2025 Sterling Awards recipients honored during ceremony
JACKSON, Tenn. — After 15 years of awarding women for their hard work, one award ceremony returns for another year.
The Sterling Awards honored 20 ladies this evening from different careers and backgrounds.
“We’re telling these women we see them. They’ve worked hard, they’ve done a lot of things. Sometimes you don’t always get that pat on the back but tonight, we’re giving them their roses and we’re giving them that pat on the back,” said Margaret Taylor, president of Jackson Area Business and Professional Women.
The Jackson Area Business and Professional Women received 48 applications.
After deliberation, they were able to award 20 women for their dedication to their careers and communities. One award in particular honors those who have served their country.
“We also have a female veteran award. That is for someone who has served in the military, that is now retired or removed from the military. And has come back to her community serving her community in different ways,” said Taylor.
Another award given out Tuesday was for a women who practice law. This is in memory of an impactful lawyer from Jackson.
“Sue Shelton White was a practicing attorney here, actually in Jackson. She was very instrumental in women’s rights back in the early 1900s. She co wrote the, I think, the social security act, rights for women’s act. She did a lot for women,” said Taylor.
Two recipients were awarded $2,000 in scholarship funds.
“They had to write an essay and that essay talked about their history and how they have come back to school and what they’re striving for now. We want to help them reach that goal,” said Taylor.
Isha Wade, a nontraditional student, spoke on the importance of this award for her.
“Very blessed, with nontraditional students we don’t have very many options when it comes to scholarship opportunities and grants. So, winning something like this is definitely helpful. It kind of gives you the extra motivation just to finish because, other people believe in what you believe in yourself,” said Wade.
Krystal Taylor, also a non traditional student, shared that this award was important for not only her but for her children.
“It feels great, they really look up to me and to be able to show them you can do whatever you want to do no matter any obstacle you can do it,” said Taylor.
In 2026, the Sterling Awards will share a physical copy of 300 recipients to celebrate the ladies from over the years.
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