Othello honors 'hometown heroes'

Community celebrates Feb. 8

OTHELLO — The Greater Othello Chamber of Commerce shines the spotlight on some of Othello's best soon.

The chamber holds its annual awards banquet Feb 8. at 6 p.m. in the Othello High School corridor.

Dave and Ann Sperl were named Citizen of the Year, Reichert's Showhouse is the Business of the Year, Amy Harwood Teacher of the Year for grades kindergarten through sixth, Steve Parris Teacher of the Year for grades seventh through 12th, Bob Hampton is the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year and Gary Byers is the Firefighter of the Year.

President John Lackie said the chamber tried to keep the concept of hometown heroes as a theme when looking at nominations for this year's awards, considering nominees' positions in the community.

Examples of the Sperls' community spirit can be seen in the benches and basalt as one drives into Othello, Lackie said.

"When something's going on for the community, one of them is usually there," he said. "Dave and Ann have been extremely effective and extremely involved in the beautification committee, as well as other people, and have carried that forward."

Reichert's has offered its facility to youth after school and to seniors at a reduced rate on special nights, Lackie noted, as well as hosting a local talent show and other presentations.

"He's just done a lot that represents what we thought brings out the best of the community," Lackie said.

Several of Harwood's students nominated her for the award.

"Testimonials are always important," Lackie said. "That shows they've reached beyond the professional level and gotten out to the kids. Amy has been very effective in helping kids get through and making sure they're doing well. She's also highly sought after by the parents. That's a very good thing for the second-grade teacher."

Middle school teacher and volleyball coach Parris is extremely admired by his students, he said, and Lackie also noted Parris' efforts to help victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Longtime firefighter Byers continues to work at the fire station as best he can, Lackie said, after an injury in going to a fire.

"He's all over the fire department in Othello, he's always there," Lackie said.

Hampton grew up in Othello.

"The kids respect him, and he respects the kids," Lackie said. "When we talk about hometown heroes, Bob is one of them as far as on the police force."

Lackie feels the entire group is representative of the hometown hero concept. He believes it's important for Othello residents to pause for a moment and think, "This is what it's all about."

"We all get up in the morning, we all go to work and that's extremely important," he said. "We all deal with things in our lives and we're all heroes to our children and to the people around us. Every once in a while, there's an opportunity for somebody to step out and step beyond the regular life and just do something more."

The chamber solicits nominations from the community each year for its banquet.

"These are people the community feels have done a really great job, and so we need to celebrate that every year," Lackie said. "Winter is starting to come to an end, it's time to start stepping out again and have a little levity."

For more information on the banquet, contact the chamber office at 509-488-2683.