The Dixie Honors Volunteers in Annual Usher’s Award Luncheon

HUNTINGDON (August 21) — Volunteer ushers were feted to a luncheon and an awards ceremony during the annual Usher’s Award Luncheon held in the ballroom of The Dixie in downtown Huntingdon.

Individual awards for the past season and recognition for long-term service in 10- and 15-year ushers were acknowledged.

Angela DeMaris, executive director, thanked the volunteers for their commitment to providing an excellent experience for patrons of the performance, static arts, and school events held at The Dixie. The ushers are the first face patrons see when they arrive.

DeMaris said, “Ushers are so much more than greeters or ticket takers...they act as ambassadors for the venue and serve a very important role at every event! We truly could not do it without you.”Two badges of former ushers were retired.

The late Gaylon Rich and the late Joel Williams had their badges retired.

Three years ago, The Dixie established recognition for 10- and 15-year honorees.

10 Years but Fewer Than 15 Years of Volunteer Service included Denise Coleman (14 years), Bailey Cooper (12), Wanda Crossett (12), Ann Noles (13), June Perritt (11), Melissa Powell (14), Amy Rangnow (14), Judy Roberts (13), Brenda Smith (11), and Karen Spotnagle (12).

Ushers with 15-plus years include: Paula Atkins (17), Nancy Blaylock (18), Barbara Clifton (18), Brooke Hodges (18), Geneva Johnson (19), David Rhodes (17) and Linda Wallace (19), Terry Warren (16), Natelle Waugh (15) and Bill Gwaltney (15).

The following awards are for excellence during the 2023-2024 performance season.

The Carter-Holbrook Award

DeeAnn Roome was presented the award for Excellence In Organizational Leadership Of The Arts

She has ushered three seasons and worked over 184 hours. She has a servant heart and, when she appreciates an artist, she becomes an avid fan.

The Mayor’s Award For Good Humor And Patience In The Public Service Of The Arts. Rich Jahnke was honored as the recipient of the award. He has ushered for six seasons and worked over 360 volunteer hours. He is the kind of volunteer that has the ability to show grace and kindness under pressure. The kids at the school shows look up to him and patrons at our main events see him and know they will be taken care of. If ever someone epitome Good Humor and Patience it would be Rick.

The Brooke S. Hodges Award For Excellence In Providing A Positive Patron Experience was presented to Jeannie Jahnke. She has ushered six seasons and worked over 360 hours. She is one of those people that you have an instant connection with, and if you are lucky enough to be her friend then you are very lucky. She is talented in many aspects and she has proven to be a positive force at any event she works.

Volunteer of the Year Award For Excellence In Volunteer Leadership Of The Arts was awarded to Maria Hunt, who has ushered only one season and worked 54 hours but they demonstrated this year the very example of being a volunteer.

She signed up for the less desirable jobs but somehow if you were to ask anyone about her they would mention her larger than life personality. She brightens up the faces of everyone she meets and I only hope that this will brighten her day just a little bit, said DeMaris.