By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO–A night that is solely dedicated to honoring those who have made a significant impact in the Montevallo community were honored at a banquet on Thursday, March 27, on the campus of the University of Montevallo at Anna Irvin Hall.

Awards were presented to those who have made a difference in Montevallo schools, the Montevallo community or through a business in Montevallo.

The night was kicked off by a performance by the Montevallo Community Chorale and then followed by a dinner before the award winners were announced.

The 2014 Civic Leader of the Year award recipient “Dollar Bill” Lawson served as master of ceremonies for this year’s banquet.

This year’s award recipient for Civic Leader of the Year was Dr. Terry Sutton and Steve Gilbert, executive director of the Montevallo Chamber presented him with the award.

“This person is not a resident of Montevallo but it’s quite obvious that that’s where his heart is and home is where the heart resides,” said Gilbert. “He has served Montevallo for over seven years now as pastor of First Baptist Church of Montevallo. His love for the people of this community daily shows through his leadership to his church and community.”

The Civitan Club Award was presented to Karen Pendleton, the Montevallo Arts Council presented the Arts Advocate Award to Herman Lehman, the Boys and Girls Club Partner of the Year was Montevallo Elementary School, the city of Montevallo friend of Montevallo Award was presented to the Montevallo Junior City Council and the UM women’s softball team, the UM Good Neighbor Award was presented to Judy Rogers, the Montevallo Business Hall of Fame was presented to Lucky’s Foodland, The Type Shop and Montevallo drug.