The Exceptional Derby
at Oakfuskee
presented by Auto Gallery
05
02
26
The Exceptional Derby
Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 5-10pm
at Oakfuskee
Kentucky Derby Live Stream | Mint Juleps | Heavy Hors d'oeuvres from Ellison Bros | Bourbon Pull |
Raffle Tickets | Live Music by Nick Mayfield | Lawn Games | Best Dressed Contests
Watch our Jockeys compete in a stick-horse race as they Run for The Roses!
2026 Exceptional Jockey Contestants
The ten men and women below are campaigning for your votes in order to win the title of "Exceptional Jockey." Make a general donation or support them through a Sponsorship. One dollar = one vote. Winner will be announced live during our Exceptional Derby event on May 2nd.
Brandon Adams
Dr. Joy Baker, MD
Brent Hester
Brent is the owner of H&H Solutions, a technology and security company based in LaGrange, Georgia. He is married to his wife, Samantha, and together they have two children, Makinley and Mason. Born and raised in LaGrange, Brent continues to live and work in the community, giving him a deep appreciation for the strong relationships and close-knit bonds that make it special. Brent believes The Exceptional Way is truly a gem in the LaGrange community. He is proud to support an organization that creates meaningful opportunities for exceptional individuals and is honored to be involved in a program that brings hope, purpose, and growth to so many lives—strengthening not just individuals, but the entire community.
Brandon is the owner of The Dapper Den and Premier Portable Products of LaGrange, serving the Georgia and Alabama communities. He lives in LaGrange with his partner, Blaise, and their two children. Brandon is deeply invested in the local community, currently serving as President of the LaGrange Symphony Orchestra, a board member for the Chamber of Commerce, and a past President of the Lions Club. A "foodie" with a passion for music and travel, he is honored to support The Exceptional Way and its mission to empower adults with disabilities in Troup County.
Dr. L. Joy Baker is a Board-Certified general Obstetrician and Gynecologist in LaGrange, Georgia. She has worked in both urban and rural communities for over 15 years, after completing her medical school and residency training with honors at the Morehouse School of Medicine and Grady Health System. She currently serves as Director for Quality & Safety for Women’s Health and vice-chair of the Dept. of OB/GYN and Pediatrics at Wellstar West GA Medical Center. She is one of the first physicians in the United States to complete a HRSA fellowship in Transformational Healthcare Leadership at the Morehouse School of Medicine. Devoted to servant leadership since her matriculation at LaGrange College, Baker was selected for the American College of OBGYN’s prestigious Cefalo National Leadership Institute; and Medical Association of GA’s Physician Leadership Academy, earning her recognition as a GA Trends “Top Doc” in the OB/GYN Division. In 2024, Dr. Baker was named Wellstar West GA’s Physician of the year.Dr. Baker holds special certification in Perinatal Mental Health, as well as treatment of addiction in pregnancy. She is designated as a Surgeon of Excellence in robotic and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery by the SRC. Her clinical and research interests include health equity, reduction of maternal morbidity/mortality, state-wide perinatal quality improvement, and minimally invasive GYN surgery. She speaks on these topics locally, regionally, and nationally.In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Dr. Baker launched Delivering Joy MD on social media platforms to provide reliable women’s health information. In 2023, she partnered with BeeTV33 to broadcast her "Well Woman Wednesday" segment on local TV and Roku stations.Dr. Baker is a Georgia native, born in LaGrange to a family with a long history of service in LaGrange and surrounding communities. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and The Links, Incorporated. She is married to Alvin Leaks, Sr. and attends Impact Methodist Church, where she is a certified lay minister. Dr. Baker enjoys roller skating, music, books, discount shopping, and interior design.
David Higgins
David is part of the fourth generation at Higgins Funeral Home, a family-owned business that has served the community for decades. He is married to his wife, Lindsay Higgins, and they have two children, Charlie (6) and Mary Margaret (4). He is invested in the LaGrange community; he is a volunteer coach at the rec department, serves on the Board of Directors for Camp Viola, and plays drums for his church. He is passionate about giving back and supporting organizations that strengthen families, youth, and the community as a whole.
Bill Hunnicutt
Irisha Jones
Irisha serves as the Executive Director of Communications for the Troup County School System, where she oversees system-wide communication strategies and provides expert counsel to Cabinet-level leadership and Building Administrators. Her department hosts special events and recognition ceremonies such as the Teacher of the Year and the Retirement program. Before entering education, Irisha spent years as a broadcast journalist, sharpening her storytelling skills at WSLS 10 News in Virginia and at stations in Columbus and Albany, Georgia. She brings that same "newsroom energy" to her current role, leading her department to earn multiple national awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for excellence in digital media and communication. For Irisha, Troup County is more than a workplace— it is home. She is invested in her community, serving on the executive board for the United Way of West Georgia and actively participating in local nonprofit initiatives. She is a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and finds her greatest inspiration and joy in her role as a mother to her son, DJ.
Ashley Mayfield
Ashley is a LaGrange native, a proud mother to her daughter, Claire, and a dedicated advocate for community involvement. A graduate of Le Cordon Bleu with a degree in Culinary Arts, she brings creativity, professionalism, and attention to detail to everything she does. Ashley has been with Performance Foodservice Group for nearly 11 years and will celebrate this milestone in April. She is honored to support The Exceptional Way and its mission, “A Path to Possible,” which focuses on fostering independence, empowerment, and lifelong connections for every participant. Ashley is grateful to be part of this fundraiser and deeply appreciative of The Exceptional Way for the meaningful impact they make each day in our community.
Bryant Mosley
Bryant Mosley is a Sergeant with the LaGrange Police Department, where he oversees the Community Outreach Unit and School Resource Officers. He is also a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor, with more than 14 years of experience in mental health services, including behavioral health assessments, adolescent-focused services, counseling, and crisis intervention. His work reflects a strong commitment to evidence-based, trauma-informed practices that bridge public safety and behavioral health.
Beyond his professional roles, Sergeant Mosley is a devoted husband, father, brother, and son. He is proudly married to his wife, Christina Mosley, and together they are raising their beautiful children, who remain his greatest source of motivation and purpose.
Sergeant Mosley is also a proud member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., initiated through the Alpha XI Chapter in LaGrange, Georgia, where he actively supports service, leadership, and mentorship initiatives within the community.
In recognition of his leadership, community impact, and commitment to service, Sergeant Mosley was selected to serve as a jockey to help raise funds for the Exceptional Way Program, further demonstrating his dedication to advocating for individuals with disabilities and supporting inclusive, community-centered causes.
He is currently a doctoral candidate, actively completing Chapter 3 of his dissertation proposal, with research centered on improving outcomes at the intersection of mental health, youth development, and public safety—an area where he continues to lead with both professionalism and heart.
Ida Russell
Ida has always lived in LaGrange, surrounded by family and friends, and yes, that is a blessing. She attended UGA and graduated with an Economics degree, then came home and worked at First Federal Savings and Loan, from Teller to Marketing Assistant to Marketing Director. After her 2 sons, Henry and Fred were born, she resigned from the bank and began her stint with the Callaway Foundation, where she has been a Trustee for almost 30 years. Ida has seen much progress in LaGrange during that time, and at the top of her list is The Exceptional Way. There was a need in LaGrange for a program for special needs students who had graduated from High School- and she watched as Laurie Wilder, George Childress and many others worked tireless hours, devoted to a solution for these post graduate students. Their dream became a reality with TEW. She encourages everyone to visit if you have not been to TEW campus. You will see students like Thomas Wilder who hang out with friends and go on field trips to further their learning. They give back to the community as well, doing projects for LaGrange College and Sweetland Amphitheater. So…. YES! Ida is asking for money ... and YES, she wants to win! BUT, first and foremost, she wants you to experience The Exceptional Way as she KNOWS that LaGrange is a better place because it’s here! So, YES, give your money but also please visit, so you’ll understand what The Exceptional Way is. Ida LOVES The Exceptional Way, and if you take time to experience it, you will too!
Caroline Stone
Caroline is a LaGrange native. She attended Kennesaw State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing & Sports Marketing. In 2025, Caroline founded Greater Marketing Services, a small marketing firm dedicated to helping small to medium-sized businesses achieve sustainable growth and development without an excessive financial burden. Caroline is married to Tyler Stone, who works for Diverse Power, and together they have a one-year-old son, Jasper. They are faithful members of Rosemont Baptist Church, and Caroline also serves the community as a Chamber Diplomat. Caroline is passionate about supporting local businesses and organizations and is committed to making a positive impact within the LaGrange community. Caroline is honored and excited to raise money for such an amazing cause that fosters a future after graduation through TEW!
