NEWBERRY COUNTY — The Newberry County Young Professionals, in partnership with local Newberry leaders, have announced the recipients of the Second Annual Newberry County Four Under Forty Award.
The mission of the Newberry County Four Under Forty Award is to celebrate the service of young professionals in the community who, through their community and professional leadership, are creating a better place to live, work, and play in Newberry County.
In addition to a Newberry County Young Professionals representative, the judges of the 2020 nominees were community leaders WKDK’s Jimmie Coggins, Newberry County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michelle Long, Rotary President Christina Pomeroy, Newberry County Memorial Hospital Foundation Executive Director Brenda Williams and Newberry community leader Liz Rivera.
After combing through the numerous nominations made by the community, the following, in no particular order, are Newberry’s Four Under Forty for 2020. The following information was provided by the nominations submitted for each winner.
Wayne Pratt Jr.
“Wayne is committed to making our community a better place. He has devoted his life to saving our at-risk teens to help close the school to prison pipeline and put an end to generational curses within Newberry County’s at-risk neighborhoods. He believes that it doesn’t matter where you come from, only where you are going. As an heir of the family business, Wayne can be seen at Pratt Funeral Home, not only when a loved one has passed, but by the bereaved family’s side, no matter what.”
“There are so many community projects that Wayne has spearheaded or helped as a collective effort. One of those events with a massive impact and huge community excitement is the Champions Gala in April. Not only does it bring awareness of cancer, but during this event they celebrate the cancer survivors in Newberry County. In recent years, Wayne and the Champions were able to raise over $10,000 to support Newberry County Relay for Life.”
“As a leader, Wayne puts the team first, creates a significant level of trust, respect, and empathy for others. Young people look up to him and he understands that his actions are intended to be nothing but positive. He’s a voice to those who do not have a voice or a platform as big as his to make a difference.”
Glenn Hamm
“Glenn, a lifelong resident of Newberry County, is a public servant in every sense of the word. While he is a local business owner, he has volunteered with the Prosperity Fire Department and Rescue Squad, where he currently serves as chief, for well over 15 years. Glenn serves on the Prosperity Business Association and Vision 2020 Board, he founded the Newberry County Water Rescue Dive Team, and serves on the County Transportation Commission, he also previously served as a board member for the Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Additionally, Glenn serves the state as a volunteer in the South Carolina State Guard, he is the commander of the Search and Rescue and is a governor appointed member of the South Carolina Floodwater Commission. As a business owner in the community, Hamm Hardware sponsors and donates to several activities and functions benefiting residents of Newberry County, from local schools and county sports teams to Newberry County YoungLife events.”
“In addition to the many professional and volunteer hats that Glenn wears, he is always a cheerleader for his community. I have witnessed Glenn give his time, talents, and treasure on countless occasions. He is known throughout the community for his generosity, professionalism, and work ethic. He has literally saved hundreds of lives as a volunteer first responder in this community.”
Oswaldo Tapia
“Oswaldo Tapia has been a resident of Newberry County for most of his life, arriving here as a young child. A product of Newberry County public schools and graduate of Newberry High School, Oswaldo has been an active member of the community by being an avid volunteer and role model. His love of the Newberry community, that has given him so much, fuels his work to selflessly assist in any way needed.”
“Oswaldo’s service to community has included, but not been limited to, handling physical tasks at the Newberry Opera House Guild’s Oyster Roast and Luau events, Newberry County Chamber of Commerce’s Tour of Homes, Farm to Table Dinner, and Ag & Art Tour, picking up and delivering the one hundred pumpkins for the Chamber of Commerce’s annual pumpkin decorating party, working as an ‘elf’ at the Chamber’s Santa’s Workshop events — teaching children crafts, being the Guinea pig for the Police Department’s dunking booth during National Night Out, working the scoreboard and helping referees during the Newberry County Underage Drinking Coalition’s annual community basketball tournament, assisting families during special events at the Newberry Arts Center, and more.”
“Oswaldo’s influence as a behind the scenes participant has been key to many of these event’s successes. He is always willing to do the hardest tasks for the benefit of his community.”
Matt DeWitt
“Matt started working at the City of Newberry in 2010 as assistant to the city manager. He later was named assistant city manager and held the role for seven years. Matt solely initiated the Facade Grant program for downtown businesses to apply and receive thousands to help paint and improve the street-scape of their properties.”
“The downtown historic look became more picturesque and the improvements incited additional occupants within downtown Main Street. Matt was promoted to city manager in 2016. Within his first 15 months, the city had more projects underway to enhance infrastructure and economic development than in its entire history. To name only a few — the City Fiber Optics program which will allow residents and business owners faster connections and enhanced WiFi at a cheaper cost; miles of water/sewer upgrades; utility electric pole upgrades; meter service technology changes to enhance customer service and allow citizens to better control costs of services; financial billing enhancements also enhancing customer benefits for power; water and sewer usages and many others.”
“His goal is to exceed expectations regarding customer service at every level. Matt treats Newberry as though he is nurturing a child to grow into the best adult she can be, while thriving long term for its residents and future generations.”
