DiAnne Moore- 2026 Telfair County Woman of the Year
DiAnne Moore is someone whose life reflects unwavering service, leadership, and dedication to faith, family, and community.
Mrs. Moore has spent her life pouring into others. Through her involvement with the Jaycees, she has helped bring joy to children through Toys-for-Tots, and she has faithfully organized activities for senior adults, creating connection and fellowship across generations.
At McRae Methodist Church, her impact has been extraordinary. She has served in countless leadership and ministry roles teaching Sunday School to both children and adults, directing Vacation Bible School art, preparing meals for youth events, helping lead the Daddy Daughter Dance, and playing a key role in fundraising for the Enrichment School van and new playground equipment. Today, she serves as Chairman of Trustees and on the Church Council, leading with thoughtfulness, organization, and a genuine servant's heart.
Beyond the church, she is a founding member of Arts on the Hill, a former children's choir director, a high school cheerleading coach, and a volunteer with the Special Olympics. She has served as PTO President and lovingly coordinates handmade quilts for grieving families through the Sailor Kate Ministry.
Mrs. Moore leads without seeking recognition. She serves with integrity, compassion, and grace. Our community is stronger, kinder, and more beautiful because of her.
Kinte Clements-2026 Telfair County Man of the Year
Mr. Kinte Clements is someone who truly embodies service to his community.
Mr. Clements is a part- time employee of the City of Lumber City, a retired veteran, a DJ for WMOC, and a former volunteer firefighter. In every role he has taken on, he has shown commitment, reliability, and heart.
He is a devoted single father and a positive male influence in the lives of many children throughout our community. He is actively involved with the NAACP and serves on the Juneteenth Committee, helping preserve history while building opportunity.
His passion for youth is especially evident through the service group Dream Chasers. He organizes college visits, trips to baseball games in Atlanta, softball games with neighboring counties, and countless opportunities that expand young people's vision for their future.
With the support of local residents and businesses, he leads initiatives such as Christmas Giveaways, Easter egg hunts, and school supply drives - ensuring children and families feel supported year-round.
He is not just a man of words, but a man of action. After Hurricane Helene, he stepped forward to help with cleanup efforts, and he continually empowers young people to take pride in improving their own community.
The Merchants & Citizens Bank-2026 Telfair County Business of the Year
The Merchants & Citizens Bank is an institution that has stood as a pillar of strength, trust, and community commitment for more than a century.
Formed from the merger of two historic banks chartered in 1900 and 1906, this organization has faithfully served Telfair County since 1929. During the Great Depression, when banks across the nation closed their doors, The Merchants & Citizens Bank was among the few allowed to reopen following the 1933 Presidential Executive Order. Since then, it has remained the only locally owned and operated bank in continuous operation in our county - a true beacon of stability and trust.
For generations, it has supported agriculture, education, homeownership, small businesses, and local employment. But its impact reaches far beyond financial services.
Its generosity helped create Liberty Square and provided a home for our community's Statue of Liberty. It worked to install the State Historical Marker honoring Marion Folsom, linking Telfair County to the origins of Social Security. Most recently, it purchased and donated property on Second Avenue for use by county agencies.
Leadership and service are deeply woven into its culture. Seven of its team members serve in the McRae Rotary Club. One serves on the Development Authority, and several have served on the Board of the Telfair County Chamber of Commerce - strengthening our community through both business and civic leadership.
Through its officers, directors, and staff, it reflects the very best of Telfair County.
Our table decorations included photos and sculptures provided by the students from the Telfair County High Visual Arts Department.
The Telfair County High School Studuents performed their one act play as our entertainment.
