Nine individuals, a local bank and two community groups will be honored at the upcoming Greater Grambling Chamber of Commerce annual banquet Friday, Nov. 19 in the Black & Gold Room of the Favrot Student Union at Grambling State University .Tickets are $25 and tables of eight are $180. The banquet begins at 7 p.m. and a wine and cheese reception is at 6 p.m. in the atrium of the Black and Gold Room.
The title sponsor for this year’s event is the Dr. Rhonda Pruitt of Tru Care Dental in Grambling and the theme is “Celebrating Community Contributions.”
“For the second year, we will acknowledge outstanding individuals, institutions, community groups and businesses in our community,” said Barbara McIntyre, president.
“This highlight of individual contributions is done not only in who we chose to honor, but also in the naming of the different categories of the awards.”
Each award is named for longtime Grambling citizens who have made major contributions to the advancement of the community. The awards and the recipients follow.
Lucy McIntosh will receive the Calvin A. Wilkerson Award for overall achievements.
She retired as sociology professor emeritus from GSU in 1986 and she is a businesswoman who has been active with many community programs and institutions.
The late Calvin A. Wilkerson was a local businessman active in the social and political affairs of the community. He was elected to Lincoln Parish School Board and appointed to the University of Louisiana Board of Trustees among other honors.
Frances Staten will receive the Thelma Smith Williams Community Service Award. She is professor of anthropology and sociology at Grambling State University who has involved her students in many projects on social research, gerontology and genealogy in North Louisiana .
Thelma Smith Williams is a retired university professor and high school teacher who worked at GSU and the GSU Laboratory High School . As Grambling’s “unofficial historian,” she has written a book on the community and has an extensive collection of historical document on the
community and university.
Community Trust Bank will receive the A.D. Smith Business Award. Community Trust has been an active participant in many community activities including major contributions to the Eddie G. Robinson Museum .
The late A.D. Smith was a local businessman and on the Grambling City Council where served as mayor-pro tem. He was also active in numerous church and community affairs.
George Mack will receive the R.W.E. Jones Education Award. With 37 years, Mack is the longest serving member of the Lincoln Parish School Board. His imprint on this community is felt through numerous community activities and institutions. The late R. W.E. Jones served as president of GSU for 41 years.
In addition to these standing awards, the following will be recognized: Scott Boatwright, The Ruston Daily Leader; Joice Dunn and Wanda L. Peters of The Gramblinite; Joyce Evans, manager of KGRM; John Hays, Morning Paper; Glenn Lewis, GSU photographer; the Eddie Robinson Museum Commission; and Friends of the Eddie Robinson Museum.
For ticket and other information, contact Cathy Douglas, 274-2200; Nettie Goree, 247-8442; and Barbara McIntyre, 243-1858.