The Annual Trigg County Chamber of Commerce Dinner & Awards Night typically highlights and showcases the best and brightest leaders in business, personal development and character for the community.
That wasn’t any different Thursday night at Lake Barkley State Resort Park.
Given to a teacher within the Trigg County Schools for their hard work, dedication and commitment to students, the 2023 “Educator of the Year” went to the beloved multi-lingual Maureen Llarena.
A Spanish liaison and instructor for local and foreign exchange students at Trigg County High School, she’s been in classrooms for more than 30 years — having settled in Cadiz after her brother left Fort Campbell.
Lucas Hale, a chamber member, put her year’s efforts in perspective.
She cried as she received the honor, admitting she thought she was at the dinner for “an entirely different reason.”
Llarena wasn’t the only one taken aback from honors.
Jason Strickland’s jaw hung slack, his mouth agape, when Keith Washer announced him Trigg County’s 2023 “Citizen of the Year.”
The long-time “Voice of the Wildcats,” avid youth leader and Trigg County Schools rep, Washer said, has done nothing but improve the next generation in Cadiz.
Doled to someone who exemplifies humility, hard work and a sure heart for the area, Sarah Neighborgall softly bowed her head when Board Chair Eunice Stone announced her for the prestigious “President’s Award.”
Neighborgall is retiring from the Chamber’s board after pushing through the COVID-19 pandemic. But there’s more behind her. She’s a 50-year employee of The Bank of Cadiz, a former servant of the Trigg County Country Ham Festival, creator of the famous “pig” art used for the celebration, a long-time member first of Hurricane Baptist and later Bethel Methodist, and remains an active member of the Trigg County Homemakers Association.
Stone said Neighborgall “loved local.” Neighborgall assured, humbly, she didn’t need the recognition for her passion.
A “Best Foot Forward” moniker trends toward persons and/or organizations providing people with needed goods and services, but in unique and special ways.
Paula Flood, also a retiring board member, revealed that the women and the work of Simple Blessings — a non-discriminant ministry for Trigg County — proved deserving.
The “Horizon Award” goes out to a business taking the steps from ideas, to implementation, to installment over the last year — and is often something with great trajectory. Sharon Butts, of the South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council, announced GiGi’s Boutique as the winner.
It’s located at 1939 Main Street Suite C in Cadiz, and can be reached at (270) 512-0949.
Beth Sumner, Trigg Chamber’s membership director, made mention of two major highlights from the fiscal year: 28 new businesses joined the chamber’s directory, and nine ribbon cuttings were held for new ventures.
A silent auction from Thursday should provide at least two $1,000 scholarship to upcoming Trigg County High School graduates.
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