FULL SERVICE
BANKING
Whether you need to check your balance, pay a bill or transfer funds,
The Bank of Soperton & Million Pines Community Bank has you covered.
NOW AVAILABLE
EVERYWHERE
121 Church Street, Vidalia · 912-403-3019
Hometown Living At Its Best 55
of six and sixteen and that child has
more than five unexcused absences, a
parent could be criminally responsible
for that child not going to school,” said
Rizza. “We’ve had to take out warrants
against parents, and they have been
arrested. Parents need to just be in
communication with the school.”
In 2008, Rizza returned to visit her
family still living in the Philippines.
“Most people living in the Philippines
would be considered poor in
comparison to how we live in the US.
In rural areas like where I visited my
family, I saw extreme poverty. Most
homes are concrete. There is limited
running water. For example, to bathe,
you would have to take your cup and
pour water over yourself. Despite these
circumstances, the Filipino people are
also some of the happiest people in the
world.”
In June, Rizza’s Aunt, Suzette
Odango, will travel to the United States
for the first time to attend her niece’s
swearing in ceremony as President
of the YLD. In their excitement, a
family member contacted ABS-CBN,
a major network in the Philippines,
and told them Rizza’s story and
many accomplishments that include
becoming the youngest Asian
American to serve as a Judge and
the first Filipino-American Judge in
Georgia. A reporter came, and the
story was broadcast throughout the
Philippines. When Rizza watched a
recording of the interview later, she
was shocked to hear her aunt describe
her grandfather’s prophecy, which was
also confirmed by her mother.
Rizza first came to Toombs,
County, for greater opportunity and
experience. But the friends she’s
made and the community in which
she has become a part are the reasons
why she has remained. Her strong
leadership and heart to serve give our
daughters an example to follow and
first-generation children of immigrants
a story to share with pride. It is our
great honor to have “one of the 25
most influential Asian Americans in
Georgia,” as named by the Georgia
Asian Times in May 2018, serving the
people of Toombs County. TCM