Judge Toni Terrett named Humanitarian of the Year

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Ninth Judicial District Circuit Court Judge Toni Terrett was named the Humanitarian of the Year at the Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club annual event Saturday night.

Elected Circuit Court Judge in 2018, Terrett is the first woman to serve in this capacity in her elected district. As Circuit Court Judge, Terrett rules over criminal and civil matters in Warren, Issaquena, and Sharkey Counties in Mississippi. Additionally, Judge Terrett serves as the presiding judge for the Ninth Circuit Drug Court. A program that helps addicts get control of their lives again and be productive members of society.

Prior to the Circuit Court, Terrett was a Municipal Court Judge and served as the project director for the Vicksburg Domestic Violence Victim’s Empowerment Program. In that position Terrett expanded the program to provide more services for victims while holding defendants accountable and educating the community.

A magna cum laude graduate of Vicksburg High School and Tougaloo College, Terrett went on to a year of graduate studies at Purdue, received her Master of Arts in Journalism from the University of Memphis. In 2005, Terrett earned her juris doctorate from the Mississippi College School of Law.

In addition to these accomplishments, Judge Terrett is a part of several organizations, services, and professional organizations, including serving as a board member, Vice President and President for Mountain of Faith Ministries and is a member of the National Association of Women Judges.

Judge Terrett also has five children and one grandchild. Three of her children were able to attend Saturday night’s event at the Vicksburg Convention Center.

The Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club is celebrating its 51st year in operation. Each year, they honor community members for their contributions. For the past 41 years, they have given out scholarships to students. Last night, they awarded $13,000 in scholarships.