LELAND — Leland community members and partners alike joined one another Thursday evening at the Capps Entrepreneurial Center in Stoneville for the Leland Chamber of Commerce’s (LCOC) 54th annual banquet.
The featured speaker for the evening was nationally renowned editorial cartoonist Marshall Ramsey — editor-at-large for Mississippi Today and host of a weekly statewide radio and television program on Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
Nearly 200 guests filled the room and assembled at tables adorned with tall, slender vases with beautiful greenery peaking at every table.
Preceding the banquet program was a business showcase and silent auction.
Guests bid on items and patronized local businesses in the showcase while enjoying libations such as beer and wine.
Opening remarks were made by Rhonda Looney and she highlighted the success and revitalization of “Christmas on the Creek” in 2019 among other successes and initiatives the LCOC are driving with the help of the community.
A raffle ticket drawing was held near the end of the program in which the prize was a Coleman CTU mini bike donated by Mac Durastanti.
While enjoying a dinner catered by Cicero’s, guests heard from LCOC president Kenner Patton about the progress of the Leland community and shortly after, Ramsey.
The awards presentation followed in which the LCOC recognized local residents and businesses for their unique and dedicated service.
Community Service Award
Dr. Wayne Ebelhar presented the Community Service award posthumously to the deceased Davis Clark.
Ebelhar made a strong effort to fight back tears during his presentation and said of Clark, “If you were involved in any aspect of service in Leland, Mississippi, you know who I’m talking about.”
Clark was a longtime friend of Ebelhar, who reflected on working with Clark at Leland Habitat for Humanity for nearly three decades as well as the day, Dec. 26, when he received the telephone call about Clark’s passing.
Ebelhar said the following words summed up Clark’s life and how he lived it, “This person worked for a cause, not for applause; lived life to express, not to impress; don’t strive to make your presence noticed, just make your absence felt.”
Distinguished Service Award
Chamber member Gaila Oliver presented the award for Distinguished Service to Mac Durastanti, vice president of the board of directors for the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Museum.
“In every generation, God sends us a few special people who take care the rest of us,” Oliver said. “The recipient of this award has always put other people’s problems ahead of his own … most of the time, before we call him he’s already there.”
She added, “For his commitment, we’re eternally grateful.”
Business of the Year
Kenner Patton presented the Business of the Year Award to Stop-N-Shop, which is owned and operated by Roy Schilling.
Stop-n-Shop has stores in three locations which include Leland, Hollandale and Rolling Fork.
After receiving the award, Schilling said, “Leland, when we came here in 2005, we had no idea exactly what we were getting into but the good Lord knew and it’s been great, thank y’all so much.”
Bernadine Amos Teacher of the Year
The Bernadine Amos Teacher of the Year award was presented by Dr. Jesse King, Superintendent of the Leland School District.
”This award goes to a very outstanding individual I must say, who not only is going to be honored but also is a graduate of the Leland Public School district,” he said.
King referenced a highlight of Ramsey’s speech and said, “Mr. Ramsey, this teacher did just what you suggested — when it seems like things are getting a little tough, grab the rope.”
The recipient was Jessica Thomas, daughter of King, who said he was elated and surprised, but grateful to have presented the award.
Thomas, a psychology major, also attained a masters in education and a specialist in school administration.
Policemen of the Year
Police Chief P.K. Nelson presented the awards for policeman of the year to Bobby Johnson Jr.
Nelson jokingly said, “After seeing this award I’d like to keep it for myself,” and thanked the community and the LCOC for recognizing the police department.
He first recognized Anita Glenn, a dispatcher, who he said would oftentimes works beyond her normal shift hours to help out.
He also presented an award for “Supervisor of the Year” to Sgt. Quintus Johnson in his absence and Ladarius Smith was presented with the “Rookie of the Year” award.
Fireman of the Year
Fire Chief Bobby Johnson presented the award for Fireman of the Year to Sarah Hester — the first and only female to work as a firefighter for the Leland Fire Department.
Johnson began, “A lot of you might know we’re coming upon a year since we had a vehicle to run off into the creek with three small children in it, but the firefighter of the year, she was one of the ones,” along with others Johnson named, “to go into the water and get the child out.”
“I know we lost two, but it was a miracle that we were able to save one … Sarah Hester is our first female on the Leland Fire Department and she was the third ones if I’m not mistaken to hit the water and go to the car and she had the window breaking device (to assist in rescuing the surviving child),” he said.
Upon accepting her award, Hester said, “‘I’ve never seen a firefighter in leggings before is definitely one of my most memorable quotes I’ve heard in the past year since I’ve been with the fire department,’” she said, which yielded several laughs from banquet guests.
Hester said she was worried about what impression she would have on her fellow firemen when she first joined the department, such as whether they’d think she was just some “workout girl” who just wanted to say she was a fire fighter.
“Turns out they took me under their wing a lot faster than I could have ever imagined,” she gleamed. “I walked in wanting to help the community but also wanting to earn my place on the department.”
Hester recalled her very first house fire late in the evening and how she was fully dressed in turnout gear and awkward fitting boots, eager to prove that she wasn’t just in it for a title.
She also reflected on facing her first death and another tragedy just months after.
Hester highlighted it was a time of sorrow that united them all and afterwards she felt like they grew closer and stronger as a department and community.
Pointing out how her worries had dissipated and the outpouring of support comforted her, Hester added, “I gained 24 big brothers who would never let me get in harm’s way.”
Achievement Ambassador
Stephanie Patton presented the award for Achievement Ambassador to former Tennessee Titan, Mississippi State Bulldog and Leland School District standout Antonio Johnson.
“His best plays were the ones that he performed right back here in his hometown in Leland,” Patton said.
“Always giving back is the best way to describe tonight’s honoree,” Patton said, noting the back-to-school events he hosts and donations he makes to churches, athletic programs and other community organizations.
Johnson thanked the LCOC and his family for their support and recognition.
“Everything I’ve done in my life was not for the purpose of me being patted on the back, but out of the kindness of my heart,” Johnson said.
