Gilmer banquet honors community heroes
February 28, 2010
News-Journal.com
GILMER - The Gilmer Area Chamber of Commerce honored several area men and women this month during its annual membership banquet for their contributions to the city and county.
About 300 people attended the event, said Joan Small, manager of the chamber. Manuel Johnson, former Oklahoma Sooners wide receiver and Gilmer Buckey
Educator of the Year Kimberly Kemp was honored for her ability to connect with her students. Kemp began her education career as a care taker at an early childhood learning center. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin State University, Kemp taught several years of kindergarten before becoming a seventh grade math instructor. Her philosophy as an educator revolves around meeting a child's needs by building a relationship of trust. Kemp also was recognized by her colleagues as the Teacher of the Year on her campus.
Electric providers Upshur Rural Electric Coop and AEP/SWEPCO received the 2009 Unsung Hero award.
"Most of the time a hero works behind the scenes and does not expect or want praise or recognition for his or her heroism," said Presenter Deidra Camp, adding that the service workers deserved recognition for performing well against challenging obstacles and in adverse conditions. Camp hailed the companies as "a vital asset" to the county and "an honor to their profession."
Ore City Mayor Glenn Breazeale accepted the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year award on behalf of Sister Wedena Oliver, who was unable to attend. Oliver has served the Ore City Ministerial Alliance for many years, heading up fundraisers and an annual Angel Tree program since 1995. Oliver also was praised for her efforts to touch the lives of various community members.
Johnson presented the Outstanding Citizen of the Year award to coach Jeff Traylor. Throughout Traylor's tenure, the Buckeye football team has won nine consecutive district championships and two state championships.
He was named District Coach of the Year every year from 2001 to 2009 and East Texas Coach of the Year during the 2003-2004 school year. Traylor also was named Texas High School Coach of the Year in 2004 and 2009. He holds the Gilmer High School coaching record for most wins.
Johnson said Traylor's greatest accomplishments "are the countless students who graduate from the program and lead productive lives."
In a surprise move, the 2009 Top Hand award highlighted the banquet committee - Lula Mae Beavers, Margaret Blair, Janice Gage, Janice Hargrove, Charlotte Hewitt, Randlyn Holmes, Eleanor Johnson, Jimi Jones, Troy Murray, Becky Skinner, Joan Small, Abby Stewart and Carolyn Studdard.
Banquet planning begins immediately after one banquet ends and preparations continue until the next. The committee was honored for the hours spent planning, decorating and cleaning that make the banquet possible. Gilmer volunteer firefighter Mike Melton asked the audience to join him in saluting their contributions.es standout, served as the guest speaker.