The Maury County Democratic Party is excited to announce award winners for this year’s Progress Banquet. Each award winner will be honored with a plaque, certificate, and a $200 donation in their name to the charitable organization of their choice.
Vicki Hale | The Jerry and Linda Colley True Democrat Award
For four decades, Vicki Hale has been a dedicated member of the UAW community.
Her journey began in 1985 at the Wentzville plant in Missouri, followed by a significant contribution to the Spring Hill facility. While at UAW Local 1853, Vicki’s commitment to the union was evident in her active participation and leadership within the local executive board and various standing committees.
Her dedication extended beyond the workplace; she currently serves on the executive committee of the Tennessee Democratic Party’s 28th district, representing a vast area encompassing Maury, Marshall, Lewis, Giles, and Williamson counties. Simultaneously, she holds a position on the Maury County Democratic Party executive committee, representing District 1.
Vicki’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to both labor and community service make her a valuable asset to our community and party.
Cindy Sims | The Judge Jimmy Matthews Community Service Award
Cindy Sims is a wife, mother, and the Executive Director of Center of Hope.
She grew up in Columbia and now lives in Culleoka. on a small farm with her family. She began her career at Center of Hope in 2018 after a 20+-year career in the medical field.
After she and her husband adopted a sibling group of 4, she needed to find a job closer to home. She was blessed to be offered a job with Center of Hope in a field that she had always enjoyed, community service. She loves working with Center of Hope and finds the task of educating the community about the issues and warning signs of domestic violence and sexual assault very fulfilling.
Kassi Fox | The H.O. Porter Educator Award
Kassi Fox is a lifelong Tennessean and dedicated educator who has spent her career inspiring students and building community.
Raised in Clay County, she grew up immersed in civic engagement—both of her parents served as chairs of the Clay County Democratic Party throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. That passion for public service led Kassi to work on numerous state and local campaigns, including a write-in campaign for Sherry Fisher, several campaigns for State Representative Les Winningham, and a Senate campaign for State Senator Kurita. She also served as a two-year intern for Congressman Bart Gordon, working in both his Cookeville office and on Capitol Hill.
A proud alumna of Tennessee Tech University, Kassi earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science and was an active member of the College Democrats, leading the Students for Kerry campaign on campus. She went on to earn dual master’s degrees in Political Science and Teaching from the University of Memphis, followed by an Ed.S. in Instructional Leadership and Curriculum from Tennessee Tech.
Kassi began her teaching career in Memphis City Schools in 2010, where she taught middle school social studies. After nearly a decade in Williamson County Schools, she joined Maury County Schools, first as an American History teacher and now as an assistant principal—currently serving at E.A. Cox Middle School.
Since 2011, Kassi has called Maury County home. She lives in Columbia with her husband, Zac Fox, and together they own Bad Idea Brewing, a local small business rooted in community. Kassi’s lifelong commitment to education, civic leadership, and progressive values embodies the spirit of the Horace O. Porter Educator of the Year Award.
Tre’Veontae Martin | The Ty Cobb Young Democrat Award
My name is Tre’Veontae Martin. I’m a proud Black young man, born and raised in Columbia, Tennessee, and a graduate of Columbia Central High School.
Throughout high school, I committed myself to serving my school and community. I had the honor of being involved in Student Council, the Columbia Mayor’s Youth Council, Key Club, Interact Club, and more than 20 school-based extracurriculars. I also served with over 10 community organizations that helped shape my passion for service, leadership, and justice.
One of my most meaningful roles is serving as Board Secretary for the Columbia Peace and Justice Initiative, an organization dedicated to exploring our past, redeeming it, and inspiring a better future. Our most important current project is the installation of a Thurgood Marshall statue in downtown Columbia—not just as a tribute to a civil rights icon, but as a permanent recognition of the 1946 race riots and the legal battle that followed, which Marshall helped lead.
I’ve been blessed to receive several honors, including the 2022 NAACP Youth on the Rise Award and the Dr. Jim Craig Scholarship. I was also one of only 25 students selected out of over 5,000 across Tennessee to attend the YMCA’s National Conference on National Affairs.
This fall, I’ll be attending Belmont University to study Political Science on a Pre-Law track. My future plans are rooted in home—I want to return to Columbia to practice law, eventually start my own law firm, and serve my community through elected public office. My goal is to uplift, advocate, and lead—so the next generation sees what’s possible right here in Columbia, Tennessee.
Celia Watson Parrott | The Maury County Democratic Women’s Life of the Party Award
Celia Watson Parrott was born in Blytheville, Arkansas in 1948 to a Republican family. When Celia turned 21, she voted for her mother, Mrs. Lucille Watson, the GOP’s nominee for Arkansas state representative. Being a woman and a Republican in the then-very Democratic state of Arkansas, Mrs. Watson did not win. Celia declared herself a Democrat in 2000 and boldly closed the red door.
After graduating from the University of Memphis in 1970, Celia earned her certification as a Medical Technologist from Methodist Hospital School of Medical Technology. Celia worked for Methodist Hospital’s clinical laboratories, as well as in virology and immunology research at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.
Celia and her husband, Earl Q. Parrott, M.D., moved to Middle Tennessee and raised their son, Adam. For 15 years, she coached swimming for the local YMCA and at Columbia Central High School. She later taught Health Science Education at Columbia Central and Antioch High School in Nashville.
Celia recently led the Maury County Democratic Women. She and Dr. Parrott live in rural Maury County near Cross Bridges.