Wilson Johnson (3rd from right) with his wife Lorrance, Vidalia Mayor Doug Rope, Mayor Pro Tem John Raymond Turner and Johnson' Church Family

A man who devotes himself to the community and church with a heartfelt focus on the youth was recognized by Vidalia Mayor Doug Roper Monday night as this month’s recipient of the Sweet Onion Award.

Wilson Johnson is the founder of Community Project Hope which is a program that reaches out to young men who have had minor brushes with the law and attempts to turn them around. This is just one example of what this community-minded man does each day.

Mayor Roper said there was “a long laundry list” of reasons why Johnson was selected for the monthly award and noted that the community is appreciative of his service.

In receiving the award, Johnson said he wanted to thank God, his church family, as well as his longtime friend and now Mayor Pro Tem John Raymond Turner. He concluded to expressly show appreciation to his wife of 36 years, Lorrance.

“We support each other in everything we do,” Lorrance said. Wilson quickly interjected, “I thank God for giving me a wife who lets me do what God has called me to do. I am a blessed man!”