Daingerfield Chamber hosts patriotic banquet

By: J. Leslie Riseden

Special Contributor to The Steel Country Bee

Red, white and blue were the colors of the evening at the Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet Feb. 27. Emcees Courtney Harris and Shane Pennington welcomed members, guests and honorees to the event, which included steak dinner with all the trimmings, catered by the Daingerfield Fire Department. Scott Darby delivered the opening invocation, and The Next Level First Pentecostal Youth group provided dining and beverage services.

Throughout the evening, attendees strolled past a wide array of silent auction items, making their bids on everything from fishing tackle and cherry pie to spa packages and dinner-for-two. Guests also received door prizes for gift cards and gift certificates.

Phillip Chapman presented the Lions Club Horizon Award which, this year, was awarded to two young ladies: Baylee Sullivan and Kallye Sullivan. Mr. Chapman explained that the outstanding academic accomplishments, extra-curricular activities and community involvement demonstrated by these twin sisters were so similar that the Lions Club organization voted to present both of them with the Horizon Award.

Four Educators of the Year were recognized for their dedication and contribution to their schools, their students and their profession. Lesia Lewis commended all teachers for the stress they handle from every direction. She presented the West Elementary Teacher of the Year award to Paula Killyon. South Elementary Teacher of the Year is Michael Rutherford, whom Craig Toney said “makes everybody around him better.” Junior High School Principal Linda Rhymes presented the Teacher of the Year award to Judie McGough. Ms. Rhymes said that her students and teachers “plan for excellence” and have excelled in reading scores for the past five years. Filling in for Ryan Carroll, Craig Toney presented the High School Educator award for Teacher of the Year to Coach Ben Ramirez. Both Mr. Carroll and Mr. Ramirez were attending school functions that night, doing, said Mr. Toney “what makes them great educators.”

City Manager and Chamber president Rocky Thomasson presented the Volunteer Fireman of the Year Award to Tony Carr. Mr. Carr was selected by his peers for this honor. In addition to his trophy, Mr. Carr received a unique fire pack crafted from retired fire gear material. Mr. Thomasson also recognized firefighters Bob Thorne and Jimmy Cornelius, both of whom have served for over 40 years. In addition, Mr. Thomasson commended firefighter Danny Richard for the highest percentage of fire runs; Mr. Richard participated in over 77 percent of 148 fire runs last year.

Rhonda Shelton and Keitha Nilsson of the Business & Professional Women’s Club presented the Woman of the Year Award to Becky Breazeale. Mrs. Breazeale has been an active member of the BPWC for over seven years and has served as director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Daingerfield State Park received the Chamber’s Community Service Award, presented by Cresta LeFevre and Janice Bryant. The mission of the park is to “manage state parks and historic sites to conserve natural and cultural resources; provide recreational and educational opportunities; and foster an understanding of the diversity of Texas lands and heritage for all generations.”

The Business of the Year Award went to Bailey’s Ace Hardware, presented by Keres Fite and Becky Breazeale. Bailey’s has been owned by the Bailey family since 1981, and takes pride in its support of the Daingerfield community.

Penni Connor and Tracey Climer presented the Citizen of the Year Award to John Bryan. In his position as Chairman of Texas Heritage National Bank, Mr. Bryan has instilled an attitude of service to the community by encouraging employee involvement in community activities. He is a co-founder of the Daingerfield-Lone Star Education Foundation and the Daingerfield-Lone Star Alumni Association, First Vice President of the Daingerfield-Hughes Springs Lion’s Club, treasurer of the First United Methodist Church in Naples, and serves on the board of the Wesley Fellowship at NTCC. It was Mr. Bryan’s leadership and guidance that led to the establishment of the NTCC Honors Program. Mr. Bryan’s goal is to work to provide better educational opportunities for the young people of Morris County.

Mr. Thomasson delivered closing remarks, thanking the chamber and its members for its service to the community. “This really is a validation of the work and service we try to provide to this community. It’s really an honor,” said Mr. Thomasson, to celebrate the service of the honorees as well as all of the members of the Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce.