Tifton Mayor awarded by City of Waycross for assistance in aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Kennedy L. Sanders Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award

TIFTON, Ga. – The City of Waycross awarded Tifton Mayor Julie Smith the Kennedy L. Sanders Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award for their appreciation of her outstanding efforts and assistance during the aftermath and recovery of Hurricane Helene.

In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the City of Tifton lent a generator to the City of Waycross that was able to power the vital systems of their city.

Waycross City Manager Ulysses D. Rayford presented the award to Mayor Smith on Friday, May 2, 2025.

City of Waycross Mayor Dr. Michael-Angelo James wrote in his letter to Mayor Smith, “It is true that when we stand together we can overcome even the gravest of tragedies.”

Mayor Smith received both a certificate and commemorative railroad spike from Downtown Waycross as a token of appreciation.

The Outstanding Citizen Achievement Award was named in honor of Waycross native, Sgt. Kennedy L. Sanders, an Army Reserve soldier who was killed in action during a drone attack in Jordan in January of 2024.

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