The City of Biloxi named longtime Biloxi banker and civic leader Jeannette Romero as its distinguished volunteer of the year during the annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony Tuesday evening at the Biloxi Civic Center.
Romero was cited for her involvement with myriad civic efforts, including the Biloxi Chamber’s Junior Leadership Program and Biloxi Seafood Festival; the Biloxi Blessing of the Fleet and Shrimp Festival; and Main Street Biloxi and many of its programs, such as Grillin’ on the Green, Drive-In Movies, and Christmas in the City.
“If there was something that needed to be done, she did it,” said Chevis Swetman of The Peoples Bank, where Romero worked for 47 years before retiring in March as senior vice president of the downtown Biloxi bank. “Around here, we called her ‘Sarge in Charge.'”
Romero topped a list of dozens of volunteers – individuals, groups and businesses — who were recognized for their efforts in the fields of community involvement, youth programs, health, sports and education.
“You give one of the most precious things you have, your time,” Mayor A.J. Holloway told those at the Biloxi Civic Center reception. “This ceremony is our way of saying thank you. Thank you for helping others. Thank you for making a commitment to your community. Thank you for making Biloxi a better place to live. Thank you for making a difference.”
Holloway and Col. Glen Downing, vice commander of Keesler Air Force Base, presented certificates to more than a hundred honorees, with several spotlighted in their specific fields. They were:
Community: Emily Burke
Youth: Mason Thompson
Health: Gladys Schmidt
Arts & history: Sandra Smith
Sports: April Shoemaker and Bill Smith
Education: Martha Tripp
Adult group: Second Liners Mardi Gras Club
Youth group: Biloxi High football team
City employee: Det. Sgt. Christopher De Back
Business HERO: Grand Biloxi Casino
Nonprofit organization: Bethel Free Health Clinic
Military, individual: Jennifer Chilson
Military, group: 338th Training Squadron
Retired Biloxian: Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dick Wilson
City of Biloxi employees of the year: Public Works, Christy LeBatard and Jenneth Gary;
Administration, Julie Fandel; Community Development, Julie Suarez; Parks and Recreation, James Payton; Police Department: Eddie Irwin; and Fire Department, Brian Rouse.
Photos: To see dozens of photos from the affair Tuesday evening, click here.
Biloxi High to present free spring concert
The Biloxi High School Band will present its Spring Concert Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Biloxi Civic Center on Howard Avenue.
Performing will be the jazz band, concert band and symphonic band.
The concert, which is free, will be followed by the annual Biloxi High School Band banquet, which has a $10 per person admission fee. Those attending the concert will have free viewing from the civic center balcony, while those attending the banquet will have floor seating, which also can be purchased at the door.
To read the program for the evening, click here.
