From baseball teams to MasterChef finalists, Lincoln County once again has much to brag about.

Personal trainer Katie Dixon made it to the Top 9 in Fox’s MasterChef on Wednesday. The network calls the finalists “the best home cooks in America.”

Dixon is the daughter of Henry and Vickie Newman of Brookhaven. Though she lives in Hattiesburg now, Brookhaven still proudly claims her.

Dixon was back in town Saturday for a fundraiser at Brookhaven Academy.

“I want to tell each and everyone from Brookhaven thank you for believing in me and always pushing me to strive for greatness. I wouldn’t be Top 9 in the MasterChef kitchen if it weren’t for the love shown to me as a child from faculty and staff, and friends at Brookhaven Academy,” she said.

Dixon said she spent a lot of time on her grandparents’ farm in Lincoln County.

“I loved my grandparent’s farm,” she told The Daily Leader. “I enjoyed riding the tractor and feeding the cows with my grandfather. I also loved using the fresh veggies and milk to help my grandmother cook. I wouldn’t have my love for cooking since such an early age if it wasn’t for the farm.”

A group of 8-year-old Dixie Youth All-Stars from Lincoln County recently wrapped up their season at the World Series in Laurel. The team finished ninth in the nation.

Team members are Glenn Lewis, Seth DeGeorge, Carter Palmer, D.J. Washington, Wilson Calcote, Cole Spencer, Dawson White, Graham Smith, Ladarious Jackson, Bram Wolfe, Walker Brady and Casen Easterling.

These youngsters, along with Dixon, deserve a big congratulations on their success. They have made Lincoln County proud and reminded the state and nation that this is a special place.