East Aldine honors “Partners” at reception

NANCY BLACKWELL

NORTHEAST – East Aldine District held their annual Strategic Partners Awards Reception last Thursday night, and recognized a number of community leaders that have partnered with the District to help them achieve their goals.

About 150 persons attended the event, which was held at the Greer and Lowdermilk Conference Center in Interwood.

Introductory remarks were made by the District CEO/President, David Hawes, and board Chairman Gerald Overturff. Emcee for the evening was HICC Chamber president Reggie Gray, who quipped his way through an enjoyable evening.

The evening started with the showing of the video “State of the District” made to review the progress EAMD has made in it’s ten years of existence. After watching the video, Overturff remarked about how he had spent all his life in Aldine, what a difference the District is making, and said “I just want people to be proud of Aldine.”

Awards were then presented. The top award went to Flor Rios, as Volunteer of the Year. Not only was she cited for a number of contributions she has made to district events, but also that her service typified what the District encourages and appreciates from its residents.

Other awards included Mariana Sanchez, of Bonding Against Adversity, for Community & Youth Services; Sheriff’s Deputy Bobby Brown for Public Safety; James Norred of Harris County Health Dept. for Public Nuisance program; Pct. 2 Commissioner Jack Morman for Governmental Service; MacArthur Principal Nancy Blackwell for Education; Bob Beasley for Business Partner; and a special Chairman’s Award to Dr. Stephen Head, president of Lone Star College North Harris, for bringing college opportunities to the students of East Aldine.

Some of the recipients made moving acceptance remarks, including Dr. Head for his interest in the community, Principal Blackwell on how outstanding MacArthur students have returned to be teachers, and Commissioner Morman, in a recorded video, on how he looks forward to interacting with his new neighborhoods in Pct. 2.