Olton’s citizens present annual 2022 CCA Banquet

Olton Chamber of Commerce’s “Red, White and Blue in 2022” Annual Banquet experienced a good turnout Saturday night, when numerous Olton residents participated on the program, and when they received special awards.

To begin the program, OCCA Board President, Nikki Smith, welcomed everyone to the banquet, and called on Jerry Lopez to offer the invocation, then she introduced Guillermo Gallegos to play the “National Anthem”, before the board members and ambassadors served the drinks and salads.

The program was then turned over to the Emcees: Kyle Blount and Karla Arriola.

Carla Conchola, CCA board member, explained the drawings of tickets for Olton “bucks”.

Caterer for the meal was Olton’s Rejino BBQ, which served a plate of brisket, sausage and sides of green chile cream corn, a green salad and a drink of tea or water.

As the guests began eating, entertainment was provided by Andrew Martinez, as he played the piano; Alaina Mcgrew, as she played several numbers on her violin, while being accompanied by a guitar player; and Betsy Capen as she read her UIL entry of Poetry Reading.

Emcee Kyle Blount introduced the special guests, then Emcee Karla Arriola introduced the Chamber’s Board of Directors. James Bass introduced the new Chamber Manager, Wesley Quigley.

Four Webb School students, Emilee Synatschk, Elia Rejino, Makayla Tomison and Abi Perez presented their Oral Readings.

Following more drawings for cash, Kori LaDuke announced that all of the directors were re-elected to serve another term.

Nikki Smith introduced the OCCA Ambassadors, before the Arriola Sisters, dressed in their dancing dresses, moved to the stage for a Fiesta Dance.

Presentations of the awards to the Outstanding Citizens of the Year, were then introduced and presented their award plaques.

“Educator of the Year” Award

The first award was presented to Elias Perez, The “Educator of the Year Award.”

He is a 1994 graduate of Olton High School, then at Texas Tech, he received his first degree in Sports and Exercise Science. Once his Bachelor’s Degree was complete he landed his first teaching position in his hometown of Olton.

After he taught four years, he married, and when they had their first child, he decited it was time to go back to school and pursue a Master’s Degree from Wayland Baptist University. He received his Masters in Interdisciplinary Science, a few short months after his second child was born.

He has been a sponsor for the National Honor Society for 10 years, has been involved with the science fair for 22 years. During time he has taken numerous students to state and has even made two trips to internationals.

Jayde Neinast introduced him as a hard working, dedicated, loving father, supportive husband, Christ following, science educator that is well deserving of this honor. Elias Perez.

“Farm Family of the Year”

The 2020 recipients of the Farm Family Award, John and Carla Synatschk, introduced Steven and Shelli Rose as the Farm Family.

Carla began her introduction: “This year’s Farm Family recipients’ family has ties to the Olton community for over a century. With land owned in the sandhills, starting in the early 1900’s, and expanding across Olton and into Hale County.

“This couple has worked to make the ranching and farming busineesses something that can be passed down generations for their kids and grandcildren.

Over the years they have grown cotton, corn, alfalfa, wheat and much more. Now, the farming has come down to mostly hay, and he is known as the hay guy. .. He has sold hay to people as far away as Louisiana and New Mexico, and is often making new friends along the way.

“Their real love is cattle, specifically the Hereford Breed. Family members are still winning awards at stock shows, with their Herefords.

Shelli Rose is a special education teacher at H.P. Webb Elementary. She is also a TeamKid kitchen helper on Wednesday nights, and a pre-school Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church. Both of them have served on many committees at the church throughout the years.

They were awarded the Silver Spur Award in 2009 at the Lamb County 4-H Banquet, for their involvement with 4-H.

He has been active with the Olton Junior Livestock Show, and as a Board member of the Olton Grain Coop.

They are both graduates of Olton High School. He in 1979 and she in 1981. Both of their daughters graduated from Olton High School, and all their grandchildren are slated to be the fifth generation of Olton Mustangs.

Carla Synatschk ended her introduction: “I am proud to present this year’s Farm Family of the Year Award to our friends, Steven and Shelli Rose.”

“Support Staff of the Year” Wesley Quigley, the new Olton Chamber of Commerce manager, introduced Laura Alcaraz as the 2022 Support Staff Award recipient.

The introduction began: “This year’s award-winning recipient is a hometown girl herself. One of the many words that come to mind when describing this wonderful woman is ‘trustworthy’, as stated by many who nominated her.

“She has gained not only the trust of Olton community members, but of people in surrounding areas.

“She uses her gift of being able to read and write in both Spanish and English to help others navigate trough job applications, creating accounts, and an endless amount of other things.

“She is welcoming to all and most of the time the first face you see coming through the door of the Olton Library.

“She spends many hours preparing for different activities and programs that take place at the community library. She goes to the school and church to read to the students, and also prepares crafts and hand-outs weekly for these two curriculum-based story times.

“This award winner does an amazing job of balancing both work and home life. She married the love of her life this past June, while being a wonderful mother to a beautiful 7-year-old and another one on the way.

Wesley Quigley ended his introduction: “Please help me congratulate the 2022 Support Staff Award winner, Laura Alcaraz.”

