Thibodaux chamber seeks top citizens

The search for Thibodaux’s top citizen, teenager and top music promoter is officially under way. The city’s Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations from the public through Dec. 10.

The Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year, Teenager of the Year and Music’s Unsung Hero awards will be handed out at the chamber’s Jan. 10 annual banquet, said Kathy Benoit, president and CEO of the chamber. Tickets for the event, which will be held at the Cypress Columns in Gray, will go on sale in the coming weeks.

The Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award is presented to the person who has contributed the most to the business community and economic development of Thibodaux and the surrounding area. This person’s contributions to improving the quality of life for city and/or Lafourche residents through works or deeds and exemplary citizenship make him or her stand out.

The criteria for the award requires the person be a resident or a recent resident of Thibodaux or its outer perimeter, and may not currently hold public office.

Named for educator Frank Kennedy, the award honors the person that best personifies his drive and desire. “Frank was involved with the chamber and a large number of community organizations,” Benoit said. “One of his goals was to make Thibodaux a better place for people to work, live and play.”

Last year’s Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award recipient was Kathleen Gros, whose many civic involvements include the Thibodaux Area Christmas Toy Drive.

The Teenager of the Year Award is given to a Thibodaux High or E.D. White High School senior.

The student must have enthusiastically performed community service, shown dedication and commitment to education, excellence in school pride, leadership abilities and academically acceptable achievements, Benoit said.

This year’s recipient will also receive a $400 cash scholarship from the Norman Swanner “Big Boy” Foundation.

The Music’s Unsung Hero Award, which is sponsored by C. Lindy and Mary Ann Dulane Hoffman, is given to a person – professional musicians are eligible – for their involvement in promoting music as a cultural-elevating experience.

Benoit said the nominees do not need to be a musician, but must be a lover of music, supporting all forms of musical arts. The recipient should principally promote music activities as a volunteer, she explained. Preference will be given to those promoting instrumental music, but all venues of music, as defined in Webster’s Dictionary, will be considered, she said.

For a complete list of criteria for all three awards or to obtain a nomination form, call (985) 446-1187 or e-mail Kathy@ThibodauxChamber.com.

The Thibodaux chamber will also award the Business of the Year and Member of the Year honors at the Dec. 10 banquet. Benoit said those recipients are selected by a committee appointed by the chamber board.