Individuals who help those in the community were recognized with the Samaritan Awards at Clifford Memorial Presbyterian Church on Saturday, July 29.
Pastor Elliott Norman created the Samaritan Awards after several experiences he had helping people in need. After those experiences, he said he wanted to create something for people who help others without seeking any acknowledgement from others.
“That’s you, you out there when someone else is in the line at the grocery store and they don’t have a dollar or whatever the change may be, you reach into your pocket and give it to them,” Norman said. “You out there, who when you see someone on the side of the road, get out and offer to assist them. This award is not about me, it’s about each and every one of you.”
Columbia County District Attorney Bobby Christine was the guest speaker for the event. He spoke about leadership and the different types of leaders there are.
“While the individuals who are deserving of praise receive these awards, think of the leadership it took to make this happen,” Christine said. “There are many different types of leaders, you can be a leader of a military format, of a government agency. But much more important is to lead a flock. A flock of those made in our Savior’s image. Now you can see a fellow creeping through Grovetown, perhaps at night, maybe he’s carrying a flashlight and a gas can and those in my line of work will say I’ve got me an arsonist. But if we ponder a little more, maybe what we see is leadership. Maybe what we are observing is a manifestation of what Pastor Elliot Norman is really all about. Maybe he is shining his spotlight on what we ought to have more of. Maybe he’s doing what a leader does, which is invest in and lift up the least among us, not just those in his flock, but in his whole community. He is shining light on those who we should emulate and he’s pouring accelerant on what they’re doing so that we all might emulate. That’s leadership.”
Christine presented the Civic Leader of the Year Award to Charles Lord, who was unable to attend, so his daughters accepted on his behalf. They thanked everyone in attendance and said their father was honored to receive it.
“A politician, philanthropist or influencer. This person is one who volunteers their time, skills and knowledge in the community,” Christine said when reading the criteria for the award. “This person also finds ways to positively influence and impact individuals and organizations in the community.”
Grovetown Councilman Eric Blair presented the Givers Award to Dick Miller, who was unable to attend, so his family accepted it on his behalf. They thanked everyone and said he felt honored to receive the recognition.
“This individual should be active in the community,” Blair said when talking about the criteria for the award. “A person who gives or bestows. He gives of himself, his time and energy. A person who confers anything needed. Gratuitously, a benefactor, a person who helps others without being asked. A person who tends to the needs or concerns of others with short or long-term limitations due to illness, injury or disability.”
Grovetown Police Chief Jamey Kitchens presented the Peace Officer of the Year Award to Assistant Police Chief Robert Eastman. He said this recognition is awarded to an officer who has helped with creating a good relationship between members of the community and police officers.
“I’m blindsided,” Eastman said. “Thank you very much for this award…I just want thank you very much for this award. I don’t think I deserve it, but none the less here I am.”
Rev. Randoll Burrell presented the Minister of the Year Award to Sonny Serigney, who was unable to attend.
“The Minister of the Year award is given to a minister who carries out Christian work in a variety of areas,” Burrell said when talking about the award criteria. “He proclaims the gospel of Jesus Christ. A caretaker of his members in his congregation. He is committed to hard work, fulfills his calling (and) serves the community with voluntary pastoral counseling. A model of spiritual virtue.”
Grovetown Fire Chief Wayne Kent presented the Medic of the Year Award to James Glasscock.
“The Medic of the Year is available for emergency medical technicians, paramedics, caregivers, nursing assistants and in-home health attendants,” Kent said of the award criteria. This person will have provided emergency situations while off duty. This person is involved in the community. This person risks his or her life to save others.”
Glasscock said he was not expecting the award and thanked everyone for it.
Columbia County Board of Education District 4 Representative Lee Ann Meyer presented the Teacher of the Year Award to Olena Ray, who was unable to attend.
“The teacher is a classroom innovator who levels the playing field for all students. A teacher who puts in extra time before and after school and makes themselves available to students who need them.”
Doug Hastings presented the Family Oriented Award to Marsha Keating. Hastings said this award is presented to a family member outside of the traditional nuclear family who helps contribute financially, is a role model, gives advice and helps in other ways.
“We’re all family. If I look at my row, I’ve got two rows and we’re all family,” Marsha Keating said of those who came to support her.
Dr. Robert Williams presented the Citizenship Award to Jeff Keating. This award is given to an ordinary citizen who helps when there is a need. This person promotes citizenship or other characteristics of leadership, abide by laws, pay taxes, votes and more.
“I’m never at a loss of words,” Jeff Keating said. “I want to tell you I came here for a surprise birthday party. Surprise…thank you very much.”
Stephanie Hill is a staff writer covering Columbia County government for The Augusta Press. Reach her at stephanie@theaugustapress.com.
