Annual banquet honors businesses, volunteers
At the annual Yorktown Chamber of Commerce Banquet on March 28, community leaders gathered for a meal at the Community Hall, taking note of business anniversaries and awards as usual. But the “wow” of the night came with the announcement that this year’s scholarship fundraising had doubled.
“We decided that $4,500 was not enough money to give away to our students for scholarships,” Board President Sylvia Hernandez said, describing the events throughout the year that brought in money for scholarships.
Hernandez said those events provided Yorktown with “something to do” as a little town, and she thanked the community for coming out to support the cause. Those events included Trivia Nights, Fall Festival, Casino Night and the new Adult Prom, which was a hit.
“Because of your help, we're so happy that our goal was exceeded,” Hernandez said. “We have over $10,000 raised for scholarships.”
Before the award presentations, the night started with entertainment by Kat Wolff during social time. To start the banquet, the VFW #8136 and Vietnam Veterans Chapter #1029 presented the flags in a solemn procession followed by a blessing from Pastor Michael Smith with the First Presbyterian Church.
The 5D Steakhouse served a lasagna dinner and the Class of 2025 served as wait staff throughout the evening for donations to Project Graduation.
To start the awards, the 2025 Chamber Board of Directors were announced as: President Sylvia Hernandez, Vice President Mandy Hahn, Treasurer Ken Pickett, Secretary Tiffany Lemke, Director Chad Buesing, Director Dwayne Belaire, and Executive Director Katie Newman. Senior Bylee Clayton has served as an intern.
After the introduction of the board of directors and Hernandez’ announcement about scholarship fundraising, businesses celebrating anniversaries were recognized with plaques. The newest businesses, celebrating a one year anniversary, included Blackjack Ag & Ranch, D’zo Mercantile, DD’s Patch Shop, Wild Iron Fitness, Rockin’K Boutique, and Kaiser’s Detailing.
Some of the oldest businesses included Skinny’s Fireworks with 45 years, the Victoria College Foundation with 100 years, the Lackey Ranch with 120 years and the Yorktown News-View with 130 years.
Yorktown ISD Superintendent Gerald Nixon read the impressive resumes of the three seniors nominated for the Outstanding Student Award: Brylee Clayton, Laynie Boyd and Layne Geffert.
Brylee Clayton, who currently interns with the Chamber of Commerce, has accrued 120 hours of community service with many civic groups and been a varsity cheerleader and National Honor Society member for four years. Some of her accolades include advancement past district in Academic UIL journalism, yearbook editor and reporting for the Yorktown News-Views.
“Her enthusiasm for youth development has led her to volunteer as a coach for youth basketball and charity,” Nixon said. “She enjoys not only enhancing the athlete's skills but also instilling valuable life lessons.”
Nixon said Brylee will graduate with 15 hours of dual credit hours and plans to attend the University of Houston-Victoria to pursue a degree in nursing.
Another nominee was Laynie Boyd, who Nixon said was continuing her grandfather's legacy with her own herd of Hereford heifers.
“Last year, she attended the King Ranch in Kingsville, Texas, where she earned her Texas Beef Cattle certification,” Nixon said. Laynie has participated in FFA and 4-H in leadership roles as well as exhibiting her livestock. She was selected as Homecoming Queen this year.
Laynie’s athletic achievements span across multiple sports, including varsity basketball, track, cheer, and softball. She also has coached Little League athletes.
She has many academic awards and has been president of the National Honor Society as well as competed in academic UIL events. One of her favorite volunteer activities is planning events and ceremonies, such as the annual Veterans Day Ceremony.
Laynie plans to pursue a double major of education and event planning at Texas A&M University.
The final student, Layne Geffert, has participated in basketball and golf and excelled in cross country competition. He’s had leadership roles in FFA, including participation in the vet tech advocacy and radio broadcasting teams and shown commercial heifers at the Yorktown Livestock Show. He’s competed in academic UIL competitions and advanced to state in copy editing.
Lane has been a part of the Yorktown High School Student Council, where he has served as the treasurer and as a student representative several times. He is a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has won the Patriot’s Pen essay contest for three years and is advancing to state competition.
He plans to get a degree in biomedical science at Texas A&M, then a degree in pharmacology so that he can pursue a career in pharmaceutical science to help develop new medicines that improves the lives of those that need.
The winner of this year’s Outstanding Student was Laynie Boyd.
Next, Tiffany Lemke read the qualifications of the person selected as Volunteer of the Year.
The award was going to Sara Hahn for her volunteer and leadership service in the De-Witt County 4H, the Lion’s Club and many other Yorktown organizations.
“She helps coordinate programs for the 4-H students, like ‘Send Love to A Soldier,’ nursing home goody bags, Christmas caroling, food drives, and helping students sweep our sidewalks and streets each October,” Lemke said.
She also supervises students organizing the Veterans and Memorial Day Ceremonies. For Western Days she organizes the float and has hosted the Quilt Show for a decade.
The final award of the evening was the Citizen of the Year announced by Sylvia Hernandez as going to Mary Ann Kenne, who is “all over the map helping people from all walks of life.”
“She gives her time and invests her truck and gas money to deliver flyers to the surrounding communities to advertise community events such as local fundraisers, church events, Chamber and Western Days events,” Hernandez said.
Kenne also spearheaded the 175th Yorktown celebration and was instrumental in many of the fundraisers to make the 175th celebration a reality. At the present time she is working on raising funds for the marque sign that will serve the community.
The audience rose to its feet to applaud Kenne as she made her way to the podium to accept the award with her three sons accompanying her.
The final event was the announcement of the winners of the Silent Auctions.
