It was an evening of entertainment at the annual Teague Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet April 11th, with stars like Freestone County’s own Miss Texas Madison Fuller and Teague High School’s award winning Mariachi Band performing.

Longtime host Ricky Sims welcomed attendees and introduced Freestone County’s royal court, Miss Teen Kennedee Stroade and Miss Freestone County Emi Bonner.

Tamales and chicken fajitas with beans and rice, along with delicious desserts, were served up by Mi Cocina Catering & Events by owner Elizabeth Velazquez and team.

To kick off the evening, Miss Texas Madison Fuller entertained the crowd with her ventriloquism act, the same one she performed during the Miss America Pageant. Fuller, a kindergarten teacher, discussed the cause she champions as Miss Texas, pediatric cancer. She talked about her Sock It To Cancer program where she teaches children to make their own special puppets and the joy it brings her.

Dean of Mexia’s Navarro College Christina Mims introduced Navarro College’s President Kevin Fegan who gave a presentation of Navarro’s mission to bring quality and continuing education to address the workplace needs of tomorrow for those living in rural areas like Teague.

Beginning the awards, Teague Independent School District administrators and educators announced the Students of the Year for their respective campuses.

Hadley Long was named Student of the Year for Teague Elementary;

Maggie Wright was announced as Teague Junior High’s Student of the Year;

Gracie Meyers received the honor of being Teague High School’s Student of the Year; and

Cheyenne Shannon was recognized as Teague Lion Academy’s Student of the Year.

Teague’s Christmas in the Park (at top) was named as the Organization of the Year. The award was accepted by committee members Bill Bowers, Brittany Brown, Sandy Ashford, Debbie Sanoja, and Nanette Harwell.

“Such a well deserved award for someone who’s always helping,” said presenter Debbie Sanoja about Teague’s Citizen of the Year Jason Walthall.

Walthall is the manager of Brookshire Brothers in Teague and always willing to lend a hand in the community. He and his wife moved from Brenham with their two daughters and quickly rooted themselves in the town and its activities. Walthall also serves as Vice President of the Teague Chamber of Commerce and runs the group’s barbeque cook off.

Centex Citizens Credit Union of Mexia was recognized as the Business of the Year. This year, they celebrate 65 years of service to Texas communities, living up the to their business motto “People Helping People,” Centex donated to Teague’s Christmas in the Park and other community endeavors. President Janis Massey accepted the award and gave due credit to the team at Centex Citizens Credit Union for going above and beyond.

“We could’ve retired anywhere – sat around and rotted like old people,” joked Helen Sullivan as she and husband Bob accepted their award for Teague’s Humanitarians of the Year. Instead of retiring, the Sullivans have served their community for over thirty-five years, and now through Peace Ministries the couple host children’s activities, donate to those in need, and help with emergency relief efforts and foreign missions.

Jo Nita Cannon was honored with this year’s prestigious Boyd Cup honoring her continued efforts to preserve the history of Teague. Mrs. Cannon is credited with establishing the Teague Historical Preservation Society to save the Teague Hotel from demolition, and eventually founding the Teague Thrift Store to fund the Society’s efforts.

“There’s not a project around here that can be accomplished alone,” said Cannon as she took time to recognize the many volunteers, community service workers, and board members who work diligently to preserve the town’s history for future generations.

Lovie Whyte was presented with a Key to the City for her lifetime of dedication to the community. Mrs. Whyte has previously been honored as Citizen of the Year and a recipient of the Boyd Cup. Among her long list of accomplishments, Whyte has served on the Teague ISD Board of Trustees since 1985, is a charter member of the Child Protective Services Board, and active member of the Booker T. Washington/J.A. Brooks Alumni Association.

“All in all I love Teague,” said Whyte who says she has always strived to improve the city. “I appreciate this award and I’ll continue to be me. I don’t do things for an award. I do them from my heart.”

Indeed, Whyte summed up the spirit of the evening, love your community, love your kids, and show that love each and every day.

Congratulations to all those honored at this year’s banquet!

(Photos by Megan Hempel)