April Anderson Named 2025 Citizen of the Year

April Anderson was named the 2025 Citizen of the Year during a packed house at the Newnan Centre on Thursday night.

April, along with her husband, Brent, own and operate The Mess Hall on Main in downtown Senoia, which includes several international food vendors, as well as the site for their coffee shop, Senoia Coffee. She is the founder of Backpack Buddies, which provides food for needy school students on the weekends.

“What an incredible honor to stand here tonight, especially in the company of such amazing people,” April said while accepting the award. “I am truly humbled and grateful.”

She is also a member of Leadership Coweta Class of 2025. The intensive 11-month program provides existing and emerging leaders with unique opportunities to enhance their civic knowledge of Coweta County and connect with other leaders throughout the county.

Another issue close to her heart is the Coweta Street Park Initiative, which will soon be renamed the Park of Hope in honor of City of Hope, the primary sponsor. The initiative will transform an existing public space within the city of Senoia, creating an innovative, welcoming and accessible green space for those of all ages and economic statuses.

The Citizen of the Year, sponsored by the Kiwanis clubs of Coweta County, honors an individual showing outstanding leadership and citizenship within the community, demonstrating exemplary vision, civic pride, and a strong commitment to a better Coweta.

The other nominees were: Jess Barron, Tricia Bethel-Sookhoo, Scott Berta, Scott Chahalis, Scott Cortner, Janet Marie Gunnels, Abigail Kimbell, Dr. Bob Heaberlin, Clay Neely, and Rodney Riggs. Each has selected a local non-profit organization, and a donation will be made in honor of the winner and their charity.