Thibodaux chamber seeking nominees for community awards

Friday is the deadline for submitting nominations for the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce’s three general public awards: Music’s Unsung Hero, Teenager of the Year and the Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year.

Music’s Unsung Hero Award is given to an individual for promoting music as a culturally elevating experience, said chamber CEO Kathy Benoit.

The nominee need not be a musician; music lovers qualify. Candidates should principally promote music activities as a volunteer; professional musicians won’t be excluded from judging if their volunteer involvement is of exceptional value, Benoit said.

Preference is given to those promoting instrumental music, however, all venues of music as defined by Webster’s Dictionary – “the science or art of pleasing, expressive and intelligible combination of tones; melodious or harmonious” – are considered.

C. Lindy and Mary Ann Delaune Hoffman established the award.

The Teenager of the Year Award is given to a Thibodaux High or E.D. White Catholic High senior. Nominees should display enthusiastic community service, dedication and commitment to education, excellence in school pride, leadership abilities and academically acceptable achievements.

The winner will receive a $500 cash scholarship from the Norman “Big Boy” Fund in memory of Norman “Big Boy” Swanner.

The Frank Kennedy Citizen of the Year Award is given to the person who has contributed to the business community and the Thibodaux area’s economic development. Nominee’s efforts should have contributed to improving citizens’ quality of life. This person, a current or immediate past resident of the Thibodaux area, should exemplify good citizenship. Elected officials are not eligible.

The Thibodaux chamber will announce award recipients at the annual awards ceremony Jan. 22, 2009.

Nomination forms are available at the chamber office, (985) 446-1187, or via the Web site at www.ThibodauxChamber.com.