Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Banquet Recognizes Teachers, John Teeter At Annual Event

John W. Teeter, Jr. did something out of character at the annual Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce Banquet Tuesday, May 14.

He kept an acceptance speech short and simple.

Teeter was bestowed with the second annual Treasure of Gold Award.

The inaugural award went to Horace McKenzie at last year's banquet.

Teeter, after joking about how dangerous it was to put him in front of a microphone with no time limit, kept his acceptance short by simply thanking the chamber for the honor.

Prior to Teeter's honor, the coaches for successful athletic teams in the county were recognized.

Don Callicott introduced Nevada Blue Jay head basketball coach Glyndon Franklin.

Callicott said he was a senior in high school when Franklin took his first coaching job 32 years ago. At the time, Franklin was also the math teacher.

Callicott said while he enjoyed his basketball career, the instruction he received in Franklin's math class has stayed with him for life.

He encouraged the players to enjoy the game while they can, but to take advantage of their educations. "The United States is the greatest place on earth for an education," he said.

"There is an open door for the opportunity to get an education that will last a lifetime."

The Nevada Blue Jays were then honored as the 7A district champs.

Prissy Traczewitz presented Prescott Wolverette head coach Cecily Butler with a plaque for the team's accomplishments as district 7AA champs, south regional girls champs and for getting to the first round of the state playoffs.

Robert Hill followed, with his introduction of the Curley Wolf grid team. Hill said he was a member of the first Wolf team with a perfect record -- 0-12.

He presented Coach Eddie Jackson with a plaque for the team's accomplishments as 7AA champs and state champs from class AA with its 12-0-1 record.

After these accolades and honors, the entertainment began with Steve Kelsey, a musician/storyteller.

Kelsey did more than sing and tell stories, however. He got the audience involved and participating, which made for a merry and memorable evening.

Too soon, Kelsey's part of the program ended.

Between Kelsey and Miss Arkansas, Paula Montgomery, John Brannon, president of the Bank of Prescott, lauded the James Owen family for being named Nevada County Farm Family of the Year for 1995.

Connie Owen spoke for the family, telling all how much they appreciated the honor and are grateful for the recognition received. She said this program shows how much the state of Arkansas cares for its farm families.

Things quickly turned blue, to the delight of the audience, as Montgomery took center stage with her rendition of "Since I Fell For You."

Between songs, Montgomery said she was "born" to be in pageants. It seems her father sent her mother a dozen roses on the day Paula was born. The roses bore the legend: "To the mother of Miss America."

Montgomery, though, said she first became interested in competing in pageants at the age of 5 after seeing Miss Arkansas on television.

But she had some obstacles to overcome. First, Montgomery is legally blind and cannot drive at night without her contact lenses. She told the audience when she was young she wore "coke bottle" glasses.

For eight years, beginning when she was five, Montgomery bravely took her lumps. Eight years later, when she was 13, she won her first pageant. "I felt like Miss America when I won the first one," she said.

It took Montgomery three tries to become Miss Arkansas. She calls the victory the "most wonderful moment of my life."

As Miss Arkansas, she said, there was no pressure on her at the Miss America contest. It had been more than 10 years since a Miss Arkansas became Miss America, so she concentrated on having fun.

However, she wound up being in the top five and was astounded. "I never thought about being in the top 5," she said.

When on stage with Regis Philbin, Montgomery wished her parents a happy anniversary. Other contestants told Montgomery that may have cost her the crown, but, she told those gathered, her parents are the most important people in her life. "That's where my roots are," Montgomery said.

She closed singing, "Can't Help Lovin' That Man."

Then came the most important part of the evening -- when educators and citizen of the year were named.

Dr. Gene Ross presented Emmet's educator award to Brenda Smith, saying she is a mentor for new teachers and coordinates the IMPACT program.

Smith thanked him for the honor, telling all on hand Emmet's school board and faculty are like family.

Rick McAffee, superintendent of Nevada School followed with the Nevada honor for Terri Jarvis.

"We all have an image of a special teacher, who asked us to go out and make something of ourselves," he said. "This is a profession you go into because you love children and want to make a difference for them."

He then said Jarvis has worked for 16 years as a teacher, where she has reached out to help and love her students.

Jarvis said there were 20 other teachers who were more deserving of the honor. "It's not a job at Nevada," she said, "it's a family."

Don Johnston, superintendent of Prescott school, bestowed the plaque for Prescott to Judy McCauley.

"Teaching is a profession where you have the responsibility and opportunity to make a difference in the life of young people," he said.

"This recipient will help students and staff and do what she can to help others. She has had a positive influence on many students."

On the verge of tears, McCauley said she had been tricked. She said she came to the banquet because she thought someone else was getting the award. "I still love the children," she said, "and I'm not ready to give up yet."

Von Gordon, chamber manager, presented chamber president Jo Beth Glass with the President's Commendation for the work she's done during the past two years.

After accepting the award, Glass remained the podium to announce the Citizen of the Year award.

Glass said this year's winner is what living in small towns is all about. They worked with the Cancer Society, Hee Haw, coordinated the Nevada County Fair, is a member of the newly-formed Jaycees, Extension Club, chamber and is generally concerned with their fellow man's well being.

In fact, she said, the winner visits nursing homes and hospitals to help cheer up those there, is in a bowling league and coaches.

This year's recipient also is the reason for Henry's Lights, which lit up the Nevada County Courthouse this past Christmas season.

In addition, the winner plants flowers at the courthouse after hours and mows lawns for those unable to do so for themselves.

This year's Citizen of the