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April 26, 2012
Hunter Douglas Walker
Hunter and his partner, Meagan Fee, are dancing for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Hunter is dancing for JDRF in memory of his aunt, Jina Moore, who was killed in a car wreck caused by complications from her diabetes.
Hunter is the son of Scott and Monica Walker. He accepted Jesus Christ into his heart the summer of 2010 at Bible School. One of Hunter’s goals is that he will live his life to be a “Christ-like” example for his fellow classmates. He is a member of First Baptist Church in Sevierville, Tennessee.
Hunter is a fourth-grade student in Sevierville. He is an “A” honor-roll student and participates in a variety of extracurricular activities, including:
- Drama - He played Elvis, the lead in the third grade Christmas play
- Student Council member
- Basketball - MVP for the past three years and Starter for the Sevierville fourth-grade basketball team. EXTRA: The Sevierville third-grade basketball team won the Sevier County League on February 12, 2011! Upward Basketball team player for the prior three years.
- Baseball - MVP for the last three years
- Cub Scouts for the past two years, where he as earned many badges and is working on more.
He started playing sports when he was only five and hopes to turn pro when he grows up. His hobbies are playing with his friends, reading, playing video games, and putting together Lego products. “If I don’t make it in the sports world, I want to be a Lego designer when I grow up,” says Hunter.
Vicki Phillips
Vicki and her partner are dancing for the Abby Gibson Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Endowment.
Vicki is married to Fain Phillips, has three children and two grandchildren. She has lived in Knoxville, Tennessee all her life and is a graduate of Carter High School.
As a professional marketing consultant at Praise 96.3 FM radio, she has an extensive background in the advertising industry. She has a degree in marketing and advertising and has worked tirelessly to help her clients through various forms of advertising, including many years of market research for companies all over the country.
Greg Coffman
Greg and his partner are dancing for the National Kidney Foundation. Greg will be dancing and raising money in honor of his Grandmother, Lela Ward (age 93 and in Stage 4 of Chronic Kidney Disease), and family friend, “Papaw” Ray Russell.
Seventeen-year-old Greg started singing in church at the age of six and has had a lifelong passion to sing professionally someday. Gospel Music has been his passion, but at the age of fifteen he added Country Music to his journey. He entertains throughout Tennessee and surrounding states, loving his craft and living his dream.
Greg performs every chance he gets. He is a member of the Tennessee & Mississippi Country/Gospel Music Association, North America Country Music Association International and The Bob Hamill Variety Show. He also performs at various Christian Conferences and events sponsored by A Heart Connection.
Greg is also a volunteer with an organization called Inner City Slickers (ICS). Not only is he a volunteer with ICS, he is also a Wrangler. Michael McMeel, former drummer for Three Dog Night, is the Founder and CEO of ICS. Mr. McMeel started this program in 1994 and designed it to help at-risk kids by using Cowboy ethics and horses to teach the kids Respect, Trust & Courage. You can find out more about this awesome program by visiting the website: www.innercityslickers.com
Greg is employed at Bee Green Landscaping & Lawn Care and is working on building his own small engine repair business. In his spare time, he also enjoys raising/showing his chickens, riding his horses, fishing, hunting, camping, bicycling and playing soccer.
Greg has a number of family and friends that have or have had kidney problems. He works with Dr. G. Edward Newman and the staff at The Knoxville Kidney Center, raising money for The National Kidney Foundation.
Charlotte Watson
Charlotte and her partner are dancing for the American Cancer Society.
Charlotte is 26 years old and was born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee. She graduated from Fulton High School in 2003.
"The American Cancer Society holds a dear place my heart. In 2005, I lost my first love, my hero, and my rock to cancer … others know him as my father. Three years earlier, my mother passed away from a brain aneurysm. A friend shared the following quote with me, 'Faith in God includes faith in His timing.' I couldn't be more grateful for that quote. It actually helped me more than one would think. Although I have lost the two most important people in my life, God has blessed me beyond belief with great friends and family. I am truly thankful!"
