Nominate an ICON in your life today!

Do you know someone in the Middle Tennessee community who goes above and beyond? Whether it’s a dedicated active-duty service member or veteran, a hardworking teacher, a brave firefighter, a selfless police officer, a groundbreaking small business owner, or a determined community leader, now is your chance to give them the recognition they deserve!

Winners have been chosen and will be highlighted at our ceremony at The Reserve on Tuesday, March 25th! See our amazing ICONS below!

Walter Yarbrough Jr.

Walter Yarbrough who goes by Bubba is a proud Nashville native who has dedicated 30 years of his life to serving and protecting our community as a firefighter and now a special ops fire chief. Throughout his career, he has responded to countless emergencies, saving lives, comforting families in crisis, and mentoring the next generation of firefighters.

Walter’s commitment goes beyond the fire station—he volunteers he’s time teaching the next generation of firefighters classes and is always the first to lend a helping hand. His unwavering bravery, selflessness, and deep-rooted love for Nashville make him a true ICON in our community. Walter’s decades of dedication deserve to be recognized, and this award would be a fitting tribute to his lifelong service.”

Levi Stone

Trooper for the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Levi exemplifies the true spirit of service, never hesitating to work overtime without complaint. He consistently approaches his job with a positive attitude, leaving for work ready to serve and protect his community and returning home with a smile. He is willing to put his life on the line every day to ensure the safety of others, demonstrating extraordinary bravery and commitment.

Beyond his law enforcement duties, Levi is deeply committed to community engagement. He enjoys reading books to children and frequently visits schools to educate kids on seat belt safety as part of his community outreach efforts. His kindness extends to motorists in need, as he never hesitates to assist those with flat tires or other roadside troubles.

Jeffrey Strayer

Jeffrey retired April 1, 2024, after 20 years of dedicated military service. He spent his entire career preparing for war, going to war, and then recovering from war. When he was active duty, he always put his fellow soldiers first, giving up leave so others could be with their families, or putting their names ahead of his for special recognition in war time situations that resulted in lives saved. He looked forward to the day he could retire and enjoy being with his family, but the unknown of retirement life was often overwhelming.

Following his retirement, he knew he wanted to help other soldiers prepare for post-military careers. When Jeff retired from the military he could have spent his days fishing, hunting, or camping with his golden retriever Bailey. Instead, he chose to find a career that allows him to continue servicing his fellow military members by helping them build a new career in the trades as a program manager for Transition To Trades at Fort Campbell. He is committed to going above and beyond even when most of the time that effort is left unappreciated and unrecognized. He will take late night calls from soldiers who are having a difficult time transitioning, he will help them find assistance with legal help, financial help, jobs, and even tell them about programs designed for service members.

Melissa Sliger

Parent Testimonial: “Mrs. Sliger has been teaching for years. She has made the greatest impact on students. She made the biggest impact on my son Colby. He has ADHD and anxiety. Mrs. Sliger changed my son’s entire outlook on school and even life. She is the most amazing teacher I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. She’s such a blessing in our son’s life, she’s also a blessing to everyone she meets.

Even though our son is no longer in her class, until next year she continues to check on him and encourage him daily! She keeps him going at school and allows him to be himself. Melissa deserves this award more than anyone I know. She’s an angel walking this earth to everyone she encounters especially the students she interacts with daily! She is adored and loved by everyone.”

Kara Puckett

Kara started a nonprofit, Nashville Foster Love Closet, over 3 years ago to help families who are fostering children in middle TN. She runs this all-volunteer business out of her garage in Antioch. She has helped thousands of foster children by providing clothing, toys, shoes, furniture, books, bottles, formula, diapers, car seats, strollers, Christmas gifts, meals, and turkeys at Thanksgiving.

Kara is a kind, compassionate bundle of energy who tirelessly helps foster families without receiving any pay. Her and her husband have also fostered two teenage girls. She is an inspiration and a role model for so many and very deserving of this honor.

Emily Cauthen

Emily Cauthen – owner of local family-owned business Through the Grapevine in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Through The Grapevine has been a family owned and operated restaurant for 25+ years. The business has evolved over the years from a small restaurant to a booming business that extends over to the events and party planning side!

Every season the business throws a craft fair market named the Black Barn Market & Craft Fair. Held in January, June, October, and November; the turnout is always high, and the crowd always has a fun time finding neat handmade items and trying good food! They collaborate with other local vendors and food trucks for their barn sales to help support other small businesses as well!

Over the years the business has faced countless challenges such as Covid, ice storms, and other things but nonetheless the business pushed on and in spite of all the hard times they keep on striving for excellence whether it be in their famous chicken salad or their relentless drive to serve their customers with pride and grace.

A BIG THANK YOU TO THIS YEAR’S SPONSORS!