Hughes Springs honors community with Crystal Globes

The Hughes Springs community gathered on Saturday, Jan. 30, to honor those who have made an impact on the community in the the past year. The yearly Crystal Globe Awards were hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, and were held at the Hughes Springs First Baptist Church Christian Life Center. The evening began with an introduction by Chamber President Jeannie Adams. The first award of the evening was then given by Adams. The Chamber Directors Award is presented to a Chamber member for their involvement in the community as well as the Chamber. The Chamber Director's Crystal Globe was awarded to Linda Sue Teel. Following Teel's acceptance of the Director's Award, Adams then introduced Tim Thornton, who then acknowledged Tammy and Marshall Mashaw, whose company, “Taste This,” catered the Hawaiian themed meal. Thornton then introduced the evening's entertainment, JAZZ by Bryan and Cathey, who serenaded those in attendance with guitar music reminiscent of island entertainment. Following the dinner of Hawaiian Chicken, Rice Pilaf, Caribbean Vegetable blend, and rolls, it was time to get to the business of the evening: the Annual Crystal Globe Awards. The first award, presented by the Sesame Literary Club, was presented to that member who went above and beyond in the past year. This year's award was presented to Mrs. Jane Mathis, who was also surprised with family who had come into town for the event. The Gemeta Castle Award was then presented to Mrs. Theresa Roquemore, a Hughes Springs graduate who is still active in the community through the Traylor Community Center, as well as through many church ministries. The Spirit of Beauty Award is given each year by Gina's Salon. This year, Gina began by relating a story of how this year's recipient first began making an impact in her life. As it turns out, Darlene Stewart was the one who first suggested Gina attend Cosmetology School and that was the beginning of what has become a lifelong friendship. That friendship culminated on Jan. 30 with Stewart being awarded the Spirit of Beauty Award. The Hughes Springs Retired School Employees then recognized John and Barbara Crane for their many years of service to numerous school districts, including Hughes Springs. Coach Crane had played basketball at Kilgore, and was honored for his service Hughes Springs ISD as a coach. The Teacher of the Year awards followed the Retired School Employee award, and was started by Elementary School Principal Scott Hanes. Hanes presented the Elementary Teacher of the Year Award to Brooke Dannelly, a fourth grade writing teacher who has taught in Hughes Springs for 14 years. Dannelly was praised by Hanes for her work with the students, saying her belief is “everyone can succeed, we just have to find the way for each of them.” Brian Nation then took the stage to introduce the Junior High Teacher of the Year, saying that she could be whatever the students needed, including being a shoulder to cry on, as well as being a disciplinarian when needed. The recipient has 27 years has spent 19 of them in Hughes Springs, as well as being “the best Go-Go their grandson could ever ask for.” The Junior High Teacher of the Year was Mrs. Gloria Nation. The final Teacher of the Year Award was presented by High School Principal Heather McGregor. The high school recipient was has 10 years of experience at Hughes Springs, and 13 years total experience. Lix McCoy has been instrumental in Hughes Springs, organizing “Do Something Day,” as well as being instrumental in getting a section of Highway adopted by Hughes Springs High School. The Fireman of the Year Award followed the Teacher's Awards, and was presented to Cindy Taylor, who has been a member of the Hughes Springs department since 2012. The next Crystal Globe was given to the Business of the Year. Each quarter during the year, the Chamber chooses a business as the Business Pride Award. Those business go on to be considered for the Business of the Year Award. To be chosen for the Business Pride Award, business must be a Chamber member, and enhance the Hughes Springs community. The businesses chosen in 2015 were The Design Factory, Reeder-Davis Funeral Home, and You-Niquely Yours. The Crystal Globe Award was given to The Design Factory. Adams then presented the Citizens of the Year Award to two ladies who are instrumental in the everyday workings of the Hughes Springs city offices, as well as helping the Chamber sell tickets and chairing the annual Wildflower Trails 5k. Kim Laigle and Glenda Russell are also instrumental in the Santa's Secrets and Silver Angels Tree, a program which assists in providing Christmas gifts to children in Hughes Springs Schools and senior citizens in the local Nursing Homes, which led to their being awarded the Crystal Globe Awards. The final award of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award. This year’s recipient was described as the “most delightful lady” by Adams, who said she loves people, especially those who love to talk. She was a graduate of Hughes Springs High School, and was later a teacher at Hughes Springs for 30 years. She has been an active member of First Baptist Church in Hughes Springs, and has been awarded multiple Crystal Globes, and is a delight to everyone she meets. Adams then presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mrs. Wanda Cockrill, who was afforded a standing ovation by those in attendance.