WCTE PBS is excited to announce a 2025 Upper Cumberland Neighbor of the Year award. Nominations for this award began in January when community members nominated individuals who exemplified what Being a Good Neighbor meant. One person from eight different counties was chosen to move on to the next round, Upper Cumberland Neighbor of the Year award. To vote for one of the candidates visit the website at www.wcte.org or WCTE PBS Facebook page. Voting will close Monday, March 17. The winner of the community vote will be recognized at WCTE PBS Annual Dinner on Thursday, March 27.
Below are your county nominees:
Robbie Melton, Overton County: Robbie is always willing to help her neighbors in need, takes care of friends and family, and always thinks of other. She is a wonderful example of a public servant and woman in general. She is so humble and never asks for anything in return. Robbie is always willing to lift a hand to help.
Heather Call, Putnam County: Heather is a generous supporter of local businesses and always willing to go above and beyond for her community. She works hard in all she does, she is humble in her work and accepts everyone for who they are.
Gretta York, Fentress County: Gretta is an incredible member of the community. She goes above and beyond to serve others. She has a caring heart and is a true light. She is a true example of being a good neighbor.
Bill Zechman, Warren County: For more than four decades, Bill Zechman has exemplified the very essence of community service, dedicating his time, talents, and unwavering commitment to making Warren County a better place. Through every role he has undertaken—public official, journalist, civic leader, educator, and mentor—Bill Zechman has embodied what it means to be a good neighbor. His decades of service, both seen and unseen, have left an indelible mark on Warren County and beyond.
Jim Grove, Cumberland County: Jim is always there when the church, neighbors, or food pantries in the county need help. He has a servant heart who is always willing to lend a helping hand. Shannon Minchey, Smith County: Shannon is always willing to help his neighbors. On numerous occasions he has helped get cars out of ditches or cleared trees for his community. I would consider Shannon one of the best neighbors around.
Nick and April Patterson, Clay County: Their shared passion for agriculture, community service, and education has translated into a series of impactful contributions, strengthening the
Clay County community and rural Tennessee as a whole. Through their hard work, generosity, and unwavering faith, Nick and April Patterson have made a profound and lasting impact on Clay County’s economy, schools, families, and future.
Kyle Richardson, Jackson County: Kyle is always willing to give his all to his community by organizing fundraisers and helping the local schools and nursing home. This young man is one of the most honest, caring people that I have the honor to know, his love for Jackson County is very easy to see, he is always going above and beyond what he loves most. Kyle is never putting his self-first, always helping with a smile on his face, never asking anything in return.