Charlotte says, "So we're not giving up. How could we?! Even though on the [physical] outside it looks like things are falling apart . . . on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace."
2 Corinthians 4:16-17
Laura West
Laura and her partner are dancing for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
"I am WONDER WOMAN ... I wonder where I left my keys; I wonder how I put on weight; I wonder where my money went; I often wonder why I wonder." This is one of Laura's many funny thoughts that will have her audience laughing. Proverbs 17:22 tells us that "Laughter is good like a medicine." This is truly how Laura has overcome the many adversities she has faced over the years.
Laura is an author and Christian speaker/comedienne from Sevierville, Tennessee. Laura and her husband, John, were foster parents to over 100 medically-fragile babies for 12 years. During those years, Laura learned that to get through the darkest days you must have laughter.
One of the babies was Maleka, a blind girl who was scalded in a tub of hot water at 15 months of age by her birth mother. Laura and John adopted Maleka, and today she thrives as a miracle from God. Laura shares this poignant story in her book, " Blind, Burned and Living Against All Odds."
Laura is energetic, comical and able to relate to any audience. For the past 7 years, Laura has traveled and spoken on many different topics, including:
"How To Learn To Die Laughing"
"Showers of Blessings"
"Jesus Wept"
"Proverbs 31 Woman"
"Burst Your Bubble of Bellyaching"
"I loved her presentation. She made me laugh and cry. Laura has a special way of presenting serious situations with the gift of humor. Her witty words and stories entertain and speak to the heart. She is a gifted speaker who we have had several times in our area. Laura is a comedian, mother and an extraordinary Christian Woman. I highly recommend her."
( Author: Beverly LaHote Schwind )
Sammy Shanton
Christina Parton Foundation
Photo
Soon!
Eternal Vision
Eternal Vision
Eternal Vision will begin this event with a short concert and will also fulfill the roles of judges! We are so glad to have them back with us for the second year of this event. Eternal Vision has always been and will continue to be, first and foremost, a ministry. We care about you, we want you to know that God loves you and has a plan for your life.
Mike Shelby is the founder and manager of Eternal Vision Ministries and handles all the bookings for the group. He was born the son of a Baptist minister in Knoxville, Tennessee. Mike has been singing Southern Gospel music since he accepted Christ as his personal savior in his early teens. He has played lead guitar in several groups before forming Eternal Vision in 1989.
Mike plays guitar and piano as well as singing lead and baritone. Mike's powerful voice and his uncanny ability to convey the meaning in a song lays the foundation for an exciting worship experience. His sincerity, and enthusiasm make him a favorite with audiences across the country. Mike currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee with his wife Gail and their daughter Kari. When he’s not on the road, Mike runs Eternal Vision Productions recording studio in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Gail Shelby is Mike’s wife and has also been with the group since its beginning. Originally the bass guitarist for the group, she stepped up to take over the alto/tenor vocals for the group in 1998. The daughter of a Baptist minister, she grew up in Knoxville, Tennessee. Her beautifully smooth voice give her solos a unique soulful quality. Gail has a natural ability to “connect” with an audience and brings a unique “female” perspective to the quartet. In addition to her singing duties, Gail also handles all the bookkeeping responsibilities for the ministry. Additionally, she has a photography business: Vision Photography.
Shannon Shelby is the son of Mike and Gail and is a young man whose musical abilities are nothing short of phenomenal. He has been with the ministry since its early years and is an accomplished drummer, guitarist, bass guitarist, and pianist. Shannon’s vocal talents match his instrumental accomplishments. He has the ability to croon a ballad, belt out a powerful anthem, or deliver an “edgy” contemporary song. His vocal style is often compared to Guy Penrod. Shannon’s youthful enthusiasm makes him an instant favorite with young and old alike. He is bringing a new audience to Southern Gospel music. In addition to his other talents, Shannon is also a great song writer and the musical arranger for the group. More impressive than his musical ability is the fact that he has chosen to use his considerable talent in God’s service. His commitment to ministry is genuine and heartfelt and serves as a remarkable example to others his age. Shannon currently resides in Knoxville Tennessee.
Stuart Stallings is the newest member of the Eternal Vision family. Like others in the group, Stuart was raised in church where his dad was the Minister of Music at John Sevier Baptist, Glenwood Baptist and Arlington Baptist in Knoxville, TN. Stuart sang bass with Won Heart for six years before coming to Eternal Vision in May of 2004. He has developed a reputation as one of the smoothest bass voices in Southern Gospel. In addition to a rich bass voice, Stuart is also the "class clown" and his antics often elicit smiles from the most somber countenances. Stuart also plays guitar and is a songwriter. He currently lives in Morristown, Tennessee with his wife, Jan, and their daughters, Stephanie and Rebecca. Having accepted Christ as his personal Savior when he was eight years old, Stuart is solidly committed to serving the Lord with his talents and his time.
JP Miller
From Sycamore Road to Sevierville, Tennessee, JP Miller has had one driving force: the guiding voice of God through music. It was a direction he felt strongly about pursuing in his own life's path. So, after graduating from Fairmont State University, he was off to Tennessee to see what might be in store for him. Starting at Dollywood's Southern Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum gift shop, he sought opportunities to "hit the road" with his music.
Eleven years into his ministry, JP has recorded several albums, including his newest project "A New Day." He has shared stages with The Crabb Family, The Hoppers and Dottie Rambo.
JP has co-hosted the worldwide televised "Inside Gospel" with Gospel Music Hall of Fame legend, Lou Wills Hildreth. "Inside Gospel" guests include Ricky Skaggs, Bill Gaither, Mark Lowry, and The Happy Goodmans.
He was also a member of the rated-gospel trio "First Love." Far from his West Virginia beginnings, JP has shared his voice from within to the far corners of the world.
JP and his wife Tyanne have two children, Macee (their little princess) and Micah (a ball-of-fire little boy). They still reside in Sevierville, TN where JP loves to have yard sales, take naps, eat Japanese food, and play with his kids.
With a full time solo concert tour schedule, hosting a weekly television program, “Southern Style Praise”, hosting a weekly radio program live from Ogle Furniture Outlet (Sevierville, TN), “Smoky Mountain Gospel Jubilee," being a youth pastor, a husband, and father, JP knows that God has blessed him with a wonderful life and has indeed given him “the desires of his heart.”
Corky North
Corky and his partner are dancing for the Refuge Youth Group of the Parkway Church of God.
Corky North is originally from Detroit, Michigan. He relocated to the Smoky Mountains about 20 years ago. He enjoyed a long and successful career at Home Depot. Corky retired last year but that did not last long! He quickly took a position at Country Tonite Theater helping his good friend and General Manager, Jeff Taylor, fill in as an usher when they needed extra help.
Subsequently, Corky got a call from Coleman Peacock, the Director of The Iris Vest Widows Center. Mr. Peacock asked Corky to be their Maintenance Coordinator for their entire center! Corky added that to his “retired” list and hasn’t slowed down since!
Corky and his wife, Carla, have four children and are both active at Parkway Church of God in Sevierville, Tennessee. Corky has served on the church council, is an active member of The Primetimers Group, and sings in the church choir. If you know Corky, you know he is a true example of God’s love and opens his time and resources caring for the needs of others.
Charlotte Watson
American Cancer Society
Alice Overholt
Alice and her partner are dancing for Camp Eagle's Nest. It is a camp for children with cancer sponsored by the Hematology/Oncology clinic at Children's Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee.
She was born in Greeneville, TN and moved to Knoxville at age of 13. She was saved at the age of 8, but did not give Christ lordship of her life until the age of 30.
When Alice rededicated her life to Him, she began serving in many capacities for her church. She taught Sunday School, served as assistant director at vacation bible school, and sang in her church choir. Staying active in church functions has always been a passion of hers.
As the original member of Heart To Heart which was formed in 2000, Alice gave the group its name. She sings the alto part and also lead. Her soulful voice brings a unique quality to the group and she can easily connect with the audience.
Alice met Danny when he joined the group in 2001; they married in 2004. Their love for the ministry and serving God has been their passion in their lives and in their marriage.
She is very approachable and easy to talk to, bringing a woman’s perspective to the group. Alice is living the call and has an urgency to see as many souls saved as she faithfully follows Christ’s direction.
Alice Overholt
Camp Eagle's Nest
Carrie Moore
Melody Lockhart
Kayla Parton
Special Olympics
Pam Morgan
Tennessee Food on Foot
Click on the photos to read more about our Stars!
Pam Morgan
Pam Morgan and her partner, Tyler Mercereau, are dancing for Tennessee Food on Foot.
Tennessee Food on Foot "provides nutritious food to the hungry and homeless of the Lakeway area. Tennessee Food on Foot Foundation and local volunteers prepare and distribute food bags every Saturday at the Daily Bread Community Kitchen to help feed the hungry on Saturday evenings and Sunday when The Daily Bread is closed."
Pam was born and raised in Sevierville, Tennessee and she is a nurse for Children's Hospital. Pam loves her Savior, Jesus Christ. She also says her son, now 5 years old, is the greatest gift God has ever given her. "He brings joy to each and every day of my life," says Pam.
Corky North
Refuge Student Ministry
Hunter Walker
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
Greg Coffman
National Kidney
Foundation
Laura West
Shriners Hospitals for Children
Website design by Elegant Events, Knoxville, TN - elegant-events@comcast.net
3D Studio of Dance & Fitness
A Heart Connection is pleased to have this professional dance and fitness group with us for our event. Lessie and Waylon McCarter are the owners of 3D Studio of Dance & Fitness (Sevierville, TN). Lessie and her partner, JP Miller, won this event last year.
We provide top-quality dance, tumbling, fitness, personal training and nutrition education in a complete Christian atmosphere for all ages. Our goal is to encourage every individual to gain confidence, self-esteem and a positive self-image while reaching their fitness, dance and weight-loss goals. Please contact us today to schedule your FREE consultation to discuss your needs.
Lessie was born in Tampa Florida, but has lived in Sevierville, Tennessee most of her life. Lessie married her high-school sweetheart, Waylon, in 2002. They have a beautiful daughter, Aleya. Lessie's passion for dance began at a very young age. She was a cheerleader, a member of the dance team, and choreographed many routines for other groups and schools. Even then, her true desire was to use her talents for God. The Lord opened doors in 2002 for her to travel in a Christian dance and drama ministry called "3D". She is still very involved with that ministry today. Lessie has been blessed to work with people of all ages teaching church groups, choreographing many routines, and leading dance workshops all over the U.S. Over the years, she has recognized the need for dance to be taught in a clean, Christian atmosphere. Lessie says, "I want to make a difference that will have an eternal purpose.
Waylon was born and raised in Sevierville, TN. He has always been involved with fitness from a very young age and still makes working out and nutrition a very important part of his life. He began his training in Martial Arts at the age of 7 and is now a 3rd-degree black belt. Wrestling and gymnastics were also a part of his high-school activities and he was captain for his junior and senior years.
Academy Ballroom
A Heart Connection is excited to have Academy Ballroom back with us for this second-annual event! Emily Loyless and Jeremy Norris are the owners. They have a new location in The Shops at Western Plaza, 4415 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919.
We are excited to help you on your journey to better dancing! We believe everyone has the ability to learn to dance, even if you think you have no rhythm! Our studio hosts a friendly and welcoming atmosphere while providing students with a fun learning experience. From wedding dances to singles and couples, we aim to make everyone a better dancer. We offer private lessons, group classes, and parties to fit any schedule and budget.
We look forward to dancing with you!
Emily and Jeremy
Jeremy Norris & Emily Loyless
Pictured Left to Right:
Lessie McCarter, Owner
Waylon McCarter. Owner
Paul Pfeiffer, Certified Personal Trainer
Haley Rhea, Certified Zumba Dance Fitness Instructor
Pictured Left to Right: Jeremy Norris, Emily Loyless, Mark Becker, Rhonda Becker, JW Becker, PT Turner, Lisa Turner, Suzanne Devan,
April Jilbert, Marie Connelly, Johnny Tang, and Walter Hayes. Staff Not Pictured: Chris Larsen.
Sammy Shanton
Sammy and his partner are dancing for the Christina Parton Foundation (see description below).
Sammy is a hometown boy, born and raised here in the Smoky Mountains. A musician since he was young, he enjoys singing and playing his guitar for church services everywhere – but he really can’t dance!
His occupation is building houses in the local area. He does repair work and most anything when people call on him for help.
He always has a smile on his face, even in hard times. And, will put a smile other peoples’ faces along the way. He is a man of God and will always stand up for truth, goodness, kindness, and the Way of the Lord. With a powerful voice and skilled fingers on his guitar, he has blessed many church meetings, family gatherings, Bible study groups, Bible School groups, weddings and funerals. Just ask him, and he will graciously pick up his guitar and sing the blessed traditional hymns or the more contemporary songs of today.
His eyes are forever looking toward Jesus.
Christina Parton Foundation
Parents: Jennifer Johnson & Elmer Parton
Brother: Jesse Parton
Grandparents: Patricia Davenport
Roy and Ellen Parton Christina Marie Parton is a bright and beautiful 13-year-old whose life was normal until July 5, 2011. Her life was filled with “normal teenage” activities - school, friends, a boyfriend, and texting. She played volleyball at Rush Strong Elementary School in New Market, Tennessee. She also enjoyed going to the Boys and Girls Club in Kodak, Tennessee. Christina celebrated Independence Day in 2011 at her Grandfather Roy’s home with all the family.
On the morning of July 5, 2011, her Nanna Pat noticed that Christina was swollen. Being a concerned grandmother, she convinced Christina to go to the doctor. While at the doctor’s office, Christina’s breathing became labored. When she stopped breathing, Christina was rushed to Children’s Hospital of East Tennessee. Tests confirmed that she had T-Cell Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Since that time, Christina has had chemotherapy and several blood transfusions. She has seizures and has also been diagnosed with Neuropathy.
Christina is now attending school at home. She still enjoys music, including Hip Hop, Country, Jazz and Gospel. Her favorite singers are Jesse J and Michael Jackson.
Vicki Phillips
Abby Gibson Veterinary Medicine Scholarship Endowment
Kaleb Townsend
Sevier County Animal Shelter
Byron Jordan
Grace's Place
Kaleb Townsend
Kaleb Townsend and his partner, Kaedyn Griffin, are dancing for the Sevier County Animal Shelter.
Biography coming soon!
Byron Jordan
Byron Jordan and his partner, Stefani Stephens, are dancing for Grace's Place.
Biography coming soon!
Kayla Parton
Kayla Parton and her partner are dancing for the Special Olympics.
Kayla works for the Sevier County school system in Sevierville, Tennessee. She is the member of the family Gospel singing group, The Partons. From 2008-2010, she danced in a group called "Back Beat."
Singing and writing songs just comes naturally to Kayla. She has sung and written songs since age 12. God has blessed her with a gift that touches the hearts of people everywhere. As a teenager, she had already written and released a song to national radio. God is the main focus in her life.
Kayla has two daughters, Serenity and Rebekah. "I thank God for everything he has blessed me with," declares Kayla.
"Tennessee Waltz"
The Columbian Ballroom Orchestra
JP Miller
Monica Walker
Sevierville, Tennessee
