Wednesday, July 3, 2024
The Gatesville Exchange Club presented several awards to exceptional community members at their annual Golden Deeds Banquet at First Methodist Church on Monday, May 6.
The awards include recognizing Gatesville High School students, a peace officer, firefighter, healthcare professional, educator, and other individuals who have made an impact in Gatesville and beyond.
“The Golden Deeds Banquet is an opportunity for the Gatesville Exchange Club to honor outstanding community volunteers and honor outstanding young people that have and will contribute to their communities in the future,” Exchange Club Treasurer Joann Sugg said.
The awards were presented as follows:
Cash Rugely, a member of U.S. Representative John Carter’s Office, presented the Proudly We Hail award to Janis Bell for her diligence in displaying the American flag.
Exchange Club board member Lauren Morell followed the Proudly We Hail award with a presentation about the organization’s initiative, In God We Trust, that aims to donate framed copies of the national motto to school districts in Texas. After the presentation, Morrell awarded Rugely with a framed poster for the office of John Carter.
Board member Denise Fueston presented the Healthcare Professional of the Year award to Coryell Health social worker Sheila Roedler.
Gatesville Police Chief Brad Hunt presented the Peace Officer of the Year award to Officer Jason Holt for his service in law enforcement.
Gatesville Fire Chief Billy Vaden presented the Firefighter of the Year award to volunteer firefighter Carlos Campos, who has served with the Gatesville Volunteer Fire Department for seven years.
Gatesville High School principal, Liz Shoaf, and athletic director, Rickey Phillips, presented the Educator of the Year award to head football coach Aaron Hunter.
Board member Barbara Considine announced community member Loretta Braucci as Senior Citizen of the Year.
Becky Coward, the 4-H extension agent for Coryell County, presented the Care Award to Amanda Huckabee for her many years of service at Gatesville ISD.
Sugg introduced eleven Gatesville High School seniors who were nominated by their teachers as students of the month throughout the year. The students are Barrett Boyd, Natalie Fast, Ellie Kelley, Bethany Penrod, Olivia Walker, Carsyn Madisett, Wyatt Dunbar, Cayleigh Coursey, Anna Phillips, Zoe Gribble, and Matti Mann.
Two students, Boyd and Coursey, received the Student of the Year scholarship along with the award.
Sugg also presented the A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) awards to Alanda Wimberly, Coral Bryant, and America Rodriguez. The purpose of the award is to recognize high school students who have overcome various obstacles yet are on track for graduation.
President Georg Cleverley presented the Exchangeite of the Year award to Morrell for her service in leading various initiatives in the Exchange Club, including the In God We Trust posters and the creation of a gazebo that will serve as a memorial for a former Exchange Club member.
Cleverly presented the final award, The Book of Golden Deeds, to Gatesville’s HEB store for their support and service in the community. Store director Michael Wilie accepted the award on behalf of HEB.
