photos by Terrell Clark / Special to The StarTwenty of the Meridian area’s “movers and shakers” under the age of 40 were honored Thursday evening in downtown Meridian.Described as “movers and shakers,” the Class of 2018 Meridian Home & Style Magazine and The Meridian Star’s “Top twenty under 40” presented by Mississippi Power are not only making moves in their careers, but they are also shaking things up in the Meridian community through volunteerism and service.

Twenty of the Meridian area’s “movers and shakers” under the age of 40 were honored Thursday evening in downtown Meridian.

Described as “movers and shakers,” the Class of 2018 Meridian Home & Style Magazine and The Meridian Star’s “Top twenty under 40” presented by Mississippi Power are not only making moves in their careers, but they are also shaking things up in the Meridian community through volunteerism and service.

“We’re always excited to introduce our annual Class of Top twenty under 40, who highlight the positive actions happening every day in our community,” The Meridian Star Publisher Alexander Gould said.

“We hope that by recognizing these 20 standouts will inspire others to make a positive impact on our community,” Gould said.

Selected by The Meridian Home & Style Magazine and The Meridian Star staff from a field of more than 50 nominations from members of the greater Meridian community, the honorees demonstrate excellence in their professionals, but also their commitment to the community. They represent the area’s emerging business leaders, educators, spiritual leaders and military personnel.

Along with Mississippi Power, Top twenty under 40 is graciously supported by Novatech, East Mississippi Oral and Facial Surgery and Monster.

“We’re grateful for the business community’s support of this growing event, and look forward to their continued partnership,” Gould said.

The August/September issue of Meridian Home & Style Magazine featuring the 2018 Class of “Top twenty under 40” presented by Mississippi Power honorees will be available beginning today at area businesses and The Meridian Star office, located at 814 22nd Ave., in downtown Meridian.

This year’s honorees are: Antonio Altman,Meridian High School Director of Bands; Elliott Brewer, principal, West Lauderdale Elementary School; Leslie Carruth, middle/high school art teacher, Lamar School; the Rev. Scotty Cole, pastor, Firehouse Church and CEO Redline Community Development; Dr. Dru Denison, Medical Arts Surgical Group, Anderson Hospital; Dermaine Johnson, Owner of Exclusive Cuts Barber & Style; Tyrone Johnson, Meridian City Councilman; Kyle Ladner, president of the East Mississippi Chapter of the Mississippi Power Community Connection; RP2 Jerome Miller Jr., Religious Program Specialist, NAS Meridian; Adam Mitchell, CEO, Mitchell Distributing Company; Katelyn Moffett, Family Nurse Practitioner, The Pain Management Center of Meridian; Justin Palmer, Rush Health Systems, Administrator of John C. Stennis Memorial Hospital in DeKalb; Kym Parnell, Dealer Relationship Officer, Citizens National Bank; Elic Purvis, Owner, The Venue; Trenton Steele, photographer/scholarship founder; Hallie Pearson Swindoll, Insurance Agent, Pearson & Company Insurance; Jeff Tate, Lauderdale County Election Commission chairman/owner of Tate’s Fireworks/co-owner of Southern Lights PyroTechnics and Pinchin’ Tails/ and COO Meridian Sheetrock and Sod; Christin Waters, American Cancer Society; Tonya Williams, Alternative Learning Environment Instructor, Ninth Grade Academy at Meridian High School/owner of Great Start Learning Center and Cafe 35; Tommy Winston, program director for the Physical Therapy Assistant Program at Meridian Community College.