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Mid-South Heroes

  • Nominate a Mid-South Hero

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Crossing guards brave elements, traffic to keep children safe

Mid-South Heroes: Crossing guards brave elements, traffic to keep children safe

Updated: Feb. 3, 2023 at 6:26 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
This month’s Mid-South Heroes are a pair of crossing guards with the Germantown Police Department who put on the uniform and a smile, each and every day.

Mid-South Heroes

Jan Averwater

Mid-South Hero: Woman creates fitness program with those with special needs

Updated: Dec. 29, 2022 at 6:53 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
Jan Averwater has been at Christ Church since 1990. When the director of fitness and wellness position opened up, Jan applied, and after being chosen, she found a new passion.

Top Story

Southaven PD K9's to receive donations

Southaven PD K9s to receive body armor donations

Updated: Dec. 8, 2022 at 1:53 PM CST
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By Tylen Daniels
K9′s Atila, Nico, Bob and Yarko will receive the donations.

Mid-South Heroes

Chris Fleming

Mid-South Hero: Man finds healing in cleaning local neighborhoods

Updated: Nov. 24, 2022 at 6:23 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
Kind, caring, and passionate about his community - this month’s Mid-South Hero is the ultimate neighbor.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Helping youth overcome trauma and adversity with ‘UCAN’

Updated: Nov. 4, 2022 at 11:09 AM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Overcoming trauma and adversity, and helping others do the same, October’s Mid-South Hero has a promise that she intends to keep.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Providing meals to those in need

Updated: Sep. 29, 2022 at 5:00 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
An executive, a leader, and a servant--this month’s Mid-South Hero sees the importance of providing basic needs for the community, and inspires others to do the same.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Woman becomes advocate for those with Down syndrome

Updated: Aug. 25, 2022 at 5:12 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Martine Hobson is a native Memphian, and after the birth of her daughter Laurie, she found a new calling in life – helping others.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Memphian aims to ‘Heal the Hood’

Updated: Jul. 28, 2022 at 4:17 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
This month’s Mid-South hero is determined to change the lives of our city’s youth, using one of the most influential tools available – the arts.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Couple helps community through ministry center

Updated: Jun. 30, 2022 at 5:20 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
This month’s Mid-South Heroes are a husband and wife who were called to provide help, hope, and relationship, to those in need.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Breaking barriers for children’s education

Updated: May. 26, 2022 at 6:28 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Years of experience have taught Natalie McKinney that the greatest barriers to education are often over looked.
Current Temperatures
Current Temperatures

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Anesthesiologist spends decades giving back

Updated: Apr. 28, 2022 at 10:34 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
A caring family man, with a passion for giving back to those less fortunate, are highlights of this month’s Mid-South Hero.

Mid-South Heroes

Philanthropic champion helps teens create business opportunities

Updated: Mar. 31, 2022 at 10:15 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
A humble spirit, an entrepreneurial mind and a philanthropic heart, are at the root of this month’s Mid-South Hero.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Woman serves the needs of her community despite pandemic hurdles

Updated: Feb. 24, 2022 at 8:50 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
A philanthropist with a generous heart and a determination like no other to serve those in her community are traits of this month’s Mid-South Hero.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Paramedic dedicates his career to well-being of children

Updated: Feb. 21, 2022 at 12:54 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
The chance to make a difference began more than 15 years ago for Blake Bobbitt when he started taking pre-med classes.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: North Memphis native using NFL experience to mentor young men

Updated: Jan. 27, 2022 at 7:41 PM CST
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By Janeen Gordon
Discipline and strength on the gridiron prepared this former NFL tight end and line backer for the halls of education at the intersection of mentorship and devotion.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Pastor Dianne Young commits to helping her community heal

Updated: Nov. 25, 2021 at 5:44 PM CST
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By Janeen Gordon
A pastor in Oakhaven is committed to healing her community. Her focus took a shift after a tragedy on church grounds.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Coach Lin Riley changing lives through sports

