The Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet for 2023 last night where numerous local citizens were honored with awards. Guests were treated to a chicken dinner cooked by the Prescott Fire Department, and after a live auction and raffle, in addition to the recognition of this year's chamber board by Chamber Director Jamie Hillery, the award portion of the ceremony took center stage. The night's honorees are as follows:
Chance and Haley Cummings were honored with Farm Family of the Year. Presented by Laruen Brown, she shared that this family owns 140 acres and leases 200 with four roller houses and 100 head of cattle. Both are Prescott High School graduates and Chance Cummings is also secretary for the Nevada County Conservation District and President, as well as former VP, of the Nevada County Cattlemen's Association.
Herndon-Fuqua Funeral Home was awarded the Business Leadership Award. Emcee Lynn Vanderveer said this business is "known for their sincere compassion and kindness during the toughest of times" and that they are proud to sponsor and assist with numerous community events, including Handbag Bingo and the raffle for the rifle at the banquet tonight.
Tyneshia Young was named the Nevada School District Student of the Year. Nevada principal Tonda Pennington said teachers described Young as the model student who is family-oriented and "puts her best foot forward every day."
LaDonna Burns was named Nevada School District Educator of the Year. Pennington said Burns is loving, caring, dedicated to her job, and students describe her as "sparkly" and "one of a kind."
Carston Poole was named Prescott School District Student of the Year. Principal Tommy Poole described Carston Poole as "very impressive" because he's all-star athlete with a high GPA and ACT score, and much more he's a Christian student athlete.
Valarie Cobb and Freddie Burks were named Prescott School District Employees of the Year. Superintendent Robert Poole described these two ladies as professional and dedicated. He said "nothing happens in this school district without the two of them being a part of it."
Prescott Lions Club was awarded Organization of the Year. Vanderveer said they started in Prescott in 1972 and over the years these volunteers have spent countless hours in many ways, like providing the community with eyes exams and glasses, student scholarships, the annual First Responder Fish Fry, and the food wagon, which is spotted a numerous community events.
Howard Austin was honored with the Treasure of Gold Award. Austin was described as an "instrumental part of the Prescott-Nevada County community" who has been making an impact for over 40 years with an extensive list of accomplishments. Just a few of which are he is a certified municipal official, a deacon and trustee at Macedonia Baptist Church, a member of Kiwanis, a Prescott City Council member for 26 years, and a part of Prescott School District for over 40 years with multiple awards in education. Vanderveer said "his passion is our community's youth and education" and that he is such a big part of the community that he has a street named after him in Prescott.
Ricky Hopkins was named Hometown Hero. Vanderveer said Hopkins gave 32 years serving in the National Guard with multiple deployments and training all around the world, and at one point in his career he served as recruiter for the Prescott National Guard Armory. Vanderveer said during one of these trainings in Honduras that Hopkins "learned what it truly is to be poor" and tells people "if you have a house, food, and clothes, no matter the condition, then you are rich and blessed." The emcee described Hopkins' career and dedication over the years and said, "his service, honor and sacrifice to our country" is why Hopkins was being recognized as the Hometown Hero.
Reed Koger was named Citizen of the Year. This award is voted on by members of the community. Vanderveer said Koger, born and raised in Prescott, has served the community in many ways. Previously, he was a school board member, and now runs a farm as well as a local business, Ko-Fields. Vanderveer said Koger also brought about positive change by participating with other families to create a safe place for recovery and worship in Calvary Ministries and Calvary Recovery, as well as the most recent New Life Enterprises, which provides jobs for those in recovery. Vanderveer quoted Koger's wife, who said "'My husband is the most selfless person I have ever met and would do absolutely anything for anyone at any time. He loves this town and our community.'" Vanderveer said all his "pride, commitment, and dedication to making a better future for Prescott and Nevada County" was why Reed Koger was named the 2023 Citizen of the Year.
