Wilmer Perez
Irvin Overton
Ron Lowe
Three Chattanooga community members have been selected to be honored by Southern Adventist University for their servant leadership. These individuals see the potential in others, invest in their futures, and encourage their successes. The honorees are:
Wilmer Perez, student at Howard High School (Youth Category). Currently a junior in high school, Mr. Perez is very active in the community, working closely with the Hispanic population offering translation assistance and helping people adapt to American culture. He is also active at school, where he serves in student government and is part of the Howard hospitality team. He is known for being driven, hardworking, and bright, placing others before himself.
Irvin Overton, volunteer (Community Category). At the age of 75, Mr. Overton, a Chattanooga native, is described as dedicated, compassionate, and spiritual. He is known as an avid listener and comforter, as well as a tireless volunteer. Now retired after a long career in health care administration, he hosts Bible studies at an assisted living facility, works with students at various schools, serves as board chairman of A Night to Remember, and is very active in his church.
Ron Lowe, executive director at Every Valley Leadership Academy (Professional Category). As a local nonprofit leader, Mr. Lowe selflessly invests in young people to educate, protect, and empower them, often at his own expense. Known for being engaged, unbiased, and scholarly, he is described as being “uncommonly generous with his words of encouragement and unnaturally kind in his approach to accountability.” Beyond his work with Every Valley Leadership Academy, Mr. Lowe serves and leads at a number of local organizations including community centers, educational associations, and the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce.
Southern will present awards to these three individuals during the Honoring Servant Leaders President’s Gala on Oct. 5, at 5:30 p.m. on the university’s campus.