Local radio station 104.7, The Fish, recently accepted nominations for people who serve the community in different ways to be recognized. Joan Lawrence, or Miss Joan as she likes to be called, was selected as Locust Grove’s Hometown Hero. As part of the award, she received a $500 gift card.

Miss Joan leads a non-profit organization, Fruit of the Spirit Princesses, that mentors young ladies between the ages of three and 18. They have made pillows for the elderly, have taken food to the elderly at various times in the year, and done other activities to instill service to others. Year after year, Miss Joan and some of her “princesses” have been seen ringing the bell at the Salvation Army post at the Locust Grove Walmart. She recruits successful people from all walks of life, some from meager beginnings, to talk to the children and answer questions. A guest from this past July was Locust Grove Police Officer Richie Rodriguez for Vacation Bible School. Rodriguez gladly answered the call to give the children a close interaction with him, to overcome their possible fears and create a more positive relationship with their police department and other law enforcement agencies. Activities such as these have endeared Miss Joan to various churches, families, law enforcement, and organizations.

For more information about Fruit of the Spirit Princesses, contact Joan Lawrence at 404-550-4896.