Awards bestowed; tears shed at chamber banquet

There was lots of applause Monday night when BCHS Coach Jimmy Hallman won Citizen of the Year and Miss B's Take Out won Business of the Year. Plus, there was a hardy round when Lenzi Belcher was presented as Ambassador of the Year. None of that compared to the standing O and wet eyes when Beverly Perry was surprised with the "Key to the City" by Mayor David Rutledge. Even the mayor cried.

Longtime chamber ambassador and civic servant to the community, Perry was honored by both the Bridge City Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bridge City for her many years of service. Scot Shaffer and outgoing chamber president, Brandy Slaughter told tales of Perry's love and dedication to the community.

"When I first joined the chamber, she was a very big mentor to me," said Slaughter. "I got very close to her. I learned a lot of things from her; good and sometimes bad. I love miss Beverly."

"She was my first girlfriend," Shaffer joked of when he first came to Bridge City. Perry worked in the RE/MAX office at the time.

"Every single night about 5:30, she opened my door to my office, throw a Snicker bar at me as hard as she could, and say, 'Get some rest.'"

A story in last week's Record Newspapers revealed that Perry is leaving her beloved Bridge City to move to Georgia with her son due to health reasons.

Coach Hollman has been with the Bridge City ISD for 11 years and this will be his 23rd year in education. He has also coached in Deweyville, West Orange – Stark and Orangefield in all areas of sports.

"Most of you all know me and I don't get this way a lot, but I'm actually speechless," said Hollman when presented with his award. "I'd love to talk and I'm truly honored. I'm not gonna cry," he said, just before he broke down. "Oh, but I am. I'm honored to receive this. Thank you all. You're the best!"

Amanda Bradford spoke on behalf of Miss B's owners' Sandy and Clyde Scott.

"We are overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply humbled to receive the Best Business of the Year award," Bradford read from her phone. "First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to the city of Bridge City for this award. It is a tremendous honor to be acknowledged for our unwavering dedication. This award is a shining testament to our collective excellence and I am truly proud to be part of such an exceptional team."

She said it was a privilege to work in such a dynamic and nurturing city.

"This award motivates us to continue to strive for excellence."

Raely Ply, a senior at Bridge City High School belted out the national anthem, a cappella without a microphone as her father, Roger Ply, videoed and her mother, Crystal Ply watched with pride.

Blake Hopper from U.S. Rep. Randy Weber's office presented certificates of Congressional recognition to the evening's honorees.

The event was catered by the Business of the Year, Miss B's Take Out. The attendant's feasted on fried shrimp or grilled chicken, baked potatoes with the trimmings, green beans, salad, rolls and banana pudding for dessert. All tables had a charcuterie board for appetizers.

Master of ceremonies Shaffer also presented the opening and closing prayers. Candace Mulhollan was presented her gavel as incoming president and Brandy Slaughter was presented with a gavel stand as outgoing president. This was Slaughter's third year to preside in that capacity.

A report of the year's activities was presented covering scholarships, coffees, ribbon cuttings, reverse Santa Clause, Purse Bingo, the Hot Air Balloon Fest and more.

Many sports memorabilia and other items were available through the silent auction.

They finished the night drawing for door prizes.