Magistrate picked as top young pro

A Hamilton County magistrate was recognized Friday as Chattanooga's Young Professional of the Year.

Sharetta Smith was honored by the Young Professionals Association of Chattanooga.

"Wow. I think I'm the most shocked in the room," she told those attending a YPAC luncheon at the Business Development Center.

Smith told a story about a teacher in a seventh-grade language arts class who told her she could be valedictorian someday. Smith's parent didn't graduate from college, and she said the teacher's words had an impact.

"No matter who you come into contact with, there are people watching and what you say can change people's life and their destiny," Smith told the audience.

Others honored by YPAC Friday included:

• Michael Brandt, artist of the year

• Chris Palmer, community service award

• Andrew Scarbrough, entrepreneur of the year

• Decosimo, YP-friendly business of the year

Keynote speaker Kim White of RiverCity Co. told those at the YPAC luncheon to do something they love.

She said she made a decision to "put my passion over my pocketbook."

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