Congratulations to Big Spring’s Man and Woman of the Year – Mike Tarpley and Jill Willbanks!!
When asked how it felt to receive the honor, both were left speechless. Eventually, Tarpley told KBest News that it was a pretty humbling thing to happen.
“It’s good. Maybe I can take this and parlay it into more better ways,” said Tarpley.
Willbanks told KBest News she never thought she’d be recognized in this way, and it was hard to think that she was appreciated for all that she’s done.
Big Spring Fire Chief Craig Ferguson was this year’s recipient of the Russ McEwen Community Award, but when asked about it, he insisted that it wasn’t an award for him.
“It’s a great honor. I’m speechless about it. It really is a team effort. This [award] is not [for] Fire Chief Craig Ferguson, this is [for] the community of Big Spring and the leaders here in this community,” said Ferguson.
“I cannot say enough good things about the people that have helped me along the way through the years and have made my career possible. This is about the team. It’s not my award. It’s about the team,” he continued.
Kayla Jo Nichols for her time served as Chamber Board President and welcomed incoming Board President Michelle Hamlin.
Plus, congratulations, again, to this year’s recipients of the 5 Under 55 award:
– Dathan Jones, YMCA
– Malinda Flenniken, KBest Media
– Adrienne Green, KBest Media
– Samantha Rodriguez, Scenic Mountain Medical Center
– Derek Wash, Pirkle Weir Insurance
Flenniken and Green are used to working behind the scenes when it comes to community affairs, but last night they were recognized for their efforts. When asked how it felt to be recognized, Flenniken stated that it was nice to be appreciated.
“It’s great because sometimes you wonder if you’re making a difference, if anybody notices, if anybody cares. Then you find out that yes, they notice, and yes, they care and that’s very rewarding. You do things to make your community better and it’s a bonus to be recognized for it. That was really awesome. Thank you to those who made it happen,” said Flenniken.
(Photo: Mike Tarpley, Man of the Year)
(Photo: Jill Willbanks, Woman of the Year)
(Photo: Craig Ferguson, Russ McEwen Community Award)
(Photo: 5 Under 55 recipients -right to left- Dathan Jones, Malinda Flenniken, Derek Wash, Samantha Rodriguez, and Adrienne Green – photo courtesy of Amanda Duforat)
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