Updated: Oct. 29, 2021 at 6:45 PM CDT
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By Janeen Gordon
A grand slam experience with Coach Lin Riley at the helm is changing lives one sport at a time.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Memphis dentist operates free mobile clinic for those in need

Updated: Sep. 30, 2021 at 6:45 PM CDT
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By Janeen Gordon
"As a 10-year-old, God put it in my heart that I was going to be a dentist." That mission led to a life of service for Dr. Jim Sexton.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Man uses childhood experiences to help the community

Updated: Aug. 26, 2021 at 6:45 PM CDT
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By Janeen Gordon
This month's Mid-South Hero's childhood trauma is bearing fruit, rewards, and success. Thereby, leaving lasting footprints in neighborhoods and young people.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero focused on mentoring young men

Updated: Jul. 29, 2021 at 6:49 PM CDT
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By Janeen Gordon
This Mid-South Hero's focus is on mentoring young men.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South hero lends a helping hand in his community

Updated: Jun. 24, 2021 at 11:40 PM CDT
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By Janeen Gordon
His life has been filled with love, laughter, service, children, and the friendly skies. Born in Tipton County, Tennessee, Sam Rhodes spent nearly 70 years in law enforcement with the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Collierville Police Department.

Mid-South Heroes

Father dedicated to helping children and families at St. Jude named Mid-South Hero

Updated: May. 27, 2021 at 3:58 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
As the captain for TeamHOPE in the St. Jude Memphis Marathon, Chris Hope and hundreds of fundraising heroes have raised more than $560,000 for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital -- helping families with children who are in the fight of their lives, emotionally, financially and socially.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: US Naval Sea Cadet Corps leader setting the example for generations to come

Updated: May. 10, 2021 at 9:48 AM CDT
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By Janeen Gordon
One man is helping shape Mid-South youth into future leaders of tomorrow. His approach, revered by adults and children alike, makes him a Mid-South Hero.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: A teacher who goes the extra mile for her students

Updated: Mar. 25, 2021 at 7:30 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Thank you for being an example in and out of the classroom. Your students, parents and administrators have taken notice. And so have we.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: RN creates care packages for patients after her battle with COVID-19

Updated: Feb. 26, 2021 at 3:14 PM CST
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By Janeen Gordon
When a global pandemic put health care officials fighting on the front lines exposing them to the coronavirus, one registered nurse turned her health struggle into hope.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: He survived childhood cancer. Now he wants to help end it for good.

Updated: Jan. 28, 2021 at 4:57 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
How many ways does a young man who’s thankful for the care he received at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, say I love you?

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Chief nurse strives to help Veterans amid global health crisis

Updated: Jan. 4, 2021 at 2:29 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
Nursing mental and physical wounds of Veterans during a global pandemic requires a special person, one who is patient, caring and resilient.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Hero: Firefighter works for the community in many ways

Updated: Nov. 26, 2020 at 6:59 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
A mid-south woman is being honored for her tireless dedication to keeping her community safe through her work as a firefighter/EMT— and her hard work continues even when she is off the clock.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Teacher uses her talents to help people of all ages

Updated: Sep. 24, 2020 at 4:25 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
One woman is using her variety of talents to help people of all ages in the community.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Police officer brings small town values to the Bluff City

Updated: Aug. 27, 2020 at 2:52 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Protecting, serving and saving lives. As a Memphis police officer, Chris Williams brings small town values to the Bluff City force.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Friends vow to help young men and women

Updated: Jul. 30, 2020 at 3:36 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Friends! How many of us have four of them who are willing to unite under one vision to change the trajectory of Mid-South young people?

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Recognizing everyday heroes amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Updated: Jun. 25, 2020 at 4:09 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
While many of our healthcare workers are battling coronavirus cases -- our everyday heroes are delivering meals, providing rides, donating clothes, shopping for groceries and cleaning homes and businesses.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Recognizing teachers amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Updated: May. 28, 2020 at 5:29 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
For May, we're recognizing teachers and all our educators as this month's Mid-South Heroes.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Recognizing frontline workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic

Updated: Apr. 30, 2020 at 5:28 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
With all of our health care workers, police officers, firefighters and other first responders putting themselves at risk on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, how could we pick just one Mid-South hero for April?

