Bryan/College Station Community Celebrates Achievements at Annual Chamber Banquet
On a pleasant evening in Bryan/College Station on November 11, the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce held its much-anticipated 2024 annual banquet. The vibrant event brought together local business leaders, community members, and honorees for a night filled with recognition, celebration, and a bit of good cheer.
Recognizing Exceptional Local Contributions
Each year, the banquet serves as the platform to spotlight outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. This year was no different! The Ambassador of the Year award was presented to the impressive Shannon Huchingson for her dedication and hard work. Her efforts have been instrumental in promoting local businesses and fostering a vibrant economic environment.
The festivities continued as the Volunteer of the Year award was handed over to John Giesenschlag. John’s tireless work has not gone unnoticed, and he has made a lasting impact with his efforts in various local initiatives.
An additional highlight of the night was the announcement of the Citizen of the Year award, which this year went to none other than the Texas A&M System Chancellor, John Sharp. Sharp’s commitment to education and community involvement makes him a worthy recipient of this prestigious honor.
A Word from the Leaders
As always, the banquet featured notable speeches from key figures in the chamber. New chamber board chairwoman Karla Castillo and immediate past chairman Doug French shared insights and plans for the upcoming year, emphasizing the importance of community collaboration and growth. Their enthusiasm set a positive tone for what’s ahead!
For those interested in hearing more about the insightful discussions that took place, audio recordings from the event are available for listening!
Scott Shafer Wins College Station City Council Place Six Race
In other exciting news from the area, the results of the recent College Station city council place six race emerged. Scott Shafer has claimed victory after a thrilling battle, winning by a narrow margin of just 221 votes. With the final tally now in, the race not only showcased democratic engagement but also highlighted the community’s commitment to local governance.
Shafer’s ascent follows a tense wait as provisional, military, and overseas ballots were counted. His popularity surged as he gained an additional 46 votes, while his opponent, Tre Watson, picked up 40 votes during the final count.
Almost a remarkable 70 percent of registered voters in Brazos County participated, equating to 92,626 votes out of 132,601. The community showed up in droves to have their voices heard!
Texas A&M System Board of Regents Makes Fee Decisions
Meanwhile, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents convened on November 7, where pivotal decisions were made regarding fee adjustments for graduate programs. While there was a unanimous vote on certain fee changes being cost-neutral, some regents expressed discontent over increases in fees tied to existing programs.
Two regents voiced their opposition, stressing the importance of maintaining affordability for students amidst rising educational costs. Regents like John Bellinger and Mike Hernandez advocated for efficiency measures before agreeing to any increases, ensuring that student interests remain a top priority.
A Small Incident at Bryan ISD’s SFA Middle School
Lastly, there was a minor incident reported at Stephen F. Austin (SFA) Middle School on November 11. A student was taken into custody after a small fire was ignited in a restroom, thankfully, quick action by school staff ensured no injuries occurred, and there was no need for an evacuation.
The student’s actions led to an arson charge, and they were subsequently taken to the juvenile detention center. The school communicated with parents, assuring them that safety protocols were promptly followed and that students remained unharmed.
Overall, it was a bustling week filled with rewards, democratic participation, and community engagement in Bryan/College Station. A big congratulations to all the honorees and the newly elected officials!
