Special to The Democrat

NATCHEZ — The AMB Association’s youth will celebrate Youth Night at 6 tonight at Pilgrim Baptist Church.

Youth will hear from three presenters.

Dr. Kevin Gilbert, president of the Mississippi Association of Educators, believes that education is the noblest profession in our society, and those involved have accepted a special calling primarily through their love for children.

He understands that having great public schools is not a privilege; it is a basic right for every child.

He is a veteran educator with experience that includes coaching, substitute bus driving and substitute teaching.

He is married to the former Andrea Nicole Hoskins of Natchez, and they have two children: Kristopher and Kameron.

He serves as a deacon at the Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Madison. Gilbert’s presentation will be to the response of the importance of receiving a good education.

Terri McGruder a native of Natchez is an English and reading teacher at Ferriday Junior High School.

Prior to her transitioning into the Concordia Parish School District, McGruder was employed with the Tensas Parish School Board as a reading and language teacher for 10 years.

During her tenure there she served in several capacities; certified life skills trainer; Beta Club sponsor; a member of the school improvement team; and a member of the Positive Behavior Support Team.

McGruder has also received recognitions at Tensas Parish High School as “Teacher of the Year” five times and was honored as “Teacher of the Year” for the entire parish in 2008.

As a Christian mother of two, Darius and Damira McGruder, McGruder understands the importance of enhancing the spiritual growth of young people.

She has a love for sharing her passion for learning as she educates children whether it is in Sunday school or in the secular world.

This also shows up in her work as a member of Pilgrim Baptist Church where she serves as chairperson of the youth ministry and as the youth choir director, Etc.

McGruder currently is a candidate for a doctoral degree in educational leadership.

Her presentation during the youth gathering will focus on Christian conduct.

Coach Samuel West also native of Natchez was educated in the Natchez Public School District.

He graduated from Copiah-Lincoln Community College and Texas Southern University receiving the applicable degrees and later entered Jackson State University earning a master’s degree in health and physical education. After 33 years, West reached the pinnacle in his career and decided to retire last year from teaching and coaching.

West is most proud of the days he spent as the head basketball coach and teacher at Sadie V. Thompson Jr. High School and North Natchez High School where he says his life and career were shaped.

West is an avid advocator for health awareness who speaks whenever there’s an opportunity to promoting its benefits. He has been married for 27 years to his wife Theresa and together they are proud parents of three daughters, Tammetria, 31, Connie, 25 and Taylor, 23. West will share health, wellness and nutritional values.

The program guide for youth night is Dr. Michael Winn Jr.

Winn is a graduate of Natchez High School and of Xavier University College of pharmacy.

He is a member of King Solomon Baptist Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and Kappa Phi Professional Fraternity.

He is employed at Walgreens Drug Co. in Natchez, prior to that he worked for his family for what is now formally known as Winn Pharmacy.

The Spring Session of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Association of Adams County will be from 8:30 until noon Saturday at Pilgrim Baptist Church.

The parent body will convene at 8:30 a.m., beginning with devotion and registration, followed by a class period conducted by Rev. Kenneth Stanton, Congress President.

Four classes will be offered this session: (1) Organizing a Laymen Ministry (2) An Effective Youth Ministry (3) Women’s Auxiliary Workshop and (4) Preparing Your Church for Ministry. There is no cost for AMB members for classes or workshops. Call 601-445-5995.