In May, the Junior Service League of Rome concluded its 90th year of service with its annual May Dinner, held at the Rome Area History Center. This celebratory event marked the end of the League year (September through May), highlighting a season filled with meaningful service and impactful accomplishments.
Current President Shannon Kennedy-Newby delivered her annual report, reflecting on a successful year and expressing gratitude for the dedication of League members. She also introduced the incoming President for the 2025–2026 League year, Amber Taylor.
The evening included recognition of the League’s newest members. Provisional members welcomed into the organization include:
Sheena Baker, Jassuandra Bryant, Chelsea Burkhalter, Mallory Collier, Georgia Doss, Colleen Fries, Alyssa Grey, Emily Thurmond Griffin, Holly Hendricks, Addie Lay, Josie Lyles, Kaitlin Newport, Kacie Proctor, Holly Ann Rucker, Brittany Sublett, Sydney Merrin, and Mary Kate Wheeler.
Additionally, the League celebrated new active members: Sarah Hunt, Bridget Ivey, Stevie Ivey, Joy Park, Angie Ray, Ansley Terhune, Barrie Turney, and Gracen Wilson.
As part of the evening’s highlights, two members were honored with the League’s most prestigious awards. Michelle Virtue was recognized as the 2024-2025 recipient of the Dawn Baker Heart and Hand Award, presented to a member who exemplifies dedication, compassion, and consistent service. Cristine Pilgrim, former League President and longtime supporter, was named Sustainer of the Year for her enduring commitment to JSL and the broader Rome-Floyd County community.
Throughout the 2024-2025 League year, JSL members volunteered thousands of hours across numerous local nonprofits, including Harbor House, Fork, Spoon & Plate, the YMCA, Restoration Rome, Brighter Birthdays, the Children’s Museum, Family Resource Center, The Bloom Closet, Open Door Home, Empowered Elegance, Chieftains Museum, and more.
Through the success of their fundraisers-the annual Poinsettia Sale and biannual Follies Performance the League donated nearly $50,000 to community grant partners and will donate school supplies to local schools through their non-profit, League for Learning. Grant recipients included A Teen’s Choice, Cal’s Library, Children’s Museum of Rome, Empowered Elegance, Fork Spoon & Plate, Habitat for Humanity, Hight for Sight, Mike Dean Athletics, NWGA Hunger Ministries, PFLAG, Restoration Rome, Summit Quest, Sexual Assault Center, the Davies Shelter, Boys & Girls Club, and local schools West Central Elementary and Garden Lakes Elementary.
The evening closed with excitement as incoming President Amber Taylor announced the 2025-2026 Board: Angela Baron, Nash Cooper, Montana Garrett, Laura Green, Kara Griggs, Erin Huffman, Sarah Hunt, Bridget Ivey, Stevie Ivey, Chelsea Losh, Lee Morris, Joy Park, Annette Tew, Megan Treglown, Michelle Virtue, Nicole Waln.
As one League year ends and another begins, the women of the Junior Service League of Rome remain committed to their mission of enhancing the social, economic, educational, cultural, and civic well-being of the community through effective volunteerism. To learn more about the Junior Service League of Rome and the work they do, visit www.jslofrome.com, find them on Facebook at JSL of Rome, or follow them on Instagram at @jslofrome.
