-
FAMILY OF THE YEAR -- Shelli Rose, left, and Steven Rose, far right, presented the Family of the Year Award to Tracy, Meghan, Dawsyn, Dailee, and Dylan DeBerry during the Olton Annual Chamber of Commerce Banquet that was held on Saturday, March 2, 2024. (Photo byAnn Reagan)
The Olton Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture held their annual banquet to honor the outstanding citizens of the community on Saturday, March 2, 2024.
OCCA Board President Brice Redwine welcomed members and guests and called on Analise Ramage to offer the Invocation followed by the performance of the National Anthem by the Olton High School Band.
Mr. Redwine then informed the attendees that three drawings would be held for $25.00, $50.00, and $100.00 in Olton Bucks during the course of the evening. He then introduced Brandy Reed of the Northwest Texas Business Opportunity Program to present a brief overview of the program. Mr. Redwine then introduced the Emcees for the evening, Diana Arriola, the current Sandhills Sweetheart, and Emma Acker, the current First Runner-Up of the Miss Sandhills pageant.
Diana and Emma then addressed the entertainment for the evening. The Chamber of Commerce chose to showcase talent from the youth of Olton schools under the direction of Toni Meredith and Travis McCullough.
As dinner was being served by the Olton Ambassadors, the banquet attendees were entertained by Evelyn Meredith & Ellie McCasland singing “Here Comes the Sun” accompanied by Toni Meredith on guitar. Copeland Livesay and Kellen Meredith then performed “Deep in the Heart of Texas” accompanied by Toni Meredith on guitar. The Olton Ambassadors encourage students to serve the community while learning work ethic and willingness to help. The junior Ambassadors were; Harry Amador, Isaac Florentino, Avery Garcia, Raegan Holmes, Wyatt Nelson Elijah Perez Analise Ramage, Jimena Sanchez, and Adrienne Struve. The senior ambassadors were; Diana Arriola, Payge Davina, Evelyn Matute, Michael Matute, Eddie Medrano, Eddie Ramirez, Adrian Reyna. Mrs. Nikki Smith has served as liaison for the Ambassador Program since it’s inception in 2018.
Special guests were acknowledged by Diana Arriola. Guests attending included: Mark McFadden the mayor of Olton, city council members, Alan Williams, Blake Neinast, Tracy DeBerry, Steven Rodriguez, and Derek Roberson; Lamb County Sheriff Gary Maddox, and Lamb County District Clerk Debbie Long.
The Olton Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors was then introduced by Emma Ackers. They are Brice Redwine- President, Stacie Ramage- Vice President, Kori LaDuke- Secretary, Chelsi Allen, Josue Pedroza, Kyle Stevenson, and Eric Willliams.
Following the presentation of the directors, Miss Olive McCasland and Miss Lucy Carroll performed “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better” accompanied by Toni Meredith.
The Olton Brass Quintet organized by Mr. Travis McCollough performed “The Whaling Song” before the announcements of this years honorees. Members of the quintet included Diego Gallegos, Brennen Meredith, Ryan Vega, Jorge Angel, and Cadon Garcia.
The Educator of the Year award was presented to Mr. Travis McCulloch by the 2023, Recipient Shelli Rose.
The Family of the Year award was presented to Tracy, Meghan, Dawsyn, Dailee, and Dylan DeBerry by the 2022 recipients Steven and Shelli Rose.
The Support Staff of the Year Award was presented to Jimma Bradley by the 2023 recipient, Denise Hasha.
The Olton Low Brass Quartet conducted by Mr. Travis McCollough performed “Prelude and Fugue in G Minor” during a brief break in the presentation of awards. The Josiah McCullough, Katy Wilson, and Emilio Reyes.
Following the performance, the Woman of the Year award was presented to Peggy Carson by the 2023 recipient, Brittney Redwine.
The Man of the Year Award was presented to Mr. Lupe Perez by the 2023 recipient, Blake Neinast.
The Citizen of the Year Award was present to Pam Roberson by the 2023 recipient, Barbara McFadden.
The winners of the Olton Bucks drawings are as follows: $25 Drawing- Chris Prather Insurance Agency, J.O. & Mary Bass, Quicksand, Inc., and The Swanky Gypzie $50 Drawing- Lamb County Healthcare Center, Runningwater Draw Care Center, Olton ISD, Olton Welding and Machine $100 Drawing- O-Town Fitness, and Western Equipment Following the presentation of Awards, Diana Arriola expressed a “Big Thank You” to Rejino Barbeque & Market for providing the meat and other ingredients of the meal as well as their services at no cost.
Emma Acker then acknowledged Toni Meredith for organizing and accompanying the younger entertainers for the evening.
Diana Arriola then concluded the 2024 Olton Chamber of Commerce Banquet with the benediction.