On Wednesday, June 19, representatives from Keep Whitesboro Beautiful (KWB) were invited to attend a reception and awards ceremony at the Governor’s Mansion in Austin, Texas to accept the Governor’s Community Achievement Award (GCAA) they won in April.
Whitesboro was one of 10 communities to receive this prestigious award, and representatives from each of the communities were in attendance. Representing Whitesboro were KWB president Michael Ross and vice president Rhonda Ross, along with KWB member Betsy Cook, Whitesboro mayor Dave Blaylock and City Administrator Julie Arrington.
The guests of honor were welcome to tour areas inside the governor’s mansion as well as the outside garden while enjoying lovely hors d’oeuvres, wine and refreshments. Each group was able to meet with First Lady Cecilia Abbott for a brief visit and photo opportunities. During their meeting, Arrington presented the First Lady a commemorative sesquicentennial coin from the city’s 150th celebration.
“[The First Lady] was a great role model,” Rhonda said. “She’s a big believer in what she calls ‘texanthropy,’ philanthropy in Texas. She’s involved in a whole list of amazing volunteer efforts. To think a person in her position is so humble and so passionate about volunteerism -- I just adored her.”
After each group had the chance to visit with the First Lady, the awards presentation began. The head of Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) addressed the crowd before introducing First Lady Abbott, who spoke to the attendees before presenting the awards.
“Texas truly is a state like no other,” First Lady Abbott said. “Not just from the bounty of our land, but also from the hearts and hands of all who call Texas home…Volunteerism isn’t just about completing a task or fulfilling a need, it brings hope and joy to the people and places around us…I would like to thank each of you for making a difference in your communities and our state. Your work is helping us create a bigger, more beautiful Texas for all.”
Michael accepted the award on behalf of KWB.
Each year, KTB and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) recognize 10 winners of the GCAA. In addition to the certificate presented at the Governor’s Mansion, KWB will receive a stately cast aluminum metal plaque and a $110,000 grant for a project to be completed by TxDOT along a state-maintained roadway. The organization is still deciding how they’ll use the grant money to improve their town.