Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ila Upchurch Banquet - Committee awards citizen, educator

Two women who had not suspected the true reason for their presence at the Ila Upchurch Banquet found themselves at center stage during the ceremonies. Carolyn Box and Freddie Mae Hamilton each received awards for their contributions to the community.

The 17th Annual Ila Upchurch Community Corporation Awards and Recognition Banquet was held April 22 at McRae Middle School.

Toastmaster for the event was Willie Wilson who posed the question, What is an educator? The true educators are those who can motivate a student to perform at the top of his or her ability, according to Wilson.

Robert Smallwood presented the Ila Upchurch Educator of the Year award to Hamilton. Smallwood said the role of an educator changes dramatically during the course of a childs life. To illustrate, he pointed out that kindergarten teachers tell their students to lie down during the day and take a nap.

Thirteen years later teachers have a different message, Smallwood said. At that point, teachers are telling those same students, If you fall asleep in my class, you wont graduate.

Hamilton said it was suddenly clear to her why some people had worked so hard to be sure she was in attendance for the event.

Hamilton teaches career orientation to eighth graders at Prescott. She said she plans to continue educating the areas young people, as long as God gives me my strength, and my health.

Earl Foster said presenting the award for the Ila Upchurch Citizen of the Year was a task he was willing to undertake. He said the recipient is a native of the city, grew up in the community, and that he had watched her grow up. He said hed considered listing her commitments and community contributions, but they are many.

Foster said the recipient is a first in Nevada County, because she was the first black woman to hold an elected position. Box, Nevada County Assessor, had apparently guessed that she was the honoree by this point. Foster told Box that the purpose of the award was to let her know, how proud we are.

Box was openly moved by the award and her acceptance was dramatically brief.

Thank you, she said, before taking her seat.

The evening featured a catered fish or chicken dinner with the food being only the first highlight of the event.

Rev. Daniel Flemons offered the invocation, followed by a musical routine by Kyeir Webb, a third grader at Prescott Elementary School. Kyeir performed to the Christian social, I Can Feel the Presence of the Lord.

Willa Muldrew presented a brief welcome speech. Muldrew said she had looked for a book that might have some sample welcomes she could use for the occasion, but said she hadnt found anything appropriate. Muldrew then said she realized that she didnt need a book  that the words would come to her when she looked out at those gathered to show their support for the community.

I am just thankful to death to have the privilege of standing here and welcoming you, she said. Thank each and every one of you and please, just keep supporting us. We need it.

Recognition of the two Prescott High School seniors who are slated to receive Ila Upchurch scholarships was next on the agenda. Both recipients were out of town at other functions but thank-you statements from each was read by Elaine Williams.

Jasmine Van Hook wrote, My ultimate goal is to use my education  to help my community

The second recipient, Ashley Dickson, was described as being a big part of Prescott High School. Dickson cited her church involvement as her biggest achievement.

Voluntary community involvement is a major point considered for these scholarships.

Patricia Robertson accepted the awards for both young women, who Robertson said are her nieces and members of her church  Ward Chapel A.M.E.

Robertson was also recognized for her recent award from the state as paraprofessional of the year.

Keynote speaker Dr. Kenneth Harris, Henderson State Universitys Dean of Education. Rev. William Colbert offered the benediction and Olen Johnson Jr. recognized guests.