Gail Mitchell will  be the 2010 Picayune Civic Woman’s Club Christmas Parade’s  Grand Marshall.  Mitchell, a Lifetime Member of the club, earned this distinctive title by receiving the coveted CWC Club  Woman of the Year Award for 2009.

As Grand Marshall, Mitchell will lead the  parade in a convertible.

“One of the many reasons that Gail received the award is that she goes above and beyond what is asked of her. She never says no. She has a heart for people in need. She is a fine example of our club and the caliber of women that belong to it,” says Darlene Adams, Civic Woman’s Club Past President Advisor and member of the State Board.

She continues “In addition to being the Conservation Chairman for the club, Gail works full time at Stennis. She co-founded and continues to help oversee the Pride of the Tide Dance Team. She is also a member of 1st Baptist Church, where she volunteers as well.

Club President, Kathleen Penton, says, “One thing that I can say about Gail, is if you want something done, ask her.”

Mitchell says, “I just like doing things for others. I have been a member of the e Civic Woman’s Club for 42 years. Julia Ann Underwood Russ had me join up three weeks after I married my husband. I have been involved with it ever since.”

When asked why she has stayed with the club so long, Mitchell says, “We like to do things for the schools and I love doing things for the schools. This will be the first time since the Pride of the Tide was formed that I will not be marching with them in  the parade.

“Another thing is that the club is a great place to build strong friendships. I have close, dear friends in there now and I will always be part of the club in some way.”

Did she have role models that she looked up to when she first came to be part of the club?

She says, “My role models in the club were some very special people. Audie Smith was a past Grand Marshall of the parade, Mary Ellen Bright and of course, Diane Handley.”

Parade Chairman, Sandy Houston, says, “I’m thrilled that she won the award and will be the Grand Marshall this year in the parade. I’ve never seen a person give so much of herself to others. She is one who sincerely gives of herself and will help anyone— whether she knows them or not. Another thing that I love about her is that she always has a big smile! No matter what is going on in her life, you will get the same big smile every time you see her. She is really special.”