WESSON – Town and chamber of commerce officials touted theyear’s accomplishments and recognized citizens’ contributionsTuesday night during the chamber’s 15th annual banquet at theThames Center.

Albert Hennigton was honored as Wesson’s Outstanding Citizen.Hennington, a past president of the Co-Lin Foundation and theCobras Booster Club, was also recognized for his activities withBeauregard United Methodist Church, the Wesson Lions Club and theWesson and Brookhaven-Lincoln County chambers of commerce.

“I believe the time is right, if not overdue, to recognize oneof Wesson’s outstanding citizens,” chamber president Lura Greersaid in presenting the award.

Hennington said he was “deeply honored” and “deeply moved” toreceive the award.

“It’s not often that you find a Hennington that’s speechless,”Hennington said.

Hennington’s award capped an exciting evening that includedother honors presented to deserving citizens and a speech byMississippi Treasurer Tate Reeves.

“I am extremely optimistic about the future of our state,”Reeves said.

Reeves cited the need for officials to come together for thecommon good of all people.

“It’s a battle worth fighting,” he said.

Reeves touted recent accomplishments and the Barbouradministration’s goals to help the state seize its “moment ofopportunity.”

Reeves said the greatest short-term goal is creating better andhigher-paying jobs. He cited education’s role in that plan.

“Education is not only K-12,” said Reeves, mentioningprekindergarten, institutions of higher learning, community andjunior colleges and other retraining services to provide workerswith skills that employers require.

Reeves also mentioned civil justice reforms. He said the endresults of recent special sessions were positive and the stateshould continue that trend.

“We need to be as hospitable to our corporate partners as we areto guests in our state,” Reeves said.

Reeves went on to discuss an improving state economy and theneed for changing the state’s budgeting process. He urgedcooperation for the betterment of the state.

“We can do great things as a state, as a people, if we just worktogether,” Reeves said.

Among the awards presented during Tuesday’s banquet, NenaSmith’s School of Dance was honored as Business of the Year. Co-LinChoral Director Brad Johnson and Julie Lowery, a teacher at WessonAttendance Center, were recognized as Educators of the Year.

The chamber presented two Community Service Awards. MarilynBritt was chosen for her banking, educational and libraryactivities while the Wesson Volunteer Fire Department was cited forits long history of helping keep the town safe.

The Leadership Award went to Wesson Attendance Center highschool principal and former head football coach Ronald Greer.Lucille Martin Kees received the Ageless Hero Award.

Bethany Dykes was recognized as the Wesson Founders Dayqueen.

Wesson chamber officers for 2005 will be Lura Greer, president;Minnie Wooten, vice-president; and Joy Wesbrooks,secretary/treasurer.