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Firefighter dedicates herself to the people she serves

Updated: Mar. 26, 2020 at 4:36 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
A brush with near-tragedy as a teenager ignited a dream in this month's Mid-South Hero, Brenda Hartfield.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Public servant gives his all to his community

Updated: Feb. 27, 2020 at 3:54 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
A Mid-South man with a heart for helping others is being honored for giving his all to his community. His dedication to public service makes him this month’s Mid-South Hero!

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: First grade teacher puts his students first 24/7

Updated: Jan. 30, 2020 at 6:00 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
January's Mid-South Hero is a first grade teacher in Memphis who puts the students in his classroom first 24/7.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Teacher wears many hats to help kids see their potential

Updated: Dec. 26, 2019 at 6:35 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
December's Mid-South Hero is supercharged by his mission to help kids see their potential. So much so, that he's involved in eight student-centered programs at Bartlett High School.

Mid-South Heroes

November Mid-South Hero: Brandon Pittman

Updated: Nov. 29, 2019 at 12:21 PM CST
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By Janeen Gordon
Heroes across the Mid-South are driven by purpose. After serving in the Marines, November’s Mid-South Hero found his -- saving lives in Memphis.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Police chief makes sacrifice to protect students

Updated: Oct. 31, 2019 at 4:21 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
October's Mid-South Hero is a small-town police chief whose big gesture has drawn praise across the country.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Woman provides love, resources to women on the streets of Memphis

Updated: Sep. 26, 2019 at 4:01 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
September's Mid-South Hero brings unconditional love and resources to women on the streets of Memphis. She hopes it will guide them to live free from addiction and crime.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Man encourages Memphians of all ages to have fun, get fit

Updated: Aug. 29, 2019 at 4:42 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
This month's Mid-South Hero is a mover and shaker, encouraging Memphians of all ages to have fun while getting fit.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Woman spreads joy and celebrates other cancer survivors

Updated: Jul. 25, 2019 at 7:26 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Healing Planet emerged from Donna Padgett Bowers’ desire to restore joy in other cancer patients by helping them feel better in their own skin.

News

Mid-South Heroes: Woman provides support to the under-served

Updated: Jun. 27, 2019 at 6:01 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Being a charitable giver was never a choice for LaShay Pena, it's always been a way of life.

News

Mid-South Heroes: Woman teaches the blind and visually impaired in Memphis

Updated: May. 30, 2019 at 4:38 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
This month's Mid-South Hero is more than a mom and teacher. Stephanie Jones is a guiding light for the blind and visually impaired in Memphis.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Man raises money for Alzheimer’s awareness

Updated: Apr. 25, 2019 at 3:38 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Our Mid-South Heroes go above and beyond for communities in need. This month’s hero changed his entire career path to give hope to Alzheimer’s patients and their caregivers.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Woman assists pet owners with dogs in need

Updated: Mar. 28, 2019 at 3:01 PM CDT
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By Action News 5 Staff
Block by block and a door knock at a time, our March Mid-South Hero has dedicated her life to rescuing animals in need by offering assistance to pet owners.

Mid-South Heroes

Founder of group mentoring Memphis’ youth named Mid-South Hero

Updated: Feb. 28, 2019 at 6:37 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
It’s easy to see a problem and do nothing. For our February Mid-South Hero, it was easier to start a program to fix a city-wide problem and much harder to do absolutely nothing.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Woman creates Mississippi Coats4Kidz

Updated: Jan. 30, 2019 at 4:13 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff
For this month’s Mid-South Hero, we take you to Marks, Mississippi where a retiree’s plans to vacation were put on hold for a higher calling.

Mid-South Heroes

Mid-South Heroes: Woman rescues deaf dalmatians

Updated: Dec. 27, 2018 at 6:34 PM CST
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By Action News 5 Staff and Amanda Moses
For over 10 years, Patricia Belt has turned her love for deaf dalmatians into a way to help veterans and educate children.
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