2025 MTDF Fairest of the Fair Visits Lawrenceburg Rotary

Photo Caption: Rotary President Maria Santini, Speaker MacKenzie Coleman, MTDF Fairest of the Fair Coordinator Gina Old.

Lawrenceburg Rotarians welcomed MacKenzie Coleman, the 2025 Middle Tennessee District Fair (MTDF) Fairest of the Fair, as guest speaker at its December 12, 2025 meeting. Coleman will be representing the Middle Tennessee District Fair in statewide competition at the Tennessee Association of Fairs State Pageant in Murfreesboro.  She shared details of her humanitarian platform, “It’s OK to Not be OK,” an initiative focused on addressing child and teenage suicide and supporting the mental well-being of young people in the region.

Coleman explained that her platform seeks to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and provide practical resources to help children and teens cope with emotional challenges. Her overall fundraising goal for the project is $2,500, with $500 designated as a donation to the Jason Foundation, a nationally recognized organization dedicated to youth suicide prevention and awareness.

A key component of Coleman’s project includes the creation of an age-appropriate educational video that addresses issues commonly faced by young people, including mental health struggles, self-worth, and the importance of seeking help when needed. In addition, Coleman is assembling and distributing “care bags” containing a journal, a Bible, and other age-appropriate inspirational items. Three of these bags will be provided to each middle and high school in Lawrence and Giles Counties. For younger students, her project will place at least two age-appropriate books in every elementary school, featuring positive stories designed to help children feel confident and good about themselves.

To donate to the effort, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/its-ok-to-not-be-ok-yb2zu

Lawrenceburg Rotarians expressed appreciation for Coleman’s commitment to improving youth mental health and applauded her compassionate approach to addressing such a critical issue affecting families and communities.