WESSON — Several well-kept secrets were revealed Thursdaynight, spreading delight throughout the Thames Conference Centerduring the 12th Annual Wesson Chamber of Commerce banquet.

The most-surprised person out of the crowd of more than 50people was Joy Wesbrooks, who was chosen as Outstanding Citizen ofthe Year.

The crowd listened intensely as Mary Clopton, 2000 chamberpresident, read a list of Wesbrooks’ accomplishments before sherevealed her name.

“She has been outstanding woman of the year,” said Clopton, alsomentioning Wesbrook’s job at Copiah-Lincoln Community College andher involvement in church.

Wesbrooks did not even realize she was the winner until the lastminute. Her mouth dropped as Clopton said the award was going tosomeone who had been secretary/treasurer of the chamber for 10years.

In shock she made her way to the podium to accept the award.

“Needless to say, I’m speechless,” Wesbrooks said.

Other surprises last night included the presentation of twoeducator awards, two community service awards and business of theyear.

The outstanding educator of the year awards were given to PatMcCreary, from Wesson Attendance Center, and Rhonda Posey, aninstructor at Co-Lin.

“I think it’s really important to recognize outstanding teachersin our community and they certainly deserve it,” said Co-Linpresident Dr. Howell Garner.

McCreary has taught more than 12 years in Wesson, and was theowner of a daycare for several years before that.

Posey started teaching Local Area Networking at Co-Lin in 1989,and is Novell administration certified.

Both instructors have received numerous awards throughout theirteaching careers.

Two Wesson men were recognized last night for their efforts tobetter the community by volunteering their time in differentcapacities. Scott King and Craig Smith were presented withCommunity Service Awards for the efforts.

“The town of Wesson is fortunate to have citizens who volunteertheir time and talents for the betterment and the ongoing progressof the town,” said Marilyn Britt, who presented the awards.

King has been involved in activities and organizations such asthe Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, annual flea market, WessonAthletic Foundation and Wesson Attendance Center Booster Club. Hehas coached a variety of children’s sports teams, and is veryinvolved in his church.

Smith has also been involved a variety of activities, includingcoaching several teams for the Wesson Athletic Foundation andserving as a leader of Boy Scouts. He also serves the communitythrough the Parent Teacher Organization at Wesson AttendanceCenter, his church and the Mississippi Organ Recovery Agency.

He was also recognized for the strength and leadership he hasdisplayed since having a heart transplant in 1995.

The Business of the Year award was presented to Van and SherryHenry, the owners of Wesson Furniture Company, since buying it fromCharles and Anita May six years ago.

“Our small entrepreneurs are here to stay… and they are whatmakes our town work,” said Scott King, who presented the award.

For the second year, Miss Founder’s Day was recognized by thechamber with a plaque. This year’s queen was Whitney Allen, asophomore at Wesson Attendance Center, who is involved in manyactivities.

Members of the team city committee, which is an Entergysponsored program that assesses economic development, communityfacilities, education, government service and quality of life inthe area, were also recognized at the banquet.

The members included Scott King, A.C. Currie, Marilyn Britt,Lura Greer, Teresa Beeson and Joy Wesbrooks.

Following a musical presentation by the Wesson Attendance CenterChoral Group, comments from Mayor David McGee and Garner and aspeech from Mississippi Treasurer Marshall Bennett, the chamberpresident’s gavel was passed on to Donis McLain, who will serve aspresident during 2001.