As longtime WLOX anchor Rhonda Weidner prepares for retirement this week, she is taking a look back at some of her favorite moments over the last three decades.
For Doris Jones, there wasn’t a question in her mind of whether she would serve her country or not. It was a strong calling that led her to a 20-year career in the U.S. Army.
Since 1924, Moore Community House has provided endless support to low-income families. For more than 20 years, early learning has been on the rise to ensure a valuable education for children in those families.
It started as an attempt to find closure after a beloved student passed away. But Brett Merrill’s therapeutic exercise grew bigger than he could ever imagine.
For 24 hours, Memorial Hospital employed its “Hurricane Alert Status” at its campuses in Gulfport and Wiggins that required hospital employees, visitors and patients to shelter in place.
Brenda Wilson is devoutly Christian, and she shares her love for God with everyone who comes in the drive-through at McDonald's near downtown Ocean Springs.
One man has found a way to help his fellow veterans deal with emotional and physical injuries from combat duty through a little sport called pickleball.
Dr. Jason Gulas and Dr. Alice Xenachis are a husband and wife veterinarian team, working together to help animals. Dr. Gulas says it’s like a mission for them.
From the pomp and circumstance of the early years, to the new brand of revelry on display today, the Krewe of Neptune’s focus on the people makes them South Mississippi Strong.
There is no offseason for the American Red Cross, and that means there is no offseason for John McFarland in his job as executive director for the Southeast Mississippi Chapter.
Making a pie is a lot of work and takes a certain level of skill. But one South Mississippi woman is making it easy for even the least experienced bakers to create beautiful homemade desserts.
You can always help others. It's a recurring theme Mag Holland has lived by her entire life. And she is showing others that it doesn't have to be hard.
What you may not know about Dave is he is a man who has always had a desire to give back to his community, and now in retirement, he’s spending even more time volunteering for others.
After Hurricane Katrina, a woman from New York saw an opportunity to help the coastal community. Now, years later Diana Fillhart is continuing her efforts to make South Mississippi strong.
Eagle Houston Jr. of Biloxi wants to share his story because he hopes it would inspire at least one person, and those who know him say he’s done just that.
At Reeves Elementary School in Long Beach, yoga is being used not only to promote a healthy lifestyle, but also to improve learning and life experiences.
Nikki Moon has been in the tourism and hospitality business for over 40 years. Not only is she the owner of the Bay Town Inn, she's also president of the Hancock County Chamber of Commerce and of the Coastal Mississippi Board of Commissioners.
From the Gulfport Little Theatre to Lynn Meadows and now Gulfport High School, Tonya Hays has taught thousands of children on the Coast the art of theatre.
Teachers and coaches play an important role in the lives of kids. PGA professional Hoppy Smith helps young athletes discover the game of golf at Diamondhead Country Club.
The leader of the Biloxi Police Department, Chief John Miller, has been a symbol of strength professionalism since May 5 when Officer Robert McKeithen was gunned down outside the police station.
Nader Pahlevan of Biloxi just graduated from MGCCC and is on his way to achieving his dream of becoming a doctor to help under served communities in Mississippi.
The G.I. Museum in Gautier stands out like a beacon of hope and honor. The man behind the museum is Doug Mansfield, the founder, curator and visionary who continues to pay tribute to all things military.
At the Women's Resource Center in Gulfport, young mothers can find solid advice, support and services. Ultrasounds are free thanks to donations and longtime volunteers.
A Hancock County artist with an engineering background is taking an unique approach to pottery and using it as a platform to teach innovation, mechanics, and art.
A Biloxi eighth grader and her mom put on a brave smile and a positive attitude each day as the teenager battles brain cancer with the help of St. Jude Hospital.
Brian Newton and Justin Johnson are brothers in business at Studio 601. They are barbers by trade but they say cuts, shaves, and hot towel treatments are not the only services they provide.
Abra Taylor helped form The League of Distinguished Gentlemen, a youth summit that teaches young people life skills, allowing them to learn from local leaders.
Sixth grade teacher Sharon Thompson teaches reading every day to her students, but she is also using her class as an opportunity to educate and inspire students through the history of black Americans.
The 100 Men Hall in Bay St. Louis is best known for the legendary musicians who have graced its stage. Locals have recalled seeing the likes of Etta James, Guitar Slim, James Brown and many more of note.
During the past nine years, the Bethesda Free Clinic has offered care to more than 17,000 patients. These are people who might not receive the care they need if not for Bethesda.
The state of the Southern States Film Industry is good, but a Waveland filmmaker is working to make it even better. Michael Rechtien sees a lot of potential in the future of film in South Mississippi.
Inspiring women of all ages to dream big, helping others to work through their emotions, and establishing herself as a brand -- Jocelyn Lane-Gavin is South Mississippi Strong.
South Mississippi SNO never goes away. SNO stands for Special Needs Organization, and it serves special needs clients and their families all across the Coast.
It's a dream come true for an Ocean Spring native who is now competing with artists like Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton after being nominated for a Golden Globe.
Harrison County's only emergency youth shelter can house anywhere from 25 to 30 children every month. The shelter staff go out of their way to make the facility feel like a home. Shelter director Dianna Kuns says, that's what the children who end up there, need most.
In honor of her daughter, Lynette Meyers launched "Meghan's Dream," a non-profit that helps families live and deal with the burden and uncertainty of childhood cancer.
From despair to serving as an inspiration, personal trainer Sean Fayard has seen both ends of the spectrum. Despite hitting the lowest of lows, he now lives as an example for others making him South Mississippi Strong.
For six years. eighth graders on the coast have been given a hands-on look at what their future could be, all thanks to Pathways2Possibilities. It partners students with pathways, in the hopes that it will help the teens find a niche.
Comeback Cooler is Heather Eason's brainchild and the coolest pay-it-forward campaign around. Not only is it helping victims of devastation around the country, it's also making South Mississippi Strong.
