It was one of the most unusual Franklin County Partnership Awards Banquets ever, considering that it was canceled due to COVID-19, but that didn't stop Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Cassie Medley from presenting awards to this year's group of honorees.
The annual banquet is co-sponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and the Franklin County Development Authority. The banquet honors the accomplishments of individuals, organizations and businesses across Franklin County.
Retired educator Kaye Hutcheson received the 2020 Hall of Fame Award, presented to a Franklin County resident whose lifetime accomplishments are outstanding and historically significant to Franklin County.
Hutcheson, a teacher at East Franklin Junior High School for many years, did more than just educate her students.
“She devoted much of her life to her students and East Franklin Junior High School,” said Emily Mays, who nominated Hutcheson. “Teaching, coaching, guiding and directing students—there are not many teachers who remain as iconic in the memories of their students as Kaye Hutcheson. Her life is a testimony to the good an educator can do in a small, rural school.”
Known for her toughness and guiding principles, Hutcheson also make each student feel safe guarded, Mays added.
Medley, Mays and other members of the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, traveled across the county presenting awards to this year's honorees.
Other 2020 award winners included:
--Larry and Janice Dover, Volunteers of the Year.
--Diane Baker, Roger Bedford Unsung Hero Award.
--Franklin County Bicentennial Committee and Chris Ozbirn, Distinguished Service Award County at Large.
--The Making Alabama Bicentennial Traveling Exhibit, Distinguished Service Award for Red Bay.
--April Warhurst, Distinguished Service Award for Phil Campbell.
--Brenda Oliver, Distinguished Service Award for Russellville.
--Big Star, Business of the Year, County at Large.
--The Roxy Christmas Spectacular and Hillary Hall Malone, Best Kept Secret in Franklin County Award.
--Rhett Bradford, State Farm Insurance, Beautification Award for Russellville.
--Red Bay Yacht Club & Red Bay Acres, Beautification Award for Red Bay.
--Dismals Canyon, Beautification Award for Phil Campbell.
--Hurricane Creek Lodge, Beautification Award for Franklin County at Large.
The Franklin Free Press congratulates all award winners for their contribution to our county.
