By Staff –

Eleven-year-old Nyla Marie Ragland

The ROC Awards recently honored local residents for their contributions in the areas of entertainment, theater, visual arts, fashion design, and community involvement during an awards ceremony at the Kodak Theater for the Performing Arts.

In addition, Glenn Jeter, the owner of the McDonald’s on Upper Falls Blvd.; Melany Silas, an associate professor at Monroe Community College; and former All Day Sunday store owners Ruby and Gene Lockhart also received special honors during the event.

The organization’s list of honorees and winners is below.

1. Rising Stars: Children Recognized for Extraordinary Achievements
   1. Ms. Nyla Marie Ragland, 11yrs. old, Gymnast. Started training at the age of 5 at the Henrietta Recreational Center, 2014 she was an Official USA Gymnast. Has won 52 medals of Gold, Silver, Bronze and countless Blue Ribbons.
   2. Mr. Geoffery Rogers, 14 yrs. old, is the “Youngest News Reporter in Rochester” – according to his business card and social media. He has gained attention by reporting hard news, and prefers to report on crime. His goal is to make his community safer.

2. Special Recognition

1. Melany J. Silas
2. Glen Jeter
3. Rubie Lockhart & Gene Lockhart

3. Humanitarian Award: Constance M. Mitchell – Civil Rights Activist, and the first African American to be elected to the Rochester City Council.
   1. Constance Mitchell-Jefferson (daughter of Constance M. Mitchell, accepted the award for her mother).

4. Life Time Achievement Award: David F. Gantt, Assemblyman
   1. Glen Gamble, County Legislator, accepted the award for David Gantt.

5. The Cab Calloway Vanguard Award for Humanities and Entertainment: Yolanda Smilez (recognizes an individual in the entertainment industry who unselfishly gives their time, energy and talents to better the community).

2017 Winners From Nomination Categories

1. DJ Of The Year: Tygga Ty
2. Make Up Artist Of The Year: Tyshala Wright
3. Comedian Of The Year: Uncle Trent
4. Designer Of The Year: Mecca
5. Gospel Rap Artist Of The Year: D. Will
6. Female Host Of The Year: Racqui B
7. Male Model Of The Year: Andre Walker
8. Dance Group Of The Year: Sweet Dancerz
9. Female Gospel Artist Of The Year: Jeames Graham
10. Best Radio Station/Show (TOP 3 Stations Chosen):
    1. Angel White/The Muse ii. The Kickback iii. The Goddess Hour
11. Female Hip-Hop Artist Of The Year: Angel Golden
12. Fashion Icon Of The Year: Tiffany Nicole
13. Actress Of The Year: Pamela Johnson
14. Best Latin DJ: Johnny Mambo
15. Album Of The Year: Project #MOG/D. Will
16. Producer OF The Year: JK Productions
17. Event Of The Year: Kicking The Violence Kickball Game
18. Tattoo Artist OF The Year: Natty Tatty
19. Male R&B Artist Of The Year: Toshman Powell

20. Minority Business Of The Year: (TOP 5 highest voted nominees of various categories were ALL presented with trophies):
    1. Love Monkey, Monique Chattman, Owner ii. Mobile Spa, Rayna Brooks, Owner iii. Beads & Bangles, Jaira Santiago, Owner iv. Memories Funeral Home, Shawn Watson-Hemphill, Owner v. Tangie’s Restaurant,Tangarine Hannah, Owner
21. Gospel Group/Choir Of The Year: Divine Nature
22. Promoter Of The Year: RoDaddy Entertainment
23. T-Shirt Line Of The Year: We Don’t Hate, We Just Hustle
24. Reggae DJ Of The Year: DJ Maestro
25. Photographer Of The Year: Frank White
26. Hair Stylist Of The Year: Brittany Hagood
27. Stage Play Of The Year: Four Men On A Couch
28. Male Gospel Artist Of The Year: Rickey Harvey, Jr.
29. Freelance Artist Of The Year: Fleezy Art
30. Author Of The Year: Tracy L. Williams
31. Best Band: Danielle Ponder and The Tomorrow People
32. Female R&B Artist Of The Year: Danielle Ponder
33. Male Host Of The Year: Toshman Powell
34. Actor Of The Year: Eddie English
35. Female Model Of The Year: Aubrey Lynn Oates
36. Dancer Of The Year: Porsha Moné
37. Sketch Comedy Of The Year: Joel James
38. Male Poet Of The Year: Chi TheRealist
39. Female Poet Of The Year: Ladi Love
40. Male Hip Hop Artist Of The Year: Reggie Royale
41. Barber Of The Year: Ronnie Kidz Cuts
42. Video Of The Year: Sorry “Remake” Directed by Flawless Entertainment Shantel Brown Ft. Miamore The Vet

Visit http://www.rocawards.com/ for additional information regarding the group.

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