Breckenridge Texan

At Saturday night’s Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce’s banquet and awards ceremony, Rob Durham was named the Citizen of the Year. Other honorees included Stowe’s Independent Services, Business of the Year; Reece Clark, Ag Citizen of the Year; Shelby Kennedy, Educator of the Year; and, Virginia’s House/Dr. Goodall’s House, Civic Organization of the Year.

Following some routine Chamber membership business by outgoing president Ken Taylor and the introduction of incoming president Heather Bronkhorst, Taylor presented the Citizen of the Year award to Durham.

Ken Taylor, outgoing president of the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce, addressed the crowd at the banquet and awards ceremony. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

“Every community has individuals that go above and beyond and make a difference, not because they seek recognition, but because they genuinely care about the place they call home,” Taylor said. “This year’s Citizen of the Year is someone who leads by example, who gives (generously) of their time and talents, and continuously demonstrates what it means to serve others. Through extraordinary leadership, a generous spirit, an unwavering dedication to the betterment of Breckenridge, this individual has made a lasting impact on our community. Their willingness to step up, lend a hand, and put others before themselves is a true reflection of the values that make our town so special. It is people like this who reminds us that the strength of the community comes from those who work tirelessly and make it a better place for everyone. It is my honor and privilege to recognize the 2026 Citizen of the Year and my friend, Rob Durham.”

Durham grew up in Breckenridge, graduating from Breckenridge High School in 1989. For almost 20 years, he worked for the Breckenridge American newspaper, serving in a variety of positions, from sports editor to advertising manager to managing editor. In 2015, he took a job as the manager of the Hibbitt Sporting Goods store in Breckenridge, and in 2017 he started a new career as a sales consultant at Bayer Motor Company. Along the way, he also served as a basketball referee.

Heather Bronkhorst, the new president of the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce, talked to those at the banquet about some of the plans the organization has for 2027. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

This year, Durham joined Breckenridge Independent School District as an eighth-grade English teacher and coach for basketball, track and football.

Business of the Year

Taylor Hardy, a member of the Chamber’s board of directors, announced the Business of the Year, Stowe’s Independent Services, owned by Lisa and David Stowe, who could not be at the banquet.

“The success of a community is built on the dedication of the local businesses that take part on the day-to-day operation of the chamber, as well as the community of Breckenridge. This year’s Business of the Year is a shining example of what it means to lead with integrity, hard work and giving back to the community,” Hardy said. “Throughout their commitment to excellence, strong leadership, and dedication to serving others, this business has made a meaningful impact to Breckenridge and Stephens County. Businesses like this remind us of the importance of supporting local and recognizing those who continuously go above and beyond for the community of Breckenridge. It is our honor and privilege to recognize the 2026 Business of the Year, Stowe’s Independent Services.”

The Stowes were named Citizens of the Year in 2024, and in August of this year, the Chamber named Stowe’s Independent Services as the Business of the Month. The business provides heating, air conditioning and plumbing services in Breckenridge and beyond, including the Dallas/Fort Worth area.  Stowe’s Independent Services has been a major sponsor of the community’s annual fireworks event, Boomfest.

Ag Citizen of the Year

Chamber board member Caleb Masters, right, introduced the Ag Citizen of the Year, Reece Clark. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Chamber board member Caleb Masters introduced the Ag Citizen of the Year, Reece Clark. “Agriculture has been an important part of the heart and heritage of Stephens County. Behind its success are hardworking individuals who dedicate their time, energy and passion to keeping our agricultural community strong,” Masters said. “This year’s Agricultural Citizen of the Year (is) someone who truly represents the values of hard work, dedication and service. Through a tireless work ethic, a generous spirit, and a commitment to supporting local agriculture, this individual has helped strengthen the foundation of our community. Their contributions go beyond the fields and pastures; they reflect a genuine love for this community, a willingness to serve others, and a dedication to preserving the agricultural traditions that have shaped our way of life. It is through individuals like this that our agricultural heritage continues to thrive, creating opportunities and cultivating a better future for generations to come. It is our honor and privilege to recognize the 2026 Agricultural Citizen of the Year, Reece Clark.”

Educator of the Year

Breckenridge Independent School District Superintendent and Chamber board member Prairie Freeman presented the Educator of the Year award to Shelby Kennedy, who works at South Elementary.

Breckenridge Independent School District Superintendent and Chamber board member Prairie Freeman, right, presented the Educator of the Year award to Shelby Kennedy. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

“Behind every successful student is an educator who believes in them, encourages them and helps them see their full potential. Great teachers do so much more than teach lessons; they inspire confidence, build character and leave a lasting impact on the lives of their students,” Freeman said. “This year’s Educator of the Year is someone who truly represents the heart of education. Through unwavering dedication to academic excellence, a genuine passion for teaching and a commitment for helping students succeed, this individual continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our young people. Their influence reaches far beyond the classroom, helping shape not only the students of today but also the leaders of tomorrow. The time, patience and care they pour into their work are a reflection of the incredible difference one dedicated educator can make. Our community is fortunate to have educators who lead with passion, teach with purpose and inspire the next generation to dream big and achieve great things. It is with great pride and honor that I get to recognize the 2026 Educator of the Year, Mrs. Shelby Kennedy.”

Civic Organization of the Year

The final award of the evening was presented by Chamber board member Desiree Powell. The Civic Organization of the Year is Virginia’s House/Dr. Goodall’s House, a non-profit organization that works to meet the needs of abused, neglected and traumatized children in the Breckenridge and Graham communities through programs of prevention, advocacy and support.

Dr. Goodall’s House in Breckenridge is a satellite office of Virginia’s House, a non-profit family resource center in Graham. The two centers provide four child-focused programs, including mentor programs, Children’s Advocacy Center, CASA – Court Appointed Special Advocate, and crime victims assistance. Dr. Goodall’s House is named after long-time Breckenridge physician Dr. Edwin Goodall, who had a local clinic from the 1950s through the early 1990s. The family resource center is located in the medical office he built.

Kaci McKinzie, executive director of Dr. Goodall’s House/Virginia’s House, left, and Forensic Interviewer and MDT Coordinator Tina Byrd-Knight, center, accept the award for Civic Organization of the Year from Chamber board member Desiree Powell, right. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

“The heart of a strong community is found in the people and organizations who dedicate themselves to serving others. These are the individuals who see a need, step forward and work tirelessly to make a difference, often without expecting anything in return,” Powell said. “This year’s Civic Organization of the Year is a shining example of what it means to serve with compassion, purpose and an unwavering commitment to others. Through their tireless dedication, generous spirit and passion for making a positive impact, this organization has touched countless lives and helped make Breckenridge and Stephens County a better place to call home. Their work is a reminder that a true community service isn’t about recognition or praise; it’s about showing up, lending a hand and making a lasting difference in the lives of those who most need it. We are incredibly grateful for organizations like this that lead with kindness, inspire positive change and remind us the power of community coming together. It is an honor and privilege to recognize the 2026 Civic Organization of the Year, Virginia’s House (and Dr. Goodall’s House).”

Chamber Fundraising