The 2013 Difference Makers were recognized at the Alumni/Foundation Spring Reception on March 26 at the Jackson County Campus in Gautier. This year’s honorees are Chris Pierce Hoenke, District Office; Chloe Sharp; Jackson County Campus; George McCreary, Jefferson Davis Campus; and Lesia McCarroll, Perkinston Campus.
These four individuals have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, involvement in college and community events, and a sincere commitment and caring attitude toward students and fellow employees. The honorees were presented resolutions from the college’s Board of Trustees.
Since 2003, MGCCC has selected four individuals to receive the L.N. Dantzler Difference Maker Award from among its eight locations in South Mississippi. Any MGCCC employee, except members of the Executive Council, are eligible for the annual award, which is designated for individuals who have demonstrated an exceptional work ethic, college and community involvement, and a sincere commitment and caring attitude toward students.
Chris Pierce Hoenke, payroll specialist in the District Office, is a lifelong resident of Wiggins and an MGCCC alumna. She has worked at the college for 18 years. She has been married to her husband, Grover, for 11 years. She has two children – daughter, Taylor, 19, and son, Logan, 15. Taylor is a freshman at the Perkinston Campus.
Chloe Sharp, secretary in the Career/Technical Department at the Jackson County Campus, has worked at the college for four years. She is an MGCCC alumna and has a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from The University of Southern Mississippi.
George McCreary, the assistant supervisor for Housekeeping at the Jefferson Davis Campus, has worked at the college for 29 years. He is a native of Gulfport. His wife, Lacey, is the support specialist in the Computer Center located on the same campus. They have four children and four grandchildren.
Lesia McCarroll is the Financial Aid office manager at the Perkinston Campus. She has worked at the college for 10 years. An MGCCC alumna, she has been married to her husband, Willie, for 27 years. He is also an MGCCC alumnus, as are sons Jeremy, 24, and Grant, 21. Their youngest son, Blake, 17, is a senior at Stone High School.