Thursday, July 30, 2009 — M to the I to the double-L S! B to the E to the double-R Y! What does that spell? Millsberry! What does that spell?...

This was the cheer we heard coming from Peabody Park the other afternoon—and it got louder with every round. We headed right over, only to find that the cheer was coming from...Edna Nelson, Millsberry's oldest and most beloved citizen! At first, we were worried that all the jumping around in the heat would exhaust her, but once we saw she was just fine, we asked what on earth she was doing!

Smiling, Edna told us, "I'm practicing my cheer for the Millsberry Spirit Awards! I was nominated alongside Harold Ettin from the Grocery Store, Loretta Rivers from the Wearhouse boutique, Millsberry Academy's Coach Danner, and Tania Guzman from the Hair Salon. It's going to be tough competition but I'm determined to win—and I think this cheer will help!"

The Millsberry Spirit Awards! We thought it was a rumor! But, lo and behold, it's true. The Spirit Awards are on again, so we turned to Mayor Wright—who's hosting the event—to get a little more information about the shindig, set for next week.

The Mayor explained, "We thought it was finally time to think about—and honor—some of the best things to come out of this little town...namely, its wonderful citizens! I selected the nominees with the help of my staff, as we tried to figure who and what was getting the most Millsberry buzz."

We then asked the Mayor when voting begins—and to tell us one special thing about each nominee.

"Glad you asked! The voting starts today and we need each and every citizen to participate! So please, take the poll."

The Mayor continued, "The best thing about each nominee? Well, I'll start with Edna. She has lived in Millsberry her whole life, and she played an important role in the campaign that helped get me elected. She could even be our honorary mayor!

"As for Harold Ettin, he brought Fruit Gushers® fruit-flavored snacks to Millsberry when he revamped the Grocery Store. And Loretta Rivers' fashions are more popular than ever. You could say she's made the town more stylish.

"With Tania, I'd mention the memorable makeovers she achieved over the past year, thanks to her hair expertise. And, last but not least, Coach Danner did a great job hosting the father-child softball game, which was a 'smash hit'! He also has a passion for health and fitness, and tries to get everyone involved."

After hearing all about the nominees, we were eager to know if a fabulous prize was in store for the "most spirited" Millsberrian. But, when asked, the Mayor just grinned and said, "Well that of course is a surprise! But I can say, that based on the winner, there will be new items coming to town."

On our walk back to the Gazette office, we spotted the lovely Edna, jogging with Coach Danner, while still yelling out her cheer! Talk about spirit!

Just don't forget to do your part by checking out the latest poll, and voting for the most spirited citizen!