The Quitman Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet on Thursday, Feb. 15. This year’s theme was a golden anniversary celebration of the Quitman Chamber’s formation 50 years ago. Chamber members sponsored everything from tables to raffle prizes to make the evening a success. 

It was an emotional evening from start to finish. The evening had many highlights, but the night’s biggest honor was bestowed on R. T. Bridges, who received the “Lifetime Achievement” award. Bridges served as a member of the first Chamber of Commerce group and also served as a director twice. Emcee Mxcie Hurst spoke of Bridges’ other community volunteer service including the Kiwanis Club, the Quitman Public Library board, the Carroll Green Civic Center board, the Lake Country Classic Car Club, and his years of service to the community while serving as the city secretary. 

Other top awards of the evening included the naming of the Woman and Man of the Year. Mary Ballard was named Woman of the Year. Ballard came to Quitman in 1958 with her late husband Delbert Ballard. Ballard was originally hired as a sixth grade teacher but soon became the district’s first kindergarten teacher. She taught until she retired in 2000.

Ballard was heard after the event speaking to several attendees and exclaiming “You were one of my students too!” In addition to her own legacy teaching so many local Quitman residents, Ballard’s inspiration led to some of her children and grandchildren becoming educators, including her daughter Chrystal Ballard and her granddaughter Ashlee Lingo, both of whom work for Quitman ISD. Both were in attendance to cheer her on as she received the award. 

Man of the Year was presented to City Administrator James Attaway. A Quitman High School alum and retired Army officer, Attaway returned to Quitman with his family to take on the task of the city administrator position.

Attaway said as he received the award, “I want to continue to serve. I am simply super excited and humbled to be able to come back home and serve the people.” 

“Educator of the Year ‘’ was presented to Sevetra Williams Pankey, another Quitman High School alumna. Williams continues to teach at QISD after decades of service to the district.

The “First Responder of the Year’’ award was presented to Quitman Fire Department Chief Scott Wheeler. Dr. Robert Van Blair was presented the “Medical Professional of the Year ‘’ award, and Nikki Wright received the “Volunteer of the Year” award.

The annual “Community Spirit” award was renamed the “Ila Wisdom Community Spirit Award ‘’ in memory of late chamber board Director Ila Wisdom to honor the memory of her spirited attitude and willingness to serve the community. This year’s recipient of the award was Haley Papez. The “Small Business of the Year’’ award was presented to Lowe Gardner Funeral Home and the “Large Business of the Year” honor was awarded to Origin Bank.

Chamber director Heather Trammell presented a special award to ambassador Marlene Ovard.

Possibly the most emotional award of the night was presented first. A posthumous award for “Clergy of the Year” was given to the late Reverend Mike Klein of the First United Methodist Church. Reading Klein’s biography, Hurst said, “Whether it was honing his woodworking skills, exploring the great outdoors through hiking and mountain climbing, or tantalizing taste buds with his culinary creations, or capturing the world’s beauty through a camera lens. Mike found joy in every aspect of life.”

Reverend Klein became the minister at FUMC Quitman and Liberty United Methodist Church in November 2021. Klein passed away on Sept. 9, 2023. FUMC Director of Operations, Sam Scroggins, accepted the award on behalf of Klein’s family. An emotional Scroggins spoke of Klein’s impact at the church during his short time there. Scroggins ended with a quote from Reverend Klein’s last sermon, “Go in peace. Serve the Lord. Make a difference.”