Banquet honors heroes, recognizes accomplishments

DAINGERFIELD -- Firemen, police officers, and emergency medical technicians were honored at the annual Daingerfield Chamber of Commerce banquet on March 4 at the Daingerfield Junior High School cafeteria.

Chamber President and master of cermonies Rocky Thomasson welcomed visitors as they began perusing the offerings in the silent auction. Everything from restaurant gift cards to wine baskets and cakes were available for bids.

The meal was a full steak dinner, complete with baked potato and salad, catered by the Daingerfield Fire Department. Students from First Pentecostal Church-The Next Level’s youth group helped serve.

Following the meal, it was time to get down to the business of the evening.

Thomasson introduced Daingerfield Lions Club member Philip Chapman who presented the evening’s first award -- Horizon Award. Each year, the Lions recognize an outstanding Daingerfield High School senior for their accomplishments with a $500 scholarship. This year’s recipient, Graci Runk, not only has been a four-year, multi-sport athlete, she also has earned the Lady Tiger Overall GPA award and was named to the Academic All-State Volleyball team. Runk is also very active in her church, attending mission trips and helping with children’s programs at South Union Baptist Church.

The next were the Educator of the Year awards.

Principal Lesia Lewis introduced firstgrade teacher Stacey Darden as the West Elementary Educator of the Year. Lewis referred to Darden as a “team player” and “very flexible,” adding that Darden is the first one to offer suggestions following staff meetings.

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