Volunteers of the Year Named for 2008
Euless relies heavily upon the many hours that concerned residents volunteer to help make our programs, special events and facilities great! We are very fortunate to have a dedicated, attentive group of citizens that tirelessly give back to our community. Volunteers assist the City in a variety of ways, often working long hours without pay or recognition for the benefit of Euless. In turn, the City picks one person each year that embodies the very definition of a Volunteer to celebrate the dedication and service of these outstanding people and the difference they have made in the community.
Jerrie and Jeff Keller were named the Volunteers of the Year for 2008 because of their extensive involvement with the City of Euless. Year after year, the husband and wife duo have volunteered for Parks and Community Services special events ranging from the Bicycle Rodeo to Arbor Daze to Heritage Park Christmas. They are also involved in the Euless Citizen's Police Academy and Fire Academy Alumni Associations as well as the Community Emergency Response Team and Citizens on Patrol.
The Volunteer Business of the Year was awarded to Euless Chick-Fil-A on Glade Rd. for their continual support of Euless. Owner Ernie Flores was nominated for his willingness to help out in any way, anytime and their continue belief in giving back to the community. In addition to a major presence at many special events, they assist the Police and Fire departments by providing sustenance during major incidents. This is when the public safety employee's time is of the essence.
The 2008 Youth of the Year was given to Alnawaz Devani for his varied volunteer activities throughout Euless. This Trinity High School student spends time as co-chair for Monday evening tutoring and serving as a Junior Scoutmaster for Troop 758. He is also involved in community service activities such as Youth Volunteers at the Ismaili Center in Euless and frequently attends City Council and Town Hall meetings.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a person or persons in Euless that have given of their time and efforts to the City of Euless throughout their lives. This year, the Lifetime Achievement Award has been presented to Jimmy and Helen Payton. These outstanding representatives of the Euless community were married in 1950. In 1955, Jimmy became Euless' youngest Mayor from at the age of 25. Jimmy served as Euless' municipal judge for eight years as well as on the original City Charter Committee which he chaired in 1990, 1991 and 1995. He recently rotated off as Chairman of the Texas Health Resources Board of Trustees and is the first honorary member of the Harris Methodist Health System Board of Trustees. Helen has served on the Friends of the Library, the Euless Library Foundation and the Euless Historical Preservation Committee. She volunteers as a docent at historic Heritage Park. They have both served when called upon in any capacity for the good of Euless.
Our congratulations go out to all of this year's winners. The dedication of a volunteer's time and energy cannot be compared and we appreciate their love and admiration for Euless. Thank you for your time and energy that you spend to help make Euless great!
