It was a “shaken, not stirred” kind of evening with the “Casino Royale” theme for the Carthage Chamber Annual Banquet. The business community gathered Friday evening at the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer to celebrate local achievements and honor individuals for their efforts in making Carthage a better place.
In the field of education, Golden Key awards were bestowed to: Kiley Kyte with Mark Twain Elementary School; Principal Bryan Shallenburger with Columbian Elementary School; Pam Hitchcock with the Carthage Junior High School; and Caleb Bayless with the Carthage High School.
Abi Almandinger was honored with the ATHENA Leadership Award; which recognizes individuals who support, develop and honor women leaders.
Andy Thomas, a Carthage native and nationally known artist, presented this year’s Artist of the Year award to Lowell Davis. At this special presentation, Thomas announced Davis was the greatest artist he has ever known – capturing the heart of rural America with his Red Oak II art.
The McCune-Brooks Healthcare Foundation presented Janice Duncan with the Humanitarian of the Year award.
The Carthage Historic Preservation presented the Golden Hammer award to Al and Marjorie Carter for their renovations to their home, located on one of the 670 historic properties in Carthage.
The Community Enhancement Award was presented to Oak Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care, the Spotlight Award was awarded to Schmidt Associates and the Small Business of the Year was Halo Salon.
Jenny Brust was honored as the Carthage Emerging Leader of the Year.
The last – and far from the least – highlight of the evening received a standing ovation from the crowd as Susan Wendleton stepped onto the stage to accept the Richard M. Webster Citizen of the Year award.
