningful relationships with local communities, directly benefiting the people and places we visit, including Indigenous peoples, women, youth — anyone who has traditionally been marginalized or undervalued. “We go for the connections, charm, and authenticity that can only be found in local accommodations, transport, and restaurants. This also allows us to stay at smaller hotels and eat at restaurants with fewer people. Plus, using local service providers helps support the local economy and the people that make the places we travel so special.”

ANDREW SCOTT

    Andrew spent three years at Murray State University in Kentucky before concluding his college journey at Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Missouri, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Administration. Additionally, he holds an Associate's Degree in Administration of Justice from Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC). Seeking to broaden his expertise, he pursued HVAC/R classes at and continued his education at American Trade School in St. Ann, MO.

After a successful career in Retail Management with several national retailers, he made a significant career shift to become a pipefitter. Influenced by his grandfather, a union pipefitter, and motivated by the market fluctuations in retail management positions, he has been a dedicated pipefitter for seven years. Since the summer of 2021, he has served as an adjunct instructor at SWIC.

Recognizing the importance of education, he took the initiative to coordinate a scholarship, funded by adjunct instructors, aimed at providing financial assistance to students in the HVAR program. Beyond his professional life, he enjoys leisure activities like golfing, scuba diving, and spending quality time with family, including his young nephew.

CALYNN M LAWRENCE

My name is Calynn M Lawrence, 18x Award Winning businesswoman, media personality and former pageant queen (Miss United States Universe Tourism 2021, Miss World America Nation 2020).
My career started with my blog when I was barely 15 years old in January 2011 as a supplement to my application to the retail business internship at the downtown Chicago Nordstrom mall. I stayed there for 3 years learning the fundamentals of everything about fashion business from sales and marketing to media and modeling. This was a phenomenal foundation to my career as it gave me the rudimentary knowledge and competitive edge that I needed to be successful! 
From there, I went on to college and obtained my first degree in Business and Humanities (the arts and social sciences). I wrote as a freelance journalist and editor for several large publications and hosted live cable television for two years. I walked countless red carpets being a VIP media guest at major industry events all over the country and internationally such as but not only New York Fashion Week, LA Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Chicago Fashion Week, Latino Fashion Week and Black Fashion Week! I did this while maintaining various office jobs in Marketing and Sales Management.
For my entrepreneurial endeavors, I own a media/marketing conglomerate, the Calynn Communications & Creative corporation! This is the parent company to my nonprofit initiative, The Fresh Faces Project, which has benefited over 800 brands, my 5-star rated web series "Chicago Talent TV" and several major online publications, including The World Times, What's Good Weekly, Millionaires In The Making and Icons In The Now! 
I've been blessed to to have been featured in nearly 60 major press interviews and won 18 awards for my work including 4 RCCI Academy Awards, Global IMA Social Impact Champion 2023, 4 Virtual Visionary Awards and Woman of the Year. I've also completed 2 new degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Social Science (Summa Cum Laude), a Master of Science in Management and Leadership and am currently working on completing my Doctorate in Clinical Pastoral Counseling to become a board certified trauma specialist. I will continue in my stride towards helping as many creatives, talents, entrepreneurs and change makers receive the promotion and exposure they deserve as I possibly can! 

https://www.freshfacesproject.org/  

www.calynnmlawrence.com
https://www.caycomcreate.com/2021/01/as-seen-in.html
https://www.caycomcreate.com/2021/05/read-our-client-reviews-case-studies.html

Calynn M Lawrence, Miss United States Universe Tourism 2021www.instagram.com/calynnmlawrence
www.facebook.com/calynnmlawrence
www.linkedin.com/in/calynnmlawrence
www.caycomcreate.com

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https://literaryglobal.com/