The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce honored Steve and Janet Carter as its Man and Woman of the Year for 2013 during an awards dinner last Thursday, April 24, at the Bairfield Activity Center.
Ten people were honored by the Chamber, including the Carters and Donley County Judge Jack Hall, who received the Chamber’s highest honor, the Saints’ Roost Award.
Hall spent three decades as a coach and teacher at Clarendon Public Schools before retiring and then becoming county judge about 17 years ago. Hall’s influence and support was one of the principal factors in the successful restoration of the 1890 Donley County Courthouse, and he has carefully promoted and protected the landmark building since the project was completed in 2003.
The Carters were recognized for selfless devotion to children in Clarendon through the Christ’s Kids ministry. Steve and Janet run the summer food program, which runs five days a week and delivers to kids’ homes. They help organize the community Thanksgiving meal and have worked with the Angel Tree program, the Boy Scouts of America, and other activities.
Amanda Askew and Jeremy Powell were named the Volunteers of the Year. Askew has helped at the Saints’ Roost Museum and other community needs, including the Chamber’s Christmas Bazaar last December. Powell serves as Clarendon’s Fire Marshall and Fire Chief and gives freely of his time working for the safety of the entire county. He maintains all the required paperwork for the volunteer fire department and spends many hours on fire prevention and fire safety issues.
Jack Moreman was named the Pioneer of the Year. He grew up in Hedley and has spent a lifetime in service to others, helping with the VFW, the American Legion, the Saints’ Roost Museum, and Clarendon College. Moreman started the college’s Ranch & Feedlot Operations program and currently serves on the CC Board of Regents. He has also given a lifetime of service to the First United Methodist Church, where he helps with the United Christians Breakfast each month.
The Young Man and Woman of the Year from Hedley High School were Denver Chambless and Kristen Liner. Chambless has been involved with football, tennis, golf, and FFA and was recognized for his positive attitude as a role model for other students. Liner has been involved with NHS, athletics, UIL events, cheerleading, and One Act Play and was recognized for helping with food drives and Christmas drives for the elderly and less fortunate children as well as being a role model for others.
The Young Man and Woman of the Year from Clarendon High School were Tyler Smith and Deborah Howard. Smith is a member of the Bronco Band as well as being active in French Club and UIL events, placing second in UIL Editorial Writing at district this year. He is active in the United Methodist Youth and is very involved in Boy Scouts of America with the rank of Eagle. Howard has been involved in NHS, cross country, basketball, band, theatre, and yearbook. She has been a UIL regional qualifier and was the 2013 CHS Homecoming Queen.
About 130 people attended this year’s awards ceremony, up from 45 people last year.
Chamber President Bonnie Campbell conducted a business meeting for Chamber member prior to the start of last week’s awards dinner. New bylaws for the Chamber were previously made available to Chamber members and were unanimously adopted by the general membership.
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