The Poplarville Area Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Luncheon Thursday at Scooter’s Restaurant.

The luncheon began with guest speaker Stacey Wilkes, who is the Mississippi State Representative of District 108, taking the stage. During her speech, Wilkes discussed economic growth and education development in Poplarville.

“The Chamber of Poplarville has done a great job this year,” Wilkes said. “They have done an amazing job at helping the community grow.”

After Wilkes finished her speech, Poplarville Fire Chief Jonathan Head presented firefighter Anthony Magee with the Fireman of the Year Award.

“It was difficult to pick just one person but at the end, there was one clear choice,” Head said. “He’s been a big part of our workforce. He’s a full-time firefighter in Biloxi and works part-time in Poplarville and has done a great job every week.”

Poplarville Police Chief Butch Raby presented Officer Al Tynes with the Policeman of the Year Award.

“He’s been instrumental in our department this year,” Raby said. “He has done an outstanding job, he’s a great person and he’s taught us many things as well. We have worked together a lot and I appreciate everything he has done.”

Afterwards, Poplarville Public Works Supervisor Sam Hale awarded Harvey Razor with the City Worker of the Year Award.

“He’s always willing to go above and beyond his duties,” Hale said. “He’s a mechanic but he does more than that for the city of Poplarville.”

Maddux Francis was recognized as the Future Leader of the Year recipient by Chamber President Glenn Bolin.

“He’s a person who demonstrates how one person can lead by example,” Bolin said. “Francis is a youth soccer club coach, helps with Keep Poplarville Beautiful every year and always helps others.”

Chamber Vice President Jeff Brown honored Dr. April Grecho with the Volunteer of the Year Award.

“Grecho works hard every day and through Poplarville’s youth soccer, she empowers our local youth,” Brown said. “She’s a great mentor and shows great sportsmanship on and off the field. She also plays an important part of our agriculture, as she was a key person in bringing the first Farmers Market to the city of Poplarville. From high school to preschool, Grecho always makes time for soccer games and her dedication is admirable.”

Chamber Treasurer Cynthia Oreaboe presented the last award of the luncheon, Citizen of the Year.

“Our award this year is someone who is honest, fair, friendly, helpful and respectful to himself and others,” Oreaboe said. “He takes pride in his work and does many great things for our community and enjoys it. He’s always happy to assist the community in either Poplarville, the Poplarville school system and Pearl River Community College. He makes our small town a brighter and better place to live and I would like to present Ronald Wallace with the 2017 Citizen of the Year Award.”

Wallace has worked over 45 years with Mississippi Power, is a native of Poplarville and helped the community restore power during Hurricane Katrina.

“It’s a great feeling and I’m touched by this award,” Wallace said. “This is my home and even though I moved away at one point, I knew this was the place where I wanted to raise my children one day. Poplarville has come a long way and thank you for this wonderful gift.”