Awards presented at banquet

The Heart of Oklahoma’s annual awards banquet went off without a hitch last Thursday night at Southwind Hills in Goldsby.

The sold-out crowd dined on pork tenderloin, potatoes, vegetables and salad.

A live auction raised $6,800 during the event.

The Goldsby organization that was honored was The Hope Center that helps women with addiction issues.

Greg Wheat was named the Purcell Citizen of the Year. Wheat, who is recovering from surgery was unable to attend but his wife, Janell, accepted the award on his behalf.

The Spirit Guardian Award went to long-time Purcell banker and life-long resident Charlie Sherman.

The winner of the Cornerstone Guardian Award was First United Bank while the Vision Guardian winner was Purcell High School teacher Krysta Matthews.

Purcell Parks & Recreation Supervisor John Blue was named the Gateway Guardian Award winner.

Past Citizen of the Year winners include 1991 Don Sherman, ‘92 Betty Sue Allen, ‘93 Charlie Sherman, ‘94 Jayne N. Montgomery, ‘95 Larry Martin, ‘96 Ron Fishburn, ‘97 Elaine Butler, ‘98 Bob Tupper, ‘99 Pat Mayes, 2000 Trish Weedn, ‘01 Darrell Ford, ‘02 Carroll Milner, ‘03 Perry Nemecek and ‘04 Peggy Christian,

Also, ‘05 Charlotte Rentfro, ‘06 Dr. Rick Schmidt, ‘07 Joe Ellis, ‘08 Victor Lohn, ‘09 Neil (Bill) McElderry, Jr., ‘10 Susan Tarp, ‘11 Gene and Peggy Howard, ‘12 Bill Williams and ‘13 Matt Howsley.

And, ‘14 Cody Barton, ‘15 Alton Dragoo, ‘16 Richard Gray, ‘17 Kerry Wilhoit, ‘18 Justin Blankenship, ‘19 Pam and John Hobbs, ‘20 Jason and Melissa Pruitt and ‘21 Ted Cox.