By Staff
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR Paul Barrett, left, publisher of The Meridian Star, presents C.D. Smith of Meridian with a plaque Wednesday honoring the BellSouth regional manager as Citizen of the Year for his outstanding leadership and service to the community. The presentation was made at an annual reception honoring Smith and 10 Unsung Heroes on the eve of publication of The Star's "Profile 2004: Building Bridges." Photo by Kyle Carter/The Meridian Star
from staff reports
Feb. 26, 2004
Meridian businessman and civic leader C.D. Smith was named The Meridian Star's Citizen of the Year on Wednesday at a reception honoring him and "Unsung Heroes" from East Central Mississippi.
Smith, 51, born and raised in Vicksburg, is regional manager of BellSouth's East Central/Golden Triangle District. Smith and his wife, Linda, have three children: Cynthia, Drew and Danielle.
Paul Barrett, publisher of The Star, presented the award to Smith; Buddy Bynum, the newspaper's editor, announced 10 Unsung Heroes. The Unsung Heroes were nominated by newspaper readers for their behind-the-scenes work to improve the local quality of life.
Stories about Smith and all of the Unsung Heroes are featured in "Profile 2004: Building Bridges," a 140-page special section inserted in today's edition of The Meridian Star.
Barrett said Smith was the perfect choice for this year's award.
Smith's civic activities include serving on such boards as the East Mississippi Business Development Corp., Meridian Community College, The Montgomery Institute, Meridian Little Theatre and Meridian Area Navy League.
His numerous awards and honors include the Liberty Bell Award from the Bar Association of Lauderdale County and the Service to Mankind Award from the Mississippi District of the Sertoma Club.