AACC recognizes locals for ‘invaluable contributions’
Chambers County Constable Precinct 2 John Mulryan (second left) receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon. Showing support are Sarah Trahan (left), chamber board member; Meredith Turner-Croyle, board member; Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson; Lanie Brown, regional senior director for U.S. Sen. Brian Babin; and Brandon Kiser, deputy district director for Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton.
Crawfish Hideaway owners Casey (center) and Lindsay (center left) Hedges receive Business of the Year at the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon. Showing support are Katelynn Rose Smith (left), chamber executive director; Megan Licon, board member; Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson; Lanie Brown, regional senior director for U.S. Sen. Brian Babin; and Brandon Kiser, deputy district director for Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Michael “Mike” Wheat (second left) receives Person of the Year at the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon. Showing support are Katelynn Rose Smith (left), chamber executive director; Kimberley Mulkey, chamber vice chair; Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson; Lanie Brown, regional senior director for U.S. Sen. Brian Babin; and Brandon Kiser, deputy district director for Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton.
The Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 995 receives the Group of the Year Award at the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon, with Master Randall Decker (second left) and District Deputy Grand Master Masonic District 107 Bobby Roggenbuck (center) accepting the award. Showing support are La’Shebia Raymond (left), chamber board member; Micayla Anderson, board secretary; Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson; Lanie Brown, regional senior director for U.S. Sen. Brian Babin; and Brandon Kiser, deputy district director for Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton.
Chambers County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and Safety Officer Jeffery Choate (second left) receives the Distinguished Service Award at the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce Awards Luncheon. Showing support are Sarah Phelps (left), chamber chair; Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson; Lanie Brown, regional senior director for U.S. Sen. Brian Babin; and Brandon Kiser, deputy district director for Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton.
The Outstanding Educator Award is given to Kaitlyn Bennett, Anahuac Middle School history teacher. Bennett’s fiancé, Ethan Rhotenberry (left), accepts the award on her behalf. Showing support are Megan Licon (left), board member; Ali Lucas, board member; Texas House District 23 Rep. Terri Leo Wilson; Lanie Brown, regional senior director for U.S. Sen. Brian Babin; and Brandon Kiser, deputy district director for Texas Sen. Brandon Creighton.
WALLISVILLE— Last week the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce recognized community members who have made notable contributions to the community through various acts of service.
The chamber held its annual awards luncheon on Wednesday, June 18, recognizing locals who have put their all into the community.
“I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who made today possible, our sponsors, the board of directors and all of our attendees, and, of course, to our award recipients,” chamber Executive Director Katelynn Rose Smith said. “Thank you for your invaluable contributions to our community.”
Chambers County Constable Precinct 2 John Mulryan received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his commitment to the community through his career and as an individual.
“This remarkable person embodies the spirit of generosity and community service, establishing themselves as a pillar of the Anahuac area,” Smith said.
Business of the Year went to Crawfish Hideaway, which was recognized for contributing to the community's economic and cultural growth.
“They take the initiative to organize events that celebrate local culture and identity, drawing our community together and highlighting what makes Anahuac unique,” Smith said.
Justice of the Peace Precinct 2 Michael “Mike” Wheat was awarded Person of the Year.
“We are proud to recognize someone who exemplifies the values of dedication, kindness and involvement,” Smith said.
The Group of the Year Award went to Anahuac Masonic Lodge No. 995 for their continued contributions to the community, from the growing Community Day to providing food and electricity during Hurricane Beryl.
“We recognize a group that has made a significant impact in the Anahuac area and has become a cornerstone of community support,” Smith said.
The Distinguished Service Award honors local emergency responders who demonstrate dedication and bravery, and this year, Chambers County Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator and Safety Officer Jeffery Choate received the award.
“He is known for his willingness to help at a moment’s notice, volunteers tirelessly throughout the community, and for Jeff, being a first responder is not a career, but it’s who he is,” Smith said.
The Outstanding Educator Award went to Kaitlyn Bennett, Anahuac Middle School history teacher and Anahuac Independent School District debate coach.
“She is deeply committed to nurturing each student’s growth and potential,” Smith said. “Kaitlyn’s approach to teaching, along with her genuine love for her students and strong community involvement, inspires young minds to strive for excellence,” Smith said.
Bennett led the debate team to the National Speech and Debate Tournament in Iowa last week, and she accepted her award through Facetime with help from her fiancé, Ethan Rhotenberry.