The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce recognized community members during its 69th annual awards banquet held at the HILCO Civic and Event Center Thursday, April 11. Winners are pictured below.
This year’s Hall of Fame Award was presented to Bill Winkleman, a longtime supporter of the Whitney community. Winkleman formerly served as president of First National Bank in Whitney and was a member of the bank’s board of directors for many years. He has been a community volunteer for decades, spending time at hospitals and nursing homes, delivering Meals on Wheels, working with the Lake Whitney food bank, supporting youth at the county livestock show, and serving on numerous boards and committees. Mr. Winkleman is pictured third from right with his family members and nominator Tricia Shelton.The Young Person of the Year Award went to Whitney High School senior Rylann Hensley. She was recognized as an exceptional student and community member, maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average while completing 48 hours of dual-credit college classes and over 80 hours of community service this year. She is pictured at right with her mother and WHS Principal Kendra Hensley (left).The Citizen of the Year Award went to Terry Boyer, who was recognized as a supporter, advisor and advocate for the Lake Whitney area. Boyer has served on multiple community service boards and spends time working to promote businesses and tourism in the area. She also maintains a community calendar to encourage involvement from citizens and businesses. Boyer is pictured at left with Jr. Miss Pioneer Day Alysa Ward (right).The Educator of the Year Award went to Sally Hayes, who teaches English at Whitney High School and has taken on volunteer roles outside of her teaching position. Hayes organizes student volunteer efforts on her own time and heads up mock interview sessions for seniors to help prepare them to enter the workforce. Pictured are (l to r): presenter Connie Terry, Hayes, Jr. Miss Pioneer Day Alysa Ward, WHS Principal Kendra Hensley and presenter Jayson Lam.The Chamber Member of the Year Award went to MyTCoat, a commercial outdoor furniture manufacturer in Whitney. The locally owned, veteran-operated business has donated benches and picnic tables to multiple schools and cities in the area and was recognized for providing top-notch products and services.
The Lakelander 