SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Positive Image Outreach Ministries Inc. held its

annual awards banquet during February at the University of Montevallo.

Welcome was extended by ministry president James Salter.

The colorful decorated dining area prepared by Tanya Brown resembled a museum of African-Americans past and today&8217;s successful leaders. The meal was prepared by Ina Ray Farrington and Patricia Barnes Walker.

Evangelist Vivian Bolling Bolden served as mistress of ceremony, and music was provided by minister of music Joyce Lewis and minister Jamiah Tolbert.

Talented youths, Ryan Gilbert, Quentessa Abercrombie and Kniya Tolbert entertained during the event.

Guest speaker was Dr. Vanessa Nason, principal of Montevallo Middle School.

&8220;Dig deep and identify if you are active or passive,&8221; she told those gathered for the event. &8220;The youth need to know if they have someone in the community to encourage them to go farther.&8221;

A number of awards were presented during the program including the Positive Image award to Will Brantley.

Brantley was the first black president of the PTA at Montevallo High School.

The Helping Hands award went to Dortholo Nicks.

The Trailblazer award went to Harpersville Mayor Theoangelo Perkins.

Another Trailblazer award was presented to Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed.

The Community Service award went to former MHS principal Johnny McClain.

Five students received plaques and monetary awards.

Josh Woodson, a senior at Thompson High School, was recognized at Mr. Upward Bound 2006.

Kristan Carlisle, a senior at Jemison High School, and Melanie Coots, a senior at West Blocton High School, also received Upward Bound recognition.

Montevallo Middle School awards went to China Shields and Blake Patterson.

PIOM Inc. was founded by the Rev. Dr. A.L. Jones Sr., pastor of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Wilton.

The focus of the ministry is to help children, men and women meet their full potential through Jesus Christ.

For information about PIOM Inc., call Lelia Mitchell at 602-1029 or Jones at 665-4408