The Jones County/Gray Chamber of Commerce took nominations from Chamber members and the public for its annual award presentations.

The winners showcase some of Jones County’s finest and receive the recognition that they are due but do not often get.

The student of the year, Michael Andrew Kitchens, 17, is a senior at Jones County High and son of Gina Kitchens-Dixon.

Guidance counselor Kahadija Baker nominated him and began by stating that he is “a fabulous young man to get to know.”

She continued, “I have had the pleasure of being his counselor for two years. He is a young man that works hard in his community, at school, and at home. Michael serves on the Junior Board at Magnolia State Bank, is our high school band drum major, and most impressive to me is that not only does he sing in the church choir but he is a role model to his younger siblings.”

Andrews was the unanimous choice amongst his teachers and administrators to be the 2008 student of the year. Some of this other activities include three years on the math team, including being treasurer and president; four years in the concert band; one year in the symphonic band; two years in the Anchor Club; one year in Beta Club; one year in the National Honor Society; one year on the track team; three years on the soccer team; and two years on the drama team, including being named best supporting actor.

Central Georgia Technical College was nominated for business of the year by Beverly Smith and Greg Mullis of Tri-County EMC.

Smith gave the college credit for giving to Jones County along with several other Middle Georgia counties.

“CGTC partners with many organizations in order to offer the quality academic, technical, continuing and adult education (over 200 programs) anyone has a desire to acquire,” she said.

Smith continued by describing the ways the college has helped Jones County residents.

“CGTC has helped so many students become educated and ready for employment,” she said. “Some of these students may not have had this opportunity if it had not been for CGTC with loans and grants offered. With CGTC right here in the midst of us, students are educated and work ready.”

Judy Webb, executive director of Keep Jones Beautiful, was nominated as volunteer of the year.

While announcing Webb’s nomination, Chamber interim director Carmen Copeland pointed out that, while the position is a paid one, it is a part-time salary while Webb performs far above and beyond a full-time job.

Chamber member Rick Tipton nominated Webb, citing her dedication to her job and community.

“Judy Webb exemplifies the standards we all should embrace when taking on a project,” he said. “Judy’s passion for keeping Jones County beautiful is evidenced in the zeal in which she reaches out to various organizations within our county. If you see an Adopt-a-Highway sign, Judy was there. If you see a number of volunteers going up and down our streets with garbage bags in hand to remove litter from our streets, Judy was there.

“Judy’s interaction with the Jones County High School Greenhounds demonstrates her commitment to our citizens. By helping our young students to recognize the value of community service, she is establishing the building blocks for our future.”

The last award-winner was an obvious choice with three strong nominations. Debbie Lurie-Smith, editor and co-owner of The Jones County News, is known for being in all places at all times.

Nominator Chris Smarr, owner of Curves of Gray and outgoing Chamber Board of Directors member, tried not to overstate Lurie-Smith’s commitment to the community.

“Debbie is involved in 99.9 percent (I didn’t want to exaggerate) of what goes on in Jones County,” she said. “She goes tirelessly from sunup to sundown and not only works to cover the story for the rest of us, but she also gives valued input and ideas as our community leaders strive to keep Jones County the wonderful community it is.”

Greg Mullis, vice president for energy services at Tri-County EMC, also pointed to her commitment as a top reason for nomination.

“She is present at groundbreakings, ribbon cuttings, board meetings, and any other events significant to life in Jones County. While I realize that it would be easy to dismiss Debbie’s support as, ‘but it’s her job’, I know that time and time again, Debbie has demonstrated her heart by passionately supporting progress, vision, and growth in our community.

“Debbie has also been instrumental in making The Jones County News one of the premiere weekly newspapers in Georgia or the southeast. Debbie and her staff have truly excelled as they elevated the content and the graphic presentation of the News. An asset to the community, the newspaper fairly and accurately reports, with commendable discretion, the events and happenings of our community.

“Debbie is perhaps the most knowledgeable person in Jones County regarding community issues and events. In a world where the press attending an event can often be a negative, that can truly not be said of Debbie. It is a pleasure to see her walk into the room and an honor to be able to consider her a friend,” he concluded.

Lurie-Smith’s third nominator, Beverly Smith, also spoke to her commitment.

“Debbie is the most dedicated person, and she loves her work,” she said. “You can see it in her writing, hear it in her voice, and you definitely see her in the community.