Editor:
Upon reflection on the Sweet Home Chamber of Commerce’s 68th Annual Awards Banquet, I wanted to share a few thoughts. This is the first year I have attended this event and I must share that I am so thankful I was tricked into experiencing such an amazing night.
My receiving one of the Sweet Home communities 2011 VIP Awards could not ever have been possible if not for a TEAM effort. I believe the following: TEAM = Together Everyone Achieves More and always gives GOD the glory.
Please allow me to share my thanks:
The Lord – He grew me a servant’s heart and guides my every mission;
My three children, Jess, Dakotah and Casey Keys – their constant love, sacrifices, encouragement and support of all the opportunities presented to me and our family, is and has always been remarkable;
Amazing family and friends who stand with me praying, encouraging and even jumping in to the missions when possible;
Lynn Cooper and Diane Roth, with whom I walked beside in ministry when we co-organized a soup kitchen in Sweet Home for a season;
Billy Snow, for being an amazing man, role model, mentor, friend and coach;
Dave Goetz, my athletic director, a man of integrity who encourages and believes in me and my stand that coaching is more than just teaching a sport or event…it’s about having opportunities to positively impact and grow successful student/athletes along with teaching lifestyle skills;
The amazing student athletes I have had the privilege to coach throughout the years and also observe in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle on the Sweet Home High School Campus;
And last but not least, a community which no doubt supports and loves kids!
Thank you, Sweet Home Family, for the last nine-year ride! I have been proud to call Sweet Home our home sweet home.
Lela Danforth
Sweet Home