Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
CCLACC Board Director Joy Long (left) presents the Citizen of the Year Award to Scott Tuley of Tuley’s Karaoke. Long said of Tuley, “This year’s honoree is a remarkable community leader, a man whose dedication to local youth sports, education and volunteerism is nothing short of inspiring.”

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
Executive Director of the Mabank ISD Education Foundation Tonya Chapman (from left) presents the Teachers of the Year during the CCLACC banquet March 17. Mabank High School Teacher of the Year Lauren Odom, Mabank Junior High Teacher of the Year Shar’Lon Lane, Mabank Intermediate Teacher of the Year Christine Minshew, Central Elementary Teacher of the Year Shelby Jackson, Southside Elementary Teacher of the Year Pamela Maynard and Lakeview Elementary Teacher of the Year Julie Wiggins.  

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
CCLACC Vice Chair Chrissy Adams (right) presents the Mary Helen Myrick Award to The Nest Owner Shannon Anderson. 

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
Home Instead owner Kim Gassman (left) is presented the Kathy Kendrick Award by CCLACC Chair Marty Mullins. 

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
Recipient of the Jean Nichols Lifetime Service Award is CCLACC Secretary Allison Kartal (left) is presented the award by 2023 recipient Tate Cramm.

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
Bill Hanstrom (right) presents the Jo Ann Hanstrom Award which was previously the President’s Award to CCLACC Chair Marty Mullins.   

Monitor Photo/Ashlee Sawyer
CCLACC Treasurer Derrick Hoelscher (left) is presented with the CCLACC Ambassador of the Year Award by CCLACC Secretary Allison Kartal. 

CEDAR CREEK LAKE—The Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce (CCLACC) held their annual awards banquet at the Cedar Creek Country Club March 17. The theme of this year’s banquet was “25 years of building a stronger future, together.” 
CCLACC Chair Marty Mullins opened the awards ceremony by reading a speech that former President Jo Ann Hanstrom wrote in 2011. The speech outlined the history and the unification of the chamber. What began as three smallish membership lists, was unified into one vital regional chamber of commerce that boasted around 475 members in 2011. 
Chamber Director Joy Long also presented a speech honoring Hanstrom who was president of the chamber for 25 years until her passing in February. “As we come together in this moment, we reflect on her legacy, her passion and the profound impact she had on all of us,” stated Long. 
Bill Hanstrom or so he affectionately refers to himself, “Mr. Jo Ann Hanstrom,” also made a speech to banquet attendees and presented the Jo Ann Hanstrom Award which was previously the President’s Award to Mullins. Hanstrom said of Mullins, “I’ve never met anyone so fully devoted to anything. When he takes on a responsibility, you can bet your life the project or event will be completed with the highest level of integrity and precision. I’m reminded of the saying, ‘an honest man’s word is his bond.’ And that is exactly what this man is-his word is his guarantee.”
As is tradition at the banquet, the Executive Director of the Mabank ISD Education Foundation introduces the Teachers of the Year by campus. Mabank High School Teacher of the Year Lauren Odom was the first to be introduced. Odom is a Mabank High School graduate, has taught 11 years and currently teaches education and training. The junior high school teacher of the year is Shar’Lon Lane. Lane has been teaching for seven years, teaches eighth grade English and language arts, and has enjoyed her relationships formed with students and co-workers. The Mabank Intermediate Teacher of the Year is Christine Minshew. Minshew currently teaches fifth grade reading and has 18 total years teaching experience. Central Elementary’s Teacher of the Year is Shelby Jackson who is an interventionist and math specialist. Minshew has taught for nine years and loves the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both students and fellow educators. The Southside Elementary Teacher of the Year is Pamela Maynard who is a fourth-grade reading, writing and social studies teacher. Maynard has spent 15 years teaching with nine of those years in Mabank ISD. The Lakeview Elementary Teacher of the Year is Julie Wiggins, who teaches first grade. Wiggins has taught for three years and has felt called to be a teacher from a very young age. Her biggest hope is that her students will not only grow academically but also in how they think. 
CCLACC Vice Chair Chrissy Adams presented the Mary Helen Myrick Award to Shannon Anderson of The Nest. Adams spoke of Anderson, stating that she has a heart of gold and a heart for service which makes her a perfect candidate for the award. “Your dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed and your influence will continue to inspire others,” Adams stated. 
The Kathy Kendrick Award was presented to Kim Gassman of Home Instead. Mullins presented the award to Gassman stating, “She is an essential part of the community, providing leadership and guidance to those around her. Her contributions extend far beyond just her leadership role. This individual truly exemplifies the spirit of service, and we are incredibly fortunate to have them as part of this Chamber and this community.”  
CCLACC Secretary and Ambassador Allison Kartal presented the Ambassador of the Year award to Derrick Hoelscher of Patterson Insurance Group. “This person shows exactly what it means to be an outstanding community leader and volunteer. He’s the person who always steps up, even without being asked. Whether its attending ribbon cuttings, business after hours, or chamber chapter meetings, he is there always eager to lend a hand,” Kartal stated. Kartal explained that Hoelscher’s commitment to the community doesn’t end with the chamber, and his volunteerism extends far beyond the local chamber. 
The 2023 recipient of the Jean Nichols Lifetime Service Award, Tate Cramm presented this year’s award to Allison Kartal of KRT Realty. “From the onset this individual was involved in leadership roles-because that’s just who they are. This individual is organized, driven and quite frankly the kind of person you want in charge of anything. Their dedication to service has not gone unnoticed and has received several prestigious awards,” Cramm commented. 
The final award to be presented that night was the Citizen of the Year award which was presented by Long. Long spoke of Henderson County Precinct 2, Gun Barrel City Toys for Tots Organizer and owner of Tuley’s Karaoke Scott Tuley noting his deep unwavering commitment to bettering the lives of those around him. “This year’s honoree is a remarkable community leader, a man whose dedication to local youth sports, education and volunteerism is nothing short of inspiring. His actions show that its not just about participating it’s about making a real difference in the lives of those who need it most,” stated Long. 
The night was concluded with many thanks to the generous sponsors of the event and the floral arrangements which were courtesy of Dogwood Designs.