b'2019TEAMSouth GeorgiaC ongratulations to Team South Georgia 2019. This is the second year that South Georgia Business + Culture Magazine has recognized community champions for their innovative spirit and ability to obtain positive results. Throughout South Georgia there are people of all ages and varying levels of professional experience that aspire to make South Georgia a better place to live and work. This years class represents Ben Hill, Crisp, Decatur, Lanier, Lowndes, Moultrie, Thomas, and Worth counties. As we recognized members of this years team, we encourage our readers to consider who they will nominate next year. It is our goal to have representation from across South Georgia. We will begin accepting nominations in March 2020. Earl Brown |FITZGERALDSharah Denton |VALDOSTAUnited For Change With a passion for bringing people together to achieve a common goal, Sharah Denton is making a positive impact in her community and across Georgia. Servant Leader While he wears many hats, Earl Brown, assistant principal atDenton is state president and national adult vice chair Ben Hill Middle School, places service to others as a top priority. Recognized as thefor the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). 2018 Citizen of the Year by the Fitzgerald-Ben Hill County Chamber of Commerce,Under her state leadership, Denton implemented the Brown is mentoring students and working to make his community a better place.Bi-Annual Chairmans Movers and Shakers Award,I enjoy being a teacher, watching children grow and being a part of helping shapedeveloped a membership and financial handbook, their minds, says Brown. Its a beautiful sight to see when they get that diplomaimplemented leadership training, and created the and walk across the stage. organizations website. As head coach for the Fitzgerald High School girls basket team, Brown helpedIn Valdosta, Denton helped implement a community-guide the team to a perfect 23-0 regular 2018-2019 season. While winning gameswide family reunion. Now in its eighth year, the event brings about a chance to celebrate, Brown says he strives for academics first. Weprovides free resources and health screenings. The have study hall every day. I want the players to learn to depend on each other, andbiggest impact is the fact that we partner with the learn that its essential to help out someone else.local food bank and provide free groceries to families, When it comes to mentorship, Brown is paying it forward. There were a lot ofshe says. It is an opportunity to be engaged with people who believed in me, he says. Even when I couldnt see it for myself, theyresources that they may not have access to. were able to see my potential and encouraged me. Denton says the local NCNW raises money to support An active member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Browns community involvementhomeless children in the Lowndes and Valdosta school includes serving on the board for Habitat for Humanity, Fitzgerald High Schooldistricts. The section also provides Christmas gifts to Track Booster Club, Fitzgerald Partnership for Youth, and participating in A Greatchildren whose parents are living with HIV or AIDS.Day of Service. 42 SG MAGAZINE| FALL 2019 BUSINESS + CULTURE43'