Those who gave their time and energy to local nonprofit organizations were recognized for their hard work and the amount of money they raised.

The United Way of West Central Mississippi held its annual meeting and awards luncheon Thursday at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

Through donations, fundraisers and the annual campaign, the organization raised $1.1 million nearly meeting its $1.24 million goal for its 22 partner agencies.

Board chairman Ryan Lee turned over his duties to incoming chairwoman Linda Fondren during the ceremonies. Fondren said she was honored to be the chairwoman. Her goal is to involve the youth of the community in the United Way.

“My goal as board chair is to encourage more student volunteers to do work in our community,” Fondren said. “The fact is that one day our youth is going to lead this city and state therefore, they need to get involved and learn about giving back to others.”

She said students should learn about giving back, being persistent and to volunteer their time to the community. Doing for others shows perseverance and leads to achieving goals, she said.

“I look forward to seeing each and every one of you,” Fondren said.

He goal is based on a quote by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that she read, “If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

This year’s officers will be Lori Burke as vice chair, treasurer Paul Avery, Tim Reeves as community investment chair, campaign chair Jennifer Gray and past chair Ryan Lee.

The Bruce Alan Ebersole Jr. scholarship was awarded to two local seniors. From Warren Central High School Kelby Westcott received a $500 scholarship and from St. Aloysius Katie Martin received a $300 scholarship. Wescott is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elvin and Magen Westcott. Martin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Andy and Karen Martin.

Campaign chair Katie Ferrell said the morning of the United Way’s Color Run fundraiser was one of the most touching moments of her life and said she was inspired by serving as the campaign chair. Ferrell gave the award for campaign coordinator of the year to Shane Sanders of Eaton and donor investment volunteer of the year to Heather Butler.

Butler served as donor investment chair and she awarded Tina Heyward of Mountain of Faith Ministries with the agency director of the year award.

The spirit of Vicksburg award was given to Ameristar Casino, and the corporation of the year was Entergy Grand Gulf. Pam Durman was the volunteer of the year, and Greg Jackson was given the leadership award.

Retiring directors, Chris Chatham, Amy Haygood, Jessica Holly, Greg Jackson and Derrick Stamps, were recognized. New directors, Gerad Hardy, Chandra Cole, Troy Kimble, Shelia McKinnis and Jennifer Grey, were introduced.