The Lake Whitney Chamber of Commerce held its 70th annual awards banquet at the HILCO Civic and Events Center in Itasca Thursday, April 24, and recognized several members of the community.
The chamber’s Hall of Fame Award was presented to Hill County Veterans Services Officer Brad Orban. Lifelong Whitney resident Margaret Brunett was citizen of the year, Whitney High School student Anderson Franklin was young person of the year, Whitney Elementary School teacher Karen Cagle was educator of the year, and Brookshire’s of Whitney was chamber member of the year.
Jacey Fregia presented the Hall of Fame Award to Orban, describing him as someone who works 24/7, answering calls in the middle of the night when a veteran needs help. Orban has been the county’s veterans services officer for 14 years and spent over 20 years serving the country in both the Army and Navy. He also works as veterans services officer for five other organizations that assist veterans.
Fregia said that Orban’s commitment goes above and beyond his official role as the county’s veterans services officer as he provides support to not only veterans, but anyone else in need.
Orban works to connect veterans to services, helps them navigate the Veterans Affairs claims process, helps them with housing and job searches, and ensures they don’t have to face challenges alone.
Orban and his wife also provide Thanksgiving meals to veterans and their families, which Fregia pointed out goes above and beyond his professional duties.
Sharon Allen presented the Citizen of the Year Award to Margaret Brunett, describing her as a lifelong resident who exemplifies honesty, positive work ethic and a dedication to helping those in need.
Brunett organizes the annual Whitney Church of Christ clothing giveaway from start to finish, from collecting applications, recruiting shoppers, delivering clothing and ensuring children have new shoes through the Nate Callaway Memorial Fund.
She provides meals, conducts Bible studies and coordinates meals for those in need.
Brunett is also a Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance volunteer and meets with clients to determine their eligibility for services in a friendly, compassionate and confidential manner.
She works with the LWMA Angel Tree program, is heavily involved in the beautification of Whitney through the Hill County Master Gardeners and Lake Whitney Garden Club, and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
Allen pointed out that Brunett is also responsible for writing the grant that resulted in lighting at the Whitney Veterans Memorial Park.
Whitney High School Principal Kendra Hensley presented Anderson Franklin the Young Person of the Year Award. She described Franklin as a student athlete with big goals who juggles athletic, academic and community commitments with ease.
Franklin plans to attend Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland, where he has signed to play Division 1 baseball.
Hensley said that he is a servant leader who is a friend to the underdog, the picture of integrity and can often be found giving of his time picking up after others or helping someone.
Franklin is active in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, student leadership groups, White Bluff Chapel and serves as a youth baseball coach. He also volunteers time with Sleep in Heavenly Peace and donates to Blessed Feet, which helps children in less fortunate countries play baseball.
Whitney Elementary School Principal Amber Seely presented the Educator of the Year Award to Karen Cagle. She said pre-kindergarten teachers are the first to welcome children into the world of learning, and Cagle makes it a priority to be there for her students, finding a way to show up no matter what life has thrown her.
Seely said that Cagle’s passion and dedication set her apart, and she sets a positive example for her students.
Cagle is passionate about nature and deeply committed to protecting the environment. Seely said that she practices eco-friendly habits and inspires both staff and students to be more mindful of their impact on nature.
Seely said that Cagle is an exceptional educator, a builder of foundations and lights a fire for a lifelong love of learning in her students.
Chamber President Adam Bain presented the Chamber Member of the Year Award to Brookshire’s of Whitney.
Bain said that Brookshire’s has a strong commitment to the community and supports a long list of efforts and organizations.
Some of that work includes involvement in multiple food drives and the local Our Daily Bread food bank and support of the Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance’s Joint Committee for Christmas and Angel Tree programs.
Brookshire’s has donated to teacher recognition programs, the Advocacy Center for Crime Victims and Children, many area schools and volunteer fire departments, churches, CASA of Hill County, Hill County Paw Pals, Lake Whitney Junior Livestock Association, MDA Foundation, Peoria Cemetery Association, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Whitney Wildcat Football League, veterans groups, youth organizations and many others.
The evening also included the annual live and silent auctions, which are major annual fundraisers for the chamber and consist of items donated from local businesses and individuals. The evening’s meal service was provided by the Brazos Valley Fire Academy.
The Lakelander 