Dateline: April 9, 2009

Chamber honors top citizens at banquet

By Roger Estlack, Clarendon Enterprise

The Clarendon Chamber of Commerce recognized Jean Stavenhagen with the 2008 Saints’ Roost Award for her lifetime of service to the community as an educator and civic leader during the chamber’s annual banquet Saturday night.

Man of the Year recognition went to Dr. John C. Howard, and Kathy Hommel was named the Woman of the Year.

Stavenhagen is known for her quirky humor and good-natured kidding coupled with an insatiable desire to learn. She was raised in Hedley and lived most of her life in Clarendon, where she worked for the public school for 29 years – first as an English and speech teacher and then as high school librarian. She always demanded the best from her students and influenced hundreds of lives during her career.

“Ms. Stave,” as she is affectionately known, loved to work with UIL students, many of whom advanced to state competition in Informative & Persuasive Speaking, Prose, Poetry, Literary Criticism, and Current Events. At the time of her retirement, she had coached Clarendon High’s only One-Act Play cast to qualify for state.

She has a love for doing research, and that talent was put to good use for the community when she was instrumental in helping secure a $2.9 million grant from the Texas Historical Commission to restore the 1890 Donley County Courthouse. She also wrote the grant application that resulted in the restoration of the 1887 Ft. Worth & Denver City Railroad Depot, which had been relocated from downtown to the grounds of the Saints’ Roost Museum.

Stavenhagen was named the Woman of the Year in 2001, she served for several years on the museum board, and she continues to serve as the chair of the Donley County Historical Commission, working for the preservation of local history and doing research whenever she can.

The 2008 Man of the Year, Dr. John C. Howard, was honored for his patriotism, character, and devotion to his family and community. As our community’s doctor, he is compassionate but direct and stern when necessary. He was recognized for his professionalism, his wisdom, and the respect he receives from his peers and from the community. In 2007, Dr. Howard left his practice and family in the hands of his wife as he was called to active duty in Iraq where he did his part to make our country safer. His sacrifice was felt by the entire community, and the community was glad when he returned home last year.

Kathy Hommel was named the 2008 Woman of the Year for her willingness to do anything to help others. She opens her heart and home to anyone who needs a place to meet for Bible study, senior parties, weddings, or a family gathering. She is active in the CASA program and serves on the Child Welfare Board. She also serves on the FSA Board and is active in various capacities at her church. And she also keeps busy attending all the activities and school functions her grandchildren are in.

Other awards presented at Saturday’s banquet included the Pioneer Man and Woman of the Year and the Young Men and Women of the Year.

The Pioneer Man of the Year was Ernest Johnston, who has been a native of Donley County nearly 70 years. Ernie has always had a strong love for his family and his community. He is always available with a smile and a helping hand. He has served on the Clarendon Volunteer Fire Department since 1978 and has held the offices of captain and first and second assistant chiefs. He was named the Fireman of the Year in 1993. He has been an active Mason for more than 25 years has been a member of the Al Morrah Shrine Club since 1984, serving as its president for three years. In 1989, Johnston helped develop Clarendon’s municipal recycling program and helped educate the community about the importance of recycling. As a county commissioner, he spent many hours helping with the restoration of the 1890 Donley County Courthouse and was proud to see it completed in 2003. He spent eight years as a county commissioner and served as a member of the Panhandle Regional Planning Commission’s Community Block Grant Board during that time.

Dorisene McAnear was named the Pioneer Woman of the Year for 2008. Born in Youngsport, Texas, in 1924, she moved to Brice after she married in 1942 and later moved to Clarendon in 1962. She helped with the family’s farming operation and raised three children. She worked at Junior’s Food Market for a few months before going to work at Henson’s, where she stayed for 40 years. In 1973, she took two grandchildren to raise as her own. Today, at 84, she works for the Chamber of Commerce and still manages to see that her family has a hot meal.

Peter Howard was named the Young Man of the Year from Hedley High School. He has been class president for four years and is currently president of the National Honor Society chapter. He has been recognized for his skills on the basketball court and was recently invited to try out for Wayland University’s team. He is involved in Business Professionals of America and won medals for his achievements in UIL Science. He has also received numerous academic honors and is active in church and civic volunteer programs. He plans to attend West Texas A&M and study engineering.

The Young Woman of the Year from Hedley High School is Shandy Koetting. She is vice president of the NHS chapter and spends many hours volunteering in her community. She has also been active in UIL academic competitions, the One Act Play, FFA, and BPA. She is currently serving as the Sweetheart of the Hedley Lions Club. She enjoys sports and has advanced to regionals in tennis every year. She also went to regionals in cross country. She has enjoyed many honors bestowed on her by fellow students, and she enjoys singing and participating in her church. She plans to attend West Texas A&M.

Devin Noble is the Young Man of the Year from Clarendon High School. He is active in his youth group and is a leader in the AWANA program. He is a member of the NHS chapter and has won several academic awards. He has received district recognition in baseball and football and has dedicated many hours to the improvement of the baseball field. He is a quiet leader among his peers, standing up for his beliefs even when it is not popular.

The Young Woman of the Year from Clarendon High School is Amelia Taylor, who has garnered a long list of high school accomplishments and activities, winning numerous academic awards. She is very active in the Junior Historians and frequently donates her time to volunteer in the community. She is an avid photographer whose work has been published in a book and has been recognized in contests. She works with adults with special needs at a church camp and is active in her church’s Vacation Bible School. This year she has leadership positions with the annual staff, Junior Historians, student council, NHS, class officer, and the Pantex Science Bowl team. She is also the class valedictorian and plans to study mechanical engineering at either Baylor University or Texas Tech University.

Also recognized during the banquet were incoming chamber directors Buster Gray, Carol Braddock, Carole Goemans, Monty Hysinger, Regina Wootten, Rhonda Shaw, Janan Koontz, and Susan Word.

An estimated 182 people attended the Hearts & Hats themed banquet, down slightly from 207 last year.

This year’s banquet was sponsored by Lowe’s, Clarendon College, Greenbelt Electric Cooperative, GreenLight Gas, J&W Lumber, Road Runner Home Care, and Don Stone Signs.