Thomasville celebrates 'Stars Night'
For immediate release:
June 08, 2023
Thomasville Tourism Commission and the HiToms are proud to present the 2 nd annual Thomasville Stars Night. This night at the HiToms game will be focused on everything Thomasville. Nine Unsung Heroes will be recognized between each inning. These heroes were selected by various organizations and community groups as people who contribute and give to the Thomasville community. These “Thomasville Stars” will be awarded a plaque as well as a jersey for their efforts. The entire community is invited to the City’s Historic Finch Field on Thursday, June 15th. The gates open at 5:00 and the game begins at 5:30.
See below for the list of Thomasville Stars and some bio’s.
2023 Thomasville Stars Nominees
List of nominees:
Bick Craig
Jennifer Barker
Cheryle Parrish
Tammy Goodwin
Luz Shoffner
Brad Saintsing
Lisa Edwards
Travis Hawkins
Don Crafford
YMCA
Luzangela “Luz” Shoffner
She works part time with the YMCA as a liaison with our Hispanic population and making sure they are receiving information for a healthier lifestyle. She also works with Thomasville City Communities in Schools as a full time employee. She takes her time with families to make sure they understand the information she is providing. These are two large non-profits in our community that she is having a positive influence.
Thomasville Tourism
Cheryle Parrish – volunteer
Cheryle has selflessly devoted her time to Tourism for almost 3 years now. She consistently works every Monday assisting the Director with our weekly giveaways, as well as volunteering to fill in where necessary. From special projects such as leading the charge on decorating the Depot for Christmas to creating beautiful gift baskets for the community Cheryle shares her creative talents with the organization frequently. Also, she attends and helps promote events all throughout the year and even helps design and create merchandise sold in the Visitors Center. She is an invaluable part of the team and this is a well-deserved honor.
Novant Medical Center
Tammy Goodwin, RN, Nurse Manager for Womens/Children’s and 2 East Med-Surg.
School System
Jennifer Barker - School Social Worker/Davidson County Schools
As a social worker for Davidson County Schools specifically in the Denton/Silver Valley communities Mrs. Barker works with students, teachers and families to address problems such as truancy, social withdrawal, overaggressive behaviors, rebelliousness, and the effects of special physical, emotional, or economic problems. Mrs. Barker is committed to her students and families. She works tirelessly to form positive relationships with students to help them. feel safe, understood and to succeed.
non-profit sector
Bick Craig - He volunteers for us at CCM and has for YEARS, plus he also drives for meals on wheels and volunteers at the church a ton!
Thomasville Chamber of Commerce/COT
Brad Saintsing
Supporter of the HiToms and volunteers on the Chamber board and Officer with the Thomasville Police
Department
HiToms
Name: Lisa Edwards
Their title/occupation and their organization: HiToms staff member and Walgreens Pharmacy Tech Description: Lisa has been a rock solid contributor to the HiToms organizational efforts for almost 2 decades. She regularly attends HiToms community evens such Read Around the Bases and she always willing to step in to help our gameday staff when we're in a pinch. Lisa was also formerly a member of the Thomasville Historical Preservation Committee. Her welcoming personality has and will continue to be a positive impact in our community!
Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship
Travis Hawkins
Travis Hawkins has been a superior help in the community. You can always find him helping someone whether in the church or just out and around the town. He assists with His Cares Ministries on a regular basis helping to feed in the community. He is just a kind person and will assist wherever there is a need.
He is a member of Citadel of Faith Christian Fellowship.
City of Thomasville
Don Crafford -
Retired Division Chief Don Crafford began his career on April 18, 1988 and rose through the ranks during his tenure with Thomasville Fire and Rescue. Before retiring on January 1, 2023, Chief Crafford served as Division Chief of Training. Chief Crafford is valued and respected as a veteran, well-rounded fire service leader. Currently, serving in part-time capacity with the department to ensure excellence. Also, Chief Crafford serves on that national level for the National Fire Protection Agency developing standards that affect firefighters across the country.
Beyond the confines of his career department, Mr. Crafford has exemplified the meaning of volunteer and has dedicated many years of his life to serving his community of Welcome, NC,through his service with Welcome Fire Department. He has advanced through the ranks and is now serving as the Fire Chief.
Chief Crafford is continually seeking out ways to enhance the service that his department provides to their citizens and anyone passing through the area. Chief Crafford has long been an instructor with the Community College System and has taught countless firefighter classes in Davidson and Davie Counties and beyond. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Davidson County Association of Fire Chiefs.