OHS Brass Entertainment

A four-member ensemble from the Olton High School played their instruments for a break to hear some entertainment. “Olton’s Outstanding Citizens”

“Woman of the Year”

Cindy Russell, the 2021 recipient of the “Woman of The Year Award”, introduced Ashley Cox, as this year’s “Woman of the Year.” Cindy began: “This year’s Woman of the Year has been an active community member for many years; we call her a transpant. In true West Texas fashion, she loves Jesus, her family, basketball and the community.

“She is an active member of Olton’s First Baptist Church, where she serves in many different roles. Sixth grade and adult Sunday School teacher, writes her own curriculum for the church, served on the Personnel Committee and Missions Committee; helped with PT Cruisers, Team Kid, and acation Bible School.

“Now for her love of baskeball and community.

“She began her little dribbler coaching career in 2008 with her son, and coached her dauthter until 2017. After that she coached a team every year, even with her high school daughter in 2021.

“She served on the Olton Youth Basketball Board from 2010-2019, and was president from 2013-2019.

“She is also an active lawyer, and has represented multiple women and children with legal issues, ranging from domestic to financial issues.

She is a 1990 graduate of Abernathy High Schoool, and received her undergraduate from Texas Tech in 1994. In 1998, she graduated from Texas Tech Law School.

She maried Jeff in 1992, and they are parents of a son, Charlie, a 2021 OHS graduate, and a daugher, Olivia, a junior at Ollton High School.

“Known as The Voice of the Mustangs and Fillies, she has called footall and basketball games this season. She will call baseball games, too!.

Cindy Russell ended her introduction: “Help me welcome this year’s Woman of the year: Ashley Cox!”

“Man of the Year”

David Azam, the 2021 recipient of the “Man of the Year Award”, and the pastor of Jerry Lopez, who was introduced as this year’s “Man of the Year.”

“This year’s recipient has no doubt made countless significant contributions to this community (Olton) that he dearly loves. His journey all started many years ago...to be specific, 53 years ago,” Azam said.

“Tonight’s man of the year recipient came into the world fast and furious, making his appearance three months early, determined to be the elder of his “womb mate,”

“After spending months in the hospital, he finally went home with his twin brothrr in a boot box.

“He had required several doctor and hospital visits, numerous surgeries, missing school, and countless hours of prayer from friends and family, to be able to crawl and walk, and do the things he was determined to do, just like his brothers did, because he refused to be seen as ‘handicapped.’

“He had required surgeries on the muscles in both legs, hip joints replaced, and surgery on both of his feet, just to be able to walk as he can now,” Azam described.

“He is proud to say he grew up, graduated in 1989, and had the privilege of being raised in a community of good people that truly cared for him and helped him get though school and life here.

“He was raised in Olton since 1969, never having any desire to be anywhere else. As a true Oltonite, he bleeds blue and white,” Azam advised. “He is the secomd oldest son of four sons, born to Louis and Linda Lopez.

“He serves on just about any committee you ask him to serve on, and enjoys it,” Azam reported. “When he turned 18, he started serving on the Olton Fire Department, and served for around 30 years in many different roles. He currently serves in the Olton Lions Club, where he is vice president.

At First Baptist Church, he pitches in as Sunday School teacher, being an usher, joining prayer meetings, cleaning up after kids’ snacks at VBS, fixing or tinkering on things, or with any need that arises, his pastor, David Azam testifies.

In conclusion of the introduction, his pastor said: “He leads and serves by example. His humble heart, his servant attitude, his no excuses mentality, and his never-a-victim attitude is what distinguishes him for tonight’s award.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is not only my privilege, but it is my honor to present the 2022 Man of the Year to Jerry Lopez.”

“Citizen Through the Years”

Dewey Hukill, recipient of the 2021 “Citizen Through the Years” Award, introduced Alan Williams for the “2022 Citizen Through the Years Award.”

Hukill began: “This year’s Citizen Through the Years Award was also the Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year in 2004. He knows everybody in Olton and everybody knows him. And he knows where everybody lives and where they used to live, which comes in very handy for those on an ambulance run with him, and it’s to some place in the country. That’s because he’s been everywhere working on tractors since he garduated from Olton High School in 1976.

Hukil continued, “On May 8, 2022, he will have served as an Alderman on the Olton City Council for 21 years, currently the longest tenured member. He’s been Mayor Pro Tem since 2018, and he has been re-elected every time because people know they can trust him.

In April, he will have faithfully served as a member of Olton Volunteer Ambulance Association for 34 years, 20 of those on the Board of Directors, currently as vice president.

He started as an ambulance driver then certified as an EMT.

One EMT nominator wrote: “He’s a great crew member, as many who work with him at Olton EMS would attest to, as he works in the back of the ambulance saving lives and helping people on their worst days.

Another letter of nomination reads: “The best thing to recognize him for is the son, Eric, he raised who follows his father’s footsteps.

His son says: “My dad has encouraged me all my life, and helped me with so many projects. We love working together.

“To think of just one thing that stands out about my Dad is hard to do, because that’s just an everyday thing for him. He always does the best he can for everyone, thinking of other people before himself and meeting others’ needs before his own. I’m a recipient of that every day.”

Hukill concluded his introduction: The Olton Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Alan Williams as the 2022 Citizen Through the Years. He has dedicated his life to serving the people of Olton, and we are so proud to bestow this honor on him. Congratulatons, Alan!”

To close the program, Gabbie Garcia drew tickets for more cash door prizes, and the benediction was given by Kyle Blount, OCCA Ambassador, who was one of the Emcees.