The Exceptional Derby
at Three Oaks Farm
presented by Auto Gallery
05
03
25
The Exceptional Derby
Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 5-9pm
at Three Oaks Farm
Kentucky Derby Live Stream | Mint Juleps | Heavy Hors d'oeuvres | 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!
2025 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 3rd.
Lisa Alford
Lisa was born and raised in LaGrange and has dedicated her life to fostering wellness and connection within her community. A lifelong yoga teacher, she is the proud owner of The Inner Path Yoga Studio, which has been a cornerstone of well-being in LaGrange for over 22 years. Lisa is deeply committed to helping others find balance, strength, and flexibility through yoga. She is married to Dr. Terry Alford of Hometown Family Medicine and together they share a love for family and community. As a devoted mother of three and a happy grandmother of the fabulous Penelope; Lisa cherishes time spent with her loved ones. Lisa is passionate about supporting TEW and embracing its mission to make a positive impact.
Drake Childress, DMD
Drake was born and raised in Lagrange. He recently just moved back after completing dental school and is now working alongside his father at Childress Dental Center. Drake is married to his wife of 4 years, Sarah Beth Childress. They have a dog names Masters and enjoy being outdoors and doing anything sports related. Drake is excited to support an organization that has meant so much to him and his family. It has been a joy to see his dad and other board members bring this organization from an idea into a caring facility for adults with special needs. There isn’t another organization in the community that he can relate to more after growing up with his brother, Carson, who has severe autism. Drake witnesses first hand the difficulties and trials each family faces on a daily basis. TEW is a necessity in the participants and families lives. Let’s go racing!
Avery Britt
Avery has called LaGrange home since 2012 when she arrived to attend LaGrange College. Now a dedicated teacher at Ethel Kight Elementary, she is passionate about her students and goes above and beyond to create meaningful relationships with them. She is a strong advocate for those who need a voice, always striving to support and uplift the children in her care. Her commitment to serving others extends into the community, where she is an an active member in the Junior Service League of LaGrange. At home, Avery and her husband, Zack Britt, stay busy with their almost two-year-old daughter, Baylee and their beloved dog, Zeke. Avery is honored and excited to raise money for such an amazing cause that fosters a future after graduation through TEW.
Dr. Nicholas Griffin
Dr. Nicholas is a Transition Facilitator for the Troup County School System and Founder/CEO of ELVTD Youth and Mentoring, Inc. Dr. Griffin was recently awarded the 2023 ASPIRE Varsity Coach of the Year Award for his work as an adaptive sports coach of the West Georgia Wolverines. He is a board member for the LaGrange-Troup County Chamber of Commerce, the Stanley Garden Church and the community organization, CIRCLES, whose mission is to “identify and eliminate the causes of poverty and support those wishing to lift themselves out of poverty.” He also serves as the Board Chair for HopeGivers which is an Emmy award winning show about youth mental health on PBS. Dr. Griffin is also a current member of the Troup County community
organization, YP (Young
Professionals), in which he was awarded the 2023 Young Professional of the Year Award by the LaGrange- Troup County Chamber of Commerce. He is also a previous Leadership Troup graduate and current Leadership Troup Committee Chair.
Katie Daniel
Katie is a Lagrange native. She attended the University of Georgia where she received a degree in Child and Family Development. After graduation she went on to complete her Masters and Specialist degree from LaGrange College. Katie is married to Trey Daniel and together they have two children, Olivia and Aaron. Katie is a 3rd grade teacher at Hollis Hand Elementary. Her husband works at Daniel Realty and Insurance Agency. In her free time she enjoys walking, playing tennis, and going to the lake and the beach. Katie is excited to raise money for such an extraordinary cause!
Jeffrey Higgins
Jeffrey owns and operates Higgins Funeral Home at Hunter-Allen-Myhand alongside his family. He currently serves as the President-Elect of the Lions Club of LaGrange and is actively involved in several boards throughout Troup County. As a member of Rosemont Baptist Church, Jeffrey leads the 10th-grade Bible study. He and his wife, Jamie Higgins, are proud parents of two wonderful sons.
Amy Foss
Amy is a native of Tennessee, but now enjoys calling Georgia home after moving to LaGrange six years ago. She and her husband, Coleman Foss, are active members of First Baptist Church where she serves as a young adult Sunday School teacher and leader of women’s ministry. While attending Ole Miss, Amy grew to love the special needs population while completing her practicum for her degree. She later taught middle school special needs physical education. Amy considers it an honor to raise money and awareness for TEW program.
Stephen Spivey
Stephen has called LaGrange home for over 15 years, having moved to the area to attend LaGrange College, where he earned a degree in Political Science. After graduation, he dedicated his career to serving the community as a member of the LaGrange Police Department, where he now holds the rank of Sergeant. Stephen is the proud husband of Nicole Spivey and together they share three beautiful children. His passion for advocacy and support for individuals with disabilities is deeply personal. His older sister, Stephanie, was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome at just five years old and is wheelchair-bound. This personal connection makes the mission of TEW especially meaningful to him.
Kayla Jackson
Originally from Lexington, KY, Kayla has called LaGrange home since 2016. She is the Primary lead teacher in the Blue Room at First Presbyterian Montessori where she shares her passion for nurturing young minds, ages 3-6. As a dedicated educator, Kayla finds joy in helping children explore, and develop a love for the world around them. Beyond the classroom, Kayla is a wife to her husband, Jamey Jackson, and mother to their two daughters, Scarlett and Savannah. This year, she is thrilled to participate in The Exceptional Derby. A fun and meaningful event supporting The Exceptional Way, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Dr. CJ Tumambing, MD
A native of Troup County, CJ and his wife (Dr. Lacy Tumambing), have moved back to raise their own children while trying to improve the health of the good folks of our community. CJ enjoys long walks on the beach, romance novels, and a bit of sarcasm. "Secretariat and Citation ain’t got nothing on me!"
