KWB celebrates successful year at annual recognition luncheon
BY CAITLIN GIDDENS Contributing writer

Keep Whitehouse Beautiful Chairperson Helen Hutto presents Thomas Hawkins with a deskplate in recognition of his aid to KWB's recycling efforts. Below, a PowerPoint presentation highlighted the group's various projects for the past year.

To recognize members of the community who volunteered their time and expertise, Keep Whitehouse Beautiful held a luncheon of appreciation on Friday, June 8. First, the committee presented the Special Award in the Community to Thomas Hawkins.

"This man not only does it all," Co-Chairman Helen Hutto said, "he is willing to do it all for the community. He never stops."

Whitehouse competed with cities across the United States by collecting #1 PET plastic. The city won 2,000 jackets produced from recycled Aquafina water bottles, which were given away to businesses and schools.

"It was difficult to give away 2,000 jackets to such a small town," said Debbie Shafer, education chairman. "But with the help of local businesses we did it."

Another education program, the Holloway Outdoor School, got kids out of the classroom. Students attended Camp Tyler in the spring to learn more about the great outdoors.

The festive centerpieces were given away as door prizes.

"Most kids only play video games all day," Shafer said. "This was the only camping experience in an outdoor setting for many of the children, and they loved it."

Whitehouse High School also played a role in improving the community. The student council won sweepstakes for outstanding environmental leadership at the state meet.

"Student council is not only leading the school's awareness," said Hutto, "but that of the community also."

Young volunteers proved they could weather the weather with the Don't Mess With Texas Trash Off program.

"That was a record cold day," Hutto said. "But our little volunteers were troopers. The jackets were definitely helpful in the bad weather."

Among other community accomplishments, a $200 grant was given to Higgins for improving the appearance of its campus. Despite the awards, the volunteers' wealth wasn't only measured in dollars.

"You all are rich in outstanding work," said Hutto with appreciation. "None of this could be done without all of you."

The core group of Keep Whitehouse Beautiful volunteers were recognized at the annual luncheon Friday. Pictured, left to right, are Helen Hutto, Tricia Brown, Dorothy LaFlure, Hazel Bateman, Luanne Ray, Monica Klein, Eddie Ray, Debbie Shafer and Cleola Yeager.