The Olton Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture hosted its annual banquet on March 7, 2026, honoring various residents through the presentation of Teacher, Family, Support Staff, Woman, Man and Citizen of the Year Awards.
After opening remarks from OCCA President Wesley Quigley, Sue Canon Ambassador Casimiro Villareal led the invocation, and Evelyn Meredith performed the national anthem. Meanwhile, attendees enjoyed food from Adri’s Kitchen.
Providing more musical entertainment, the Olton High School Brass Choir performed “The Whaling Song.” Students in the brass choir included Colby Burns, trumpet; Maleena Chia, trumpet; Ezra Montemayor, trumpet; Jaret Richardson, trumpet; Hollie Beelitz, french horn; Alex Rodriguez, french horn; Jorge Angel, euphonium; Hallie McCullough, euphonium; Emilio Reyes, tuba; and Alan Sanchez, tuba.
Two students performed solos. Josiah McCullough performed a bass trombone solo, “Stereograms,” and Kellen Meredith performed a percussion solo, “Engine Room.”
Musical performances ended with the brass quartet performing “What A Wonderful World.”
Current OCCA members were recognized during the banquet. These members include President Wesley Quigley, Vice President Kori LaDuke, Secretary Colleen Wilson, Adriana Amador, Toni Meredith, Hayli Riney, Jessica Hernandez, Eric Williams, Jay Lopez and Josue Pedroza.
Additionally, elected officials who attended were honored, including Mayor Mark McFadden, City Manager Keeley Adams, Post Master Cherie Maddox and City Council members Larry Falcon, Alan Williams, Derek Roberson, Blake Neinast and Tracy DeBerry.
Two chamber directors, Kori LaDuke and Adriana Amador, had expiring terms, and four positions on the board remained open. LaDuke did not seek reelection, whereas Amador did.
Candidates for the positions included Adriana Amador, Tori Clayton, Shay Holman and Antonio de la Cruz. Each position remained uncontested, allowing the candidates to be elected by acclamation.
The chamber honored its junior and senior ambassadors, thanking them for their dedication and willingness to help their community. The senior ambassadors are Amie Beelitz, Brennen Meredith, Chris Cabrera, Gabby Florentino, Kambri Ruiz, Ryan Vega, Valeria Avendano and Yanette Oliva. The junior ambassadors are Abril Vasquez, Casimiro Villareal, D’nairah Vega, Erik Sanchez, HalleeKate Huguley, Kaybree Ramon, Magaly Rios, Maria Holguin, Nathan Craig and Zayden Falcon.
Commencing the awards, 2024 Educator of the Year recipient Travis McCullough presented the 2026 Educator of the Year Award to Tillie Becerra.
With a deep dedication to enriching the classroom, Becerra constantly returned to education, despite her numerous attempts to retire. Earning her bachelor’s in elementary education and her master’s in education and management, Becerra juggled receiving her education while simultaneously educating young minds at various schools before settling in Olton ISD.
“With the Lord’s help, I’ve been able to accomplish this,” Becerra said. “I love what I do, and I understand why every year, I change my mind (about))retiring and coming back.”
Tracy and Meghan DeBerry, recipients of the 2024 Family of the Year Award, presented the 2026 Family of the Year Award to Robyn and Kyle Stevenson. The couple accepted their award alongside their kids, Luke, Abigail and Adam Stevenson.
Continuing their deep familial roots in Olton, Robyn and Kyle Stevenson returned to the community after sensing a calling to raise their family as they had once grown up. Between teaching, organizing UIL and co-leading church classes at First Baptist Church, Robyn’s service to the community extends beyond the classroom and into the lives of various Olton residents. Akin to his wife’s dedication to helping others, Kyle works as a supervisor at Continental Fairy Services in Littlefield, continues to volunteer at the annual design hunt and also assists on the baseball field.
In addition to their cascading list of responsibilities, the two own the Sandhills Garden.
“Kyle kept asking, ‘What have we done to get this award? I’m like, I think you don’t realize how much we actually do around here,’” Robyn Stevenson laughed on stage. “We love it here, our kids love it here, and I cannot ask for anything better than to raise my kids in a community that really loves as they do.”
OCCA Office Manager Ashley Jones presented the 2026 Support Staff of the Year Award to Robyn Carson.
Born in Upland, California, Robyn Carson’s roots in Olton began in 2006 after she married her husband, Wayne Carson, in 2000. Since then, her coworkers said they observed Carson’s tireless dedication to ensuring the success of the business, often witnessing the after-hours time she continues to put in at the Co-Op.
“Anybody (who) knows me knows that I am not one ( who) doesn’t have words…” Carson said, accepting her award and remaining emotional, “thank you, everyone, I love this community.”
Nikki Smith, the 2025 Woman of the Year recipient, presented the 2026 Woman of the Year Award to Chelsi Allen.
After growing up in Muleshoe and starting her career in Lubbock, Allen married and moved to Olton to raise their family. Now serving her sixth term as Vice President of the Academic Booster Club, and having spent two years serving as a member of the OCCA, Allen is described as a woman who cannot say no.
Surprised by her family, who came around the corner, Allen remained emotional as she profusely thanked her colleagues and loved ones. Aaron Rejino, the 2025 Man of the Year recipient, presented the 2026 Man of the Year Award to Michael Ramage.
A class field trip to the local funeral home resonated with Ramage long into his adult years, ultimately landing him the role of the owner of said business. Comforting Olton residents with compassion and comfort, many describe him as far from your typical businessman. His efforts at the funeral home earned him the Texas Panhandle Funeral Director of the Year Award in 2019. Aside from his funeral home responsibilities, he served on the Co-Op Board of Directors, Athletic Booster Club, Olton Cemetery Association Board and the Lamb County Electric Board of Directors.
“ I’ve never regretted coming home,” Ramage said, “I’ve always wanted to be here, and I’m so glad I am.”
Alan Williams and Jimmy Brooks, the 2022 and 2025 recipients of the Citizen Through the Years Award, presented the 2026 Citizen Through the Years Award to Mike Perry.
Remaining faithful to his church and working on the Board of the Running Water Draw Care Center, many of Mike Perry’s colleagues agree that he works tirelessly without asking for recognition. As a father, husband and former Little League Baseball coach, Perry was described as an all-around good Samaritan.
“ In 1986, my father brought my family and me over here. I was 32 – 40 years later, I am not 32,” Perry laughed. “It’s been a wild ride. I just can’t believe that I could be more blessed than I could.”