Nominees for Rising Star of the Year
Stephanie Alderdice
As president of 61 Celsius, Stephanie Alderdice is committed to helping businesses, organizations and individuals within Hot Springs and Garland County share their stories, and increase awareness of the great work groups are doing to improve the quality of life in the region and promote economic development.
Alderdice is actively involved with numerous organizations and serves on the board of Hot Springs National Park Rotary Club and the Hot Springs Documentary Film Institute.
Donya Catlett
Donya Catlett is the head of the Ali’s Angels Foundation, an organization with a goal to improve the lives of all children, especially those with Batten disease and rare and undiagnosed diseases.
Catlett lost her daughter, Ali, to Batten disease in September 2014.
Through the Ali’s Angels Foundation, Catlett brought the disease to light for many. Catlett has secured land and developed plans for an all-inclusive, barrier-free handicapped accessible playground for all in the community. It is a first of its kind.
Jim Miller
A Hot Springs native and graduate of Henderson State University, Jim Miller has worked in nonprofits during his entire adult career. He is currently the director of marketing at Mid-America Science Museum.
He has served on the City of Hot Springs Advisory Committee, the Historic Downtown Farmers and Artisans Market. He has also served and volunteered for other local arts organizations and nonprofits.
Miller is focused on marketing Mid-America and the creative community of Hot Springs.
Mackenzie Simon
Owner of Fat Bottomed Girl’s Cupcake Shoppe and Pour Some Sugar on Me Sweet Shoppe, Mackenzie Simon is a 20-year-old female entrepreneur.
Simon bought the cupcake shop only eight days after graduating high school in 2015. She opened the sweets shop in April 2016.
This past Halloween she held the first Glow on the Row Harvest Festival and trick or treating event for the downtown area, which included 2,000 pounds of candy, 18,000 glow sticks, 2,000 mini cupcakes, games, small toys, live music, movies, face painting and costume contests.