The Amherst Chamber of Commerce hosted a brisket and pulled pork meal banquet in honor of two Amherst ISD senior scholarship recipients and the Citizens of the Year.
America Pacheco and Kevin Garcia Torres each received a $2,000 scholarship toward their higher education efforts. This scholarship is an initiative recently enacted by Amherst’s Chamber of Commerce.
Additionally, Dwyane and Sue Montgomery won the Citizens of the Year Award.
“ We’re thankful for such a strong community that is willing to come together and provide the kind of support that families need from one end of the spectrum to the other,” Amherst Mayor Clinton Sawyer said. “We do a good job of being inclusive and making sure everybody feels like they’re a part of the community.”
Commencing the evening’s events, Amherst Chamber of Commerce President Oscar Gonzalez presented the keynote speaker, New Hope Baptist Church Pastor James Price Jr.
Reminiscing on funny memories from his childhood, Prince Jr. spoke to banquet attendees about his compassion for the Amherst community.
“I realized I didn’t want my kids to be raised in the city,” Prince Jr. said. “It takes a village to raise kids. When I think about growing up in Amherst, we were a village because we had people who cared.”
Price Jr. previously served on the Amherst ISD School Board for 20 years, directly facilitating the education efforts of a school he too once attended.
Moreover, Prince Jr. reflected on the lasting moral legacy enacted by his teachers and coaches.
“We had a coach who not only taught sports, but could teach you some things to live by,” Prince Jr. said. “‘Quitters never win, and winners never quit,’ ‘It’s not the size of the dog, it’s the fight in the dog.’” With these sentiments in mind, Prince Jr. remained firm on the notion of communal support and personal grit.
“The Bible tells us that the race is not given to the swift, nor the strong, but the one that endures to the end,” Prince Jr. said.
Following Prince Jr.’s remarks, Amherst Mayor Clinton Sawyer addressed the state of the town.
“This town has a rich history rooted in hard work and resilience,” Sawyer said. “We are a farm community, a place where the land gives life and the people give heart, but we are also a community in transition. Over the years, we’ve grown more diverse in culture, experience and the dreams we bring
to this town.”
“Diversity is not just a shift, it’s an incredible strength, if you think about it together, we are richer in perspectives, talents and potential,” Sawyer added.
Succeeding Sawyer’s remarks, the winning scholarship recipients received their awards.
The first recipient, America Pacheco, received funds toward her education at West Texas A&M, where she aspires to earn a degree in special education.
Pacheco is a multi-sports academic involved in the student council, theater, Future Farmers of America and the National Honor Society.
In addition, Pacheo regularly volunteered at the South Plains Food Bank.
Thanking her teachers, parents, older brother and members of the community, Pacheco expressed great gratitude for those who facilitated her success and confidence.
“Thank you for never giving up on me and for believing in me,” Pacheo said, “even if you’re from a small town, you can always go big and dream big.”
The next scholarship recipient, Kevin Garcia Torres, received funds toward his welding certificate he aspires to receive from South Plains College.
Torres is the class Vice President, a member of the National Honor Society, student council and Future Farmers of America.
When Torres is not involved with extracurriculars, he volunteers at the South Plains Food Bank and Amherst’s Fire Department.
After expressing gratitude for members of the community, Torres said remaining determined and aspirational are characteristics one should embody and embrace.
“Always give it your best, no matter what you do,” Torres said. “Just reach for the furthest and set your goals.”
Next, the Citizens of the Year received their honors. ” When Sue and Dwyane Montgomery arrived in Amherst, the two immediately gave back to the community through feeding neighbors, cleaning the cemetery, acting as craftsmen, raising funds for the town and local parks and assisting anyone by any means.
“When we see a need, we would help with what we had,” Sue Montgomery said. “Just giving them time, sometimes even just putting a jigsaw puzzle together – a little bit of time means a lot to some people.”
“The main thing is: always believe in people,” Dwyane Montgomery added.
‘Congratulations’ rang out from various members of the community as the award and scholarship recipients hugged and spoke with their peers. These recipients wore broad, wide smiles.
“To the older residents, you’re the keepers of the town’s legacy for wisdom, and the experiences are invaluable,” Sawyer said, “ you play a critical role in mentoring and the gathering of the younger generations.”
“I urge you, let’s lean in, lend a hand, and build a future where every resident, every family, and every business feels proud to call this place home,” Sawyer concluded.