Several local people were honored Saturday at the 10th annual Jackson County Community Outreach banquet.
The JCCO hosted the awards banquet at the Commerce Civic Center with nearly 300 people from communities throughout Jackson County present. The keynote speaker for the evening was Mike Beatty, commissioner of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
Beatty, a native of Jefferson and resident of Jackson County, spoke about the importance of the youth for the future of the community. Some of the points during the keynote address included Beatty’s “Four Knows.”
Beatty said that to be successful the four things each person has to know are: “Know who you are, know what you believe, know why you want to be successful and know what to do when you get there.” Beatty said that the real success is the process of achieving.
Gene Gilliam, JCCO awards committee chairman, presented the honor awards to this year’s recipients.
The Community Leadership Award was presented to Roy Stowe, who has served on various boards that focus on improving the community. He is chairman of the Jackson County Area Chamber of Commerce.
The 2008 Humanitarian Award was given to The Potter’s House and accepted by program director Kevin Montford. Montford introduced Mike Nation who was a recipient of services from the Potter’s House. Nation said a few words of thanks to the people who support community outreach programs.
Paula Mathis, a certified nursing assistant at BJC Medical Center, received the Certified Nursing Assistant Award, which is given based on devoted and loving medical care and a demonstration of leadership.
Three Young Adult Awards were presented recognizing role models who exemplify an outstanding public service commitment. They went to Jackson County Comprehensive High School senior Abbey Boehmer, East Jackson Comprehensive High School junior Anna Pierce and EJCHS graduate Joshua Barnett.
James Scott Jr., president of JCCO, presented the President’s Award. The President’s Award is awarded to an individual demonstrating a strong commitment to the JCCO and its mission to the community. The 2008 President’s award was presented to Doris Brown. Brown has been active with the JCCO since 2003 and was an educator for 37 years and taught in several school systems, including Jefferson.
