By Marilyn Miller

Ochsner LSU Health System’s Sarah Watson Overall was tapped as the 2024 Terry L. Gardner “Young Professional of the Year” at the “Fifteen Under 40” banquet and presentations Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Minden Civic Center.

Overall was among 15 honorees representing businesses in Minden and nearby municipalities who were introduced to the public earlier this month by the Greater Minden Chamber of Commerce.

In addition to her current employment in Quality Management with Ochsners, Sarah is an RN and was a travel nurse for 14 years. She is the owner of Sarah Overall Events and is the founding organizer of Pearls of Purpose, Inc. and the annual Witches Ride of Minden. She and her husband, Seth, are the parents of four-year-old Caroline Elizabeth. They are members of the First Methodist Church of Minden. Sarah sits on the board of Minden Main Street.

Lindsay McClaran, 2024 Board vice-chairman welcomed a large crowd, getting the evening started.

The individual “Fifteen Under 40” honorees were introduced by Mandi Hart and Logan McConathy. Recipients were Ryan Barnette, GB&T; Chris Bordelon, Forestry Techniques/RecLand Realty; Elizabeth Campbell, City of Minden; Jordan Cupples, AEP (American Electric Power); Michael Davis, Jr., The Michael Anthony Creative Agency; John-Joseph (Jay) Grigsby, Webster Jr. High School; Marcus Harmon, Carrier Enterprise; Halea Lipinski, Wise, Martin, and Cole, CPAs; Brandi McNeill, Minden Physician Practices; Twyla Mims, Webster Parish Assessor’s Office; Morgan Monday, b1BANK; Sarah Overall, Ochsner LSU Health System Shreveport; Braley Raborn, Mission Creek Resources; Kristin Reagan, Minden Medical Center; and Tamra Wichelns, Home Federal Bank.

Haynes Mandino, 2023 “Young Professional of the Year” then presented this year’s award to Overall.

The evening’s “Chamber Circle 2024” title sponsors were TG Companies, LLC, b1BANK, Bonvenu Bank, Catherine C. Hunt, LA State Realty, Gibsland Bank & Trust, Home Federal Bank, and Interstate Building Materials. B1BANK was also the Award Sponsor.

Also making the event possible were Signature Sponsors: Debbie Callender/Paige Salas, realtors with LA State Realty; Gibsland Bank & Trust, Home Federal Bank, Meadowview Health & Rehab, Minden Mayor Nick Cox, and Minden Medical Center; Sign Sponsors: Catherine Hunt, realtor, LA State Realty; Mike’s Hometown Spirits, Split Sea Marketing, and The Villas at Spanish Court; Dinner Sponsor: Hugh Wood Specialty Meats & Catering; Dessert Sponsor: Geaux Fresh Bistro; Social Hour Sponsor: Ace Hardware, La. Senator Adam Bass, Durrett Law & Title, Mike’s Hometown Spirits, Minden Family Dental; Wise, Martin & Cole, LLC; Under Dawgs Sports Grill.

Following a Variety Show featuring juggler and comedian, Arty Dodger, closing remarks were delivered by Chamber President Stephanie Barnette, who was the recipient of a special “15 Under 40” honor earlier in the evening. The award was given by her husband, Ryan Barnette, who was among the 2024 honorees.

“(Stephanie) has turned down nominations for this award over the years to ensure that others worthy of this honor didn’t miss their seat at the table,” Barnette told the audience, after describing the months of secret meetings that went into the development of his wife’s recognition, virtually relabeling the award “16 Under 40.”

“In Minden, (Stephanie’s) name is synonymous with words and phrases like professionalism, dedication, volunteer, work ethic, and lover-of-community. I watched, as we all have, day after day and year after year, how much she has contributed personally to the success of not only the Greater Minden Chamber, but so many businesses and people in our city and the surrounding areas. Additionally, so many of our city’s events, including this one, would not be possible without (Stephanie’s) hard work, dedication, and unparalleled leadership.