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Written By Andrew B Church

Joy French embodies the heart and soul of Ste. Genevieve, Mo., where she co-owns Sweet Things Sweet Shop, a candy store and gift shop in the historic downtown area.

"I am just so grateful for everyone who has supported me through the years," Mrs. French tearfully said. "I couldn't have done all this without my family and friends and members of the community here. I really want to thank them all for making this possible."

A retired art teacher now, Mrs. French is painting the town mural on the side of the Quarry Workers Local 829 building. She also teaches clogging dance classes, refurbishes rocking chairs, plays hand bells at the First Presbyterian Church, Ste Genevieve, Mo, weaves baskets, makes delectable candies and treats, and is basically an unstoppable force of creative genius—on top of her day job at a local bank in Rozier's Country Mart - Ste. Genevieve, MO.

"God has given me all these talents," Mrs. French said, "And I lay in bed and I thank god for giving me each day."

PRODUCED & EDITED by Andrew B Church
PRODUCTION ASST. Caleb Cooper

Andrew B Church

Andrew earned his MA in Journalism at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, in 2018, and his BA in photojournalism at the University of Missouri, Columbia in 2009.

In 2010, Andrew joined the United States Navy. He served as a media correspondent aboard USS Wasp and was awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal for his coverage of international shipboard operations in 2011. He was promoted to media director, developing large-scale, cross-platform multimedia products for global dissemination aboard USS Bonhomme Richard, USS Germantown, and USS New York. In 2013, he was awarded the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal for his coverage of joint naval operations in the South China Sea. He helped shape official Navy training of media personnel and reset the bar in multimedia design.

After his honorable discharge in 2014, Andrew continued his work in multimedia journalism by freelancing in photography, videography, graphic design, layout and design, digital animation, and multimedia production.

Andrew joined the Baylor Journalism, Public Relations, and New Media (JPRNM) department in 2017 and has been active in multiple programs focused on the development of teaching and academic leadership. He is interested in promoting the identity of small-town America, rebuilding local journalism, and producing mixed-media “micro-documentaries” to advance social cohesiveness and democratic action.

In December 2018, Andrew was invited to teach media writing (JOU 3372) at Baylor JPRNM as an adjunct lecturer, as well as continue as a new media scholar and freelance visual journalist.

https://andrewbchurch.com
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