International Outreach Church Receives Highest Chamber Honor

Staff Writer

The Wills Point Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year Award for 2008 was given to a family of 300 people – the International Outreach Church – for the service the church provides on Hallelujah Night every October 31.

Approximately 130 business owners and citizens attended the noon luncheon and awards ceremony. In addition to the chamber’s Citizen of the Year and Presidents Awards, the Kiwanis, Rotary and Pilot Clubs each gave out plaques recognizing members and citizens.

Mayor Scott McGriff opened the ceremony by saying, "A chamber is made up of people that are willing to participate, and today, with these awards, we will see a sampling of the type of people it takes to make an effective chamber and community."

Kiwanis President Suzanne Blasingame introduced high school principal Jim Lamb, who awarded the Kiwanis Club’s Community Service By Youth award.

"We have 881 students in the high school," Lamb said. "We have a lot of really wonderful kids, and there are a lot of good things going on in Wills Point, so when I name the recipient of this award, you know we’re talking about the best of the best."

The award went to Wills Point senior Kaitie Gillispie. Gillispie is active, among other things, in Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rotary Youth Leadership, Crime Stoppers, and has been class president for three years, and is currently the student body president. She attends Caney Creek Cowboy Church and volunteers with Healing Hearts Ministry.

Blasingame then presented the Community Service To Youth to Steve Platter. Platter was recognized for his willingness to volunteer his time for various projects involving young people in the community, including FFA projects.

Randi Duckworth presented the Rotarian of the Year Award to Rotary President Vicky Scholten. Scholten, a 1978 graduate of Wills Point High School, has been active in the Rotary Club for six years. She is a member of the Will Point Church of Christ and owner of Connections Magazine.

Scholten then presented the Service Above Self Award to Lynda Frazier. Frazier was noted for her selfless volunteering of time to numerous community projects, and a member of the Pilot Club.

Frazier was then asked to present the Pilot Club Sweetheart Award, and it was given to Alice Walker. Walker is co-owner of the Country Junction Quilt Store, and serves as secretary of the Pilot Club.

The chamber’s President Award went to Steve Pruyn for his willingness to attend and help at every chamber function. Pruyn is the owner of Memory Makers Photo and DVD and serves on the board of directors for the chamber.

In presenting the Citizen of the Year Award to the pastor of the International Outreach Church, Mike Williams, McGriff noted that Hallelujah Night not only serves the people of Van Zandt County, but that people drive to Wills Point from surrounding counties to take part in the event.

"This is really an award to our town," Williams said. "No one church could put that on. We get help from many churches and many people.

"The result is that hundreds of people hear the gospel in a soft manner and in a safe environment."