M. Session is 'Hometown Hero'

Maxine Session of Rusk has been named "A Hometown Hero" by KBLZ, Blaze Radio, Tyler. Her name was announced Sept. 4 on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and she later received a $500 check.

Mrs. Session was nominated by her granddaughter, Krystal Ward-Carter.

Mrs. Ward-Carter's letter stated Mrs. Session has for years impacted the lives of others not just in Rusk, locally, but across the state and the nation.

She is retired school teacher and principal with more than 30 years of service.

In her community Mrs. Ward-Carter credits her granmother with assisting to implement the Inez Reeder Conley Learning Center. This center provided after school assistance to school age children in all subjects.

Mrs. Session is owner and editor of the first and only African American newspaper in Rusk, which began as Cherokee County Informer, now Texas Informer. The Informer is used to speak out against social injustices and inform the public about happenings in East Texas.

Mrs. Session is a volunteer pianist at her church, refusing to accept compensation for her talent.

She is a member of the Rusk Chamber of Commerce and a former president. She is a member of the Rusk Economic Development Board and Charter Committee; treasurer of the Texas Publisher's As- sociation, Lauretta Stewart Scholarship, and the G.W. Bradford Reunion Committee.

She has initiated community clean-up. She and her husband, City Councilman Walter Session, mow yards in the community and clean lots with a tractor.

She has tutored many children from her home and provides counseling and encouragement to anyone in need.

Mrs. Ward-Carter said, "She is not only a hometown hero; she is a stellar mother and grandmother. She is the mother of three daughters and seven grandchildren. She is her grandchildren's number one fan, seldom missing a ball game, band competition, and so forth.

She has also spoken at black history programs, women's day programs, and other events hosted in the community.

Mrs. Session has been recognized in the community as Woman of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and Editor of the Year.