Author, youth volunteer Patricia Winston named Hub City Hero in Jackson
Mayor Scott Conger presented the city's "Hub City Hero" last week at The Jackson Chamber of Commerce.
Patricia Winston, better known as Pat, and children's book extraordinaire took the title.
"I was shocked," Winston said. "I do what I do, not for recognition but because I believe I was called to do so by God. I appreciate the nomination and am very humble to receive this honor."
Winston, a retired adjunct professor from Jackson State Community College has worked in education for over 11 years. She has educated on a secondary and post secondary level. While working in the community, Winston also assisted her husband, Dr. Winston for over 30 years at Eastside Medical Clinic, his medical office.
Winston has dedicated her life to the youth of Jackson for the past 21 years.
Determined to make a difference and to be a positive light for someone else's life, Winston has volunteered at the Boys and Girls Clubs, Lincoln Site, the Salvation Army and the church. She serves as a minister at Mother Liberty C.M.E. Church in Jackson. At each organization, she provides inspirational messages, a bible study and shows loving kindness to all.
Her newest venture at Lincoln Site is a club for young girls aged eight years old and up that inspires children through Bible study and encourages them to be the best version of themselves. They are being taught the importance of having high self-esteem, discussing the latest fashions, how to combat bullying and how to have peaceful conflict resolution skills.
"I teach them they are a promise with a capital P," Winston smiled as she recalled a song performed by the Veggietales.
"Society doesn't tell them they are a promise and often times, they hear so much negativity. Negativity is left at the door, and they are learning that they are royal and standards are important."
Winston volunteers her time at these organizations helping with ministry, tutoring, back to school functions, end of school functions, Christmas parties, providing school uniforms and school supplies. Winston encourages everyone to reach out and see what can be done and to help reach one child at a time.
“Mrs. Winston has volunteered over 20 years of her life to the children of our community which exemplifies what heroes do,” Mayor Scott Conger said in a press release. “Mrs. Winston is an asset to the future of our city by her commitment to our youth.”
Winston, the author of the children's books entitled, "Earl, the Emu: God has a purpose for those who are different" rendered a simple message. She says God is with everyone during their tough times.
"God always keeps His promises," she said.
"Hub City Heroes” selflessly and steadily give of their time and talent to improve the lives of others in the community. Recognition as a hero is one small way to thank these public servants for their efforts and it gives honorees the opportunity to raise awareness for causes that are important to them.
After a year of heroes have been recognized, one hero will be selected and awarded $1,000 to donate to a non-profit of their choice. For more information, visit http://hero.jacksontn.gov.
Katrina Smith is an education reporter at The Jackson Sun. Send those story ideas to kmsmith@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Pat Winston, Hub City Hero, May, Jackson
