The Quitman Chamber of Commerce honored community leaders, volunteers, educators, first responders and local businesses during its annual awards banquet last Thursday night, Feb. 12. They celebrated the people and organizations who help make Quitman a strong and connected community.

The theme was “Mardi Gras,” and community members showed their spirit by dressing in colorful purple, green and gold attire. Seth’s Lake Fork Creek Steak and Seafood catered the evening. 

Emcee for the night was former Quitman Chamber President Mxcie Hurst. After welcoming guests, Hurst started off the evening with the recognition of outgoing and incoming chamber board members. Tony LeGrow was announced as the 2026 chamber president, with Brenna Russell serving as vice president and Debbie Mooney as treasurer. Ashley Day and Brittany Bessonett will continue as directors, joined by new directors Angela Kessler, Kynell Grimes and Jordan Davis. Outgoing board members, including former president Larry Norton, were thanked for their years of service and leadership.

Longtime volunteer Marlene Ovard was recognized for three years of service as ambassador coordinator. Known throughout the community for her dedication to chamber events and promotions, Ovard passed the role to Michelle Johnson and Jennifer Smith, who will serve as co-coordinators. 

“It was truly an honor just to know that my ambassador program meant so much to the chamber,” said Ovard. “I’ll miss coordinating it, but I knew it was time for me to pass the torch to younger ladies with energy, who have new ways to grow the program.” 

Ovard also announced Brenna Russell as the 2025 Ambassador of the Year, recognizing her consistent presence and leadership at chamber events.

The Clergy of the Year award was presented to Jarrod Yeager, associate pastor at Faith Baptist Church. The award was presented for his service to local youth, families and community organizations through ministry, mentoring and volunteer work.

Educator of the Year honors went to Kevin Clevenger, a science teacher with Quitman ISD, who was recognized for the lasting impact he has made on students as he prepares for retirement. Clevenger thanked the community for allowing him to do what he loves and said that working with students has been one of the great joys of his life.

First Responder of the Year was awarded to Junior Stovall, a 30-year volunteer with the Quitman Volunteer Fire Department. Presenters praised Stovall’s decades of commitment, noting that volunteer service often comes at the cost of missed holidays, late nights and time away from family. His dedication and mentorship within the department were described as an example of servant leadership in the community.

Medical Professional of the Year honors went to Chandra Oud, a physician assistant at Christus Trinity Clinic, for more than two decades of compassionate care in family practice, pediatrics and community health. 

“Miss Ila’s Community Spirit Award” recipient Brooke Rogers was recognized for her work as a local business owner and for her involvement in multiple boards and community initiatives that strengthen connections throughout Quitman.

This award was renamed for Ila Wisdom, former Quitman Chamber director, who passed away in October 2022. Wisdom served the community in many capacities, but was known especially for her work starting the Hometown Christmas annual celebration.

Hurst next named Reflections Hospice as Small Business of the Year, for more than a decade of compassionate end-of-life care and ongoing community involvement across Northeast Texas. Republic Services received the Large Business of the Year award for providing waste and recycling services to the Quitman area while supporting environmental stewardship and community partnerships.

Woman of the Year honors went to Pam Bowdoin, whose extensive volunteer service includes work with the Quitman Development Corporation, the Quitman-Lake Fork Kiwanis Club, the Quitman Parks and Recreation Board and various community events, along with founding Paws of Kindness, a nonprofit fostering program for animals. Hurst noted that Bowdoin consistently supports local businesses and organizations and shows up wherever help is needed – often without recognition.

Last year’s Man of the Year, Clay Smith, presented this year’s Man of the Year award to Jerry Jackson for his decades of service to youth, agriculture and community organizations. Jackson has served on numerous boards and committees through the years and has been a strong supporter of youth programs, 4-H, junior livestock shows, and local school initiatives. He thanked the community for welcoming his family more than 30 years ago and said Quitman has been a place where they were able to build both a livelihood and a life.