Greater Picayune Arts Council (GPAC) member and city advocate, Gladys Hughes returned to home to a reception and given a Key to the City, at the Intermodal Transportation and Tourism Center on Sunday. Hughes returned to Picayune after a whirlwind trip to Pentagon City, Vir. and an appearance on Good Morning America, in New York, to compete for the Ms. Veteran America Pageant: The Woman Behind the Uniform held at the Ritz Carlton. Hughes won Most Talented and placed Second Runner Up overall. She was also given the fourth place award in a tight competition for raising money for homeless Veteran women. Hughes raised $3500 towards this effort. GPAC President Carolyn Terry said that Hughes is such a talented lady and inspiration to everyone who knows her. Her contributions to Picayune on Stage and GPAC are enormous and lasting. The town of Picayune is lucky to have such an ambassador in the national spotlight. While presenting her with the Key to the City, City Manager Jim Luke said that Hughes has given a lifetime of service to her city and country. She has left Picayune better than she found it through her community efforts. She continues what will be her legacy of contribution throughout the city, county, state and nation.

Photo by Sally Edwards