The Benson Area Chamber of Commerce held its Ignite 2020 awards banquet May 20 in the Barn at Broadslab Distillery.
Beth Denning Rogers, left, is honored with the 2020 Citizen of the Year Award from the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce. Rogers was recognized for her many contributions to the Benson community, including countless hours volunteering on various Mule Days’ committees, planning and producing the Little Miss Benson Pageant for more than 20 years, and helping students write, publish and eventually donate 100 books to the ‘Young Authors’ shelf at the Mary Duncan Library. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR – This year’s Volunteer of the Year Award from the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce went to a team of volunteers that run the Benson Area Ministerial Association’s food pantry. Pete Berrier, pantry manager, accepts the award on their behalf. The team has ‘blessed the lives of thousands of people during this past difficult year,’ according to award presenters. Contributed photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR – The 2020 Small Business Person of the Year Award goes to Dr. Matt Frazier of Hannah Creek Veterinary Hospital. In addition to his veterinary practice, Frazier was also honored for his services as the on-call vet at Mule Days. He stands with his wife, Jana, and their son, Jaxson. Contributed photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – Karen Spivey, a teacher at McGee’s Middle School, is honored with the Educator of the Year Award at a recent chamber banquet in Benson. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
HUMANITARIAN OF THE YEAR – Susan Kelly is honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award at the recent Benson Area Chamber of Commerce banquet. She was recognized for her ‘obvious passion for serving others which can be seen in her tireless efforts of working with families in the community…’ Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
ARTS AWARD – Jerri Keith Liles holds the 2020 Arts Award during the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet on May 20. Liles has been a board member of the Benson Foundation for the Arts since 2019 and was recently named artistic manager for The Benson Little Theatre. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
BUSINESS FAMILY OF THE YEAR – Mike Beasley accepts the Business Family of the Year honor at the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. Beasley is co-owner of Beasley’s Heating & Air Inc. with his brother, Brent Beasley. The Beasley brothers have expanded the 60-year-old business since taking over for their father, Willie Beasley, in 1982. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AWARD – Stephen Stanley, co-chair of Farm Heritage Days, receives the 2020 Board of Directors Award on behalf of the Classic Antique Power Club during this year’s Benson Area Chamber of Commerce Banquet. The club organized a tractor ride in October that raised $1,220 for the chamber. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
Firefighter of the Year– Matt Moore accepts the 2020 Benson Firefighter of the Year honor during the chamber’s 72nd banquet on May 20. The South Johnston High graduate became a member of the Benson Fire Department in 2011. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
OUTSTANDING SENIOR CITIZEN – Barbara Tart was honored as Benson Chamber’s Outstanding Senior Citizen of 2020 at the award banquet May 20. ‘She has been an active volunteer in the Benson community,’ according to her award. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR – Luke Meade was honored with the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Educator of the Year Award May 20 at a banquet held at the Barn at Broadslab Distillery. Meade teaches at West Johnston High. Other teachers honored with Educator of the Year Awards were Megan Skidmore of McGee’s Elementary, Sabrina Dees of South Johnston High, Deanna Blue of Benson Middle, Karen Spivey of McGee’s Middle and Jane Pope of Benson Elementary. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
AMBASSADOR OF THE YEAR – Billy Olsen is honored as Benson’s Ambassador of the Year at the 2020 Benson Area Chamber of Commerce’s awards banquet May 20. He was recognized for his many contributions in time, energy and ‘handyman’ talents to the chamber. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
PUBLIC SERVICE AWARDS – Crystal Thompson, left, and Anthony Ellis, center, were honored with Public Service Employee of the Year Awards at the Benson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Ignite 2020 Awards Banquet. Thompson was hailed for ‘always giving 110 percent for the citizens of Benson.’ Presenters said Ellis ‘is an unsung hero of keeping things running in Benson.’ Nikki Losada, right, was recognized as Benson Chamber’s Law Enforcement Officer of the Year in 2020 ‘for her dedication to the town of Benson, the Benson Police Department, her fellow officers and the citizens she serves.’ Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce 
OUTSTANDING YOUTH – Mary Scott Rhodes is honored with Benson Area Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Youth Award for 2020. ‘She has volunteered numerous hours to elementary kids, reading to them and listening to them about their day,’ her presenter said. Contributed Photo / Benson Chamber of Commerce
Several community members received top honors in this year’s awards.
-Courtesy Dunn Daily Record
