By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—To a standing ovation, long-standing community leader, pastor, and music educator Rev. Kenneth Humphreys was named the 2019 Paris-Henry Co. Chamber of Commerce Person of the Year at its 69th annual banquet Thursday night.
The list of Rev. Humphreys’ accomplishments is long, including 38 years as a county commissioner, over 30 years as a music educator, 38 years as pastor of the Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Cottage Grove.
In announcing his selection, last year’s Person of the Year Michele Atkins said while Director of the Henry Co. Madrigals, he brought the group international recognition. He has been music teacher at the local schools as choral music teacher at the high school for 29 years.
Rev. Humphreys has served on several local boards and been active with numerous local programs. And in 2018, he was named the “Drum Major For Justice” for his work on the community. He is married to Sylvia Humphreys, who also is active in the community and recently retired from the Paris Special Schools district.
Rev. Humphreys said for all his years of service, “I really just wanted to be a servant to the community. I want to thank you for your confidence in me as an educator and allowing me to serve in government. I appreciate, love and respect this community.”
Other awards were given to:
Conservationist of the Year: Future Vision Farms of Whitlock, Tyler and Jessie Smith and Tyler’s father Steve Smith.
Business of the Year: Henry County Medical Center.
You Made It Happen Award: Easton’s Angels, Brittney Green, who received a standing ovation.
Community Engagement Spotlight: Paris-Henry Co. Jaycees.
Board Member of the Year: Kevin Buie.
Small Business of the Year: Sweet Jordan’s, Jordan St. John.
Young Professional of the Year: Carly Wheat, director of the Carl Perkins Center.
In his outgoing remarks as Chamber President, Scott Morrison said, “A lot has been accomplished this year and we’ve made everything bigger and better.” He recounted all the activities over the year, noting, “I’ve lost count of all the ribbon-cuttings we’ve had.”
Morrison presented the ceremonial red jacket to John Etheridge, who will serve as next year’s Chamber President, who thanked the audience for ‘making good things happen’. Etheridge also was Chamber President in 1995-96.
The Henry Co Leadership Class was presented and Executive Director Travis McLeese noted that community involvement is why Henry County “is such a special place”.
Chamber Director presents Conservator of Year award to Tyler and Jessie Smith of Future Vision Farms.
Scott Morrison presents the red jacket to new Chamber President John Etheridge.
Top photo: Person of the Year Kenneth Humphreys congratulated by Craig Atkins at left, and Terry Wimberley at right.
Shannon McFarlin photos.
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