Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Community turns out for Upchurch banquet

Ila Upchurch was a Nevada County woman who believed in children and dedicated her life to providing opportunities for their futures. Those who received awards during the 18th annual Ila Upchurch Community Corporations banquet exemplify those traits.

The legacy that we honor tonight .. was a true servant, said Patricia Roberts. Roberts is a member of the community group and offered the welcome for the event.

Patricia Blake was named Citizen of the Year. Mae Lewis presented the award, saying that Blake is very dedicated, whatever the task. Blake is president of the Prescott School Board, coordinator of the 2007 Munns Chapel Minister to the Whole Person health fair, is active in her church and community.

Whatever the occasion, it is done timely and orderly, Lewis said. I believe I speak for many when I say, We love you.

Master of Ceremonies Willie Wilson asked, Did we surprise you?

Yes, and you dont usually do that, Blake said.

Wilson introduced the next award with the quote, A great teacher is one who seeks pupils who have an earnest desire to change the world. They must apply in person.

Merle Johnson, a kindergarten teacher at Prescott Elementary School, was honored for her years of service by Larry Faulkner. Faulkner said Johnson had made a life-long commitment to education and had tutored children in her home.

Wilson called Johnson a dedicated individual.

Johnson said the award was a complete surprise.

Thank God for this blessing, she said. I just love working with kids.

The banquet included a new award, the Pastor of the Year award. Arthur Hill is a resident of Texarkana and pastor of Munns Chapel. The award was presented by Earl Foster.

This give me great honor, Foster said. When he came (to Prescott), he came with a vision. The Lord gave him a vision and the Lord blessed him to see it through.

That vision was the Family Life Center recently completed by the church.

Foster said Hill couldnt be citizen of the year because hes not a resident of Nevada County.

So we had a vision, Foster said, adding that the group had come up with the idea to create the new award.

Three students received academic scholarship awards during the banquet.

Ashley Dixon, a nursing student, was selected to receive a three-hour class at the University of Arkansas Community College at Hope provided by Eighth Judicial District Judge Duncan Culpepper. Brittany Holleman and Colby Christopher, both Prescott High School seniors, were awarded the Ila Upchurch scholarships.

Though not an award of the Ila Upchurch Community Corporation, another award was presented by the Charmette Civic and Social Club. Club member Joyce Gibson presented the award.

Gibson said the Charmettes began with a group of women from Prescott and surrounding communities in the 1950s. The Charmettes were to be a mainly social endeavor, but they soon expanded their mission.

The clubs theme is lifting as we climb, and Gibson said recipient Rev. William Colbert exemplified that theme.

Colbert is pastor of Mount Zion Baptist Church in Gurdon and Gibson cited Colberts community involvement as the reason for the award.

Colbert called the award, A blessing.