HIGHLANDS – The Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Installation and Community Awards Banquet last Thursday evening, at the Monument Inn. The room was decorated with a Valentine Theme and red table cloths and roses.
There were Community Awards given to six outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed to the life of the community.
The top award is the Terry Davis Award, and it was given to Goose Creek CISD school superintendent Randal O’Brien for his work in improving the community. A special award was given to Betty Brewer for her 36 years of supporting the Chamber, and service awards were given to outgoing board members Betty Michalsky and Jim Wadzinski.
Executive Director Jessica Woods helped Judge Lucia Bates install the new Board of Directors.
The emcee for the evening was Chamber president Jim Wadzinski. Opening remarks were made by vice-president Gary Guy.
The guest speaker for the evening was also the Terry Davis Award winner, Dr. Randal O’Brien. He spoke in some detail about his career path, from a young boy mowing yards, to his first job as a welder’s apprentice and more. Much of his career was involved with retail sales companies, working on their financial accounting.
This led him to a job offer to join the Goose Creek administration, where they were planning a large bond issue and construction budgets. From there he was next offered the superintendent’s position, having been a teacher and a coach with previous districts.
O’Brien characterizes his Leadership as “the ability to influence others for good.”
Other awards were presented for Firefighter, Constable, Sheriff ’s Deputy, Business of the Year, and board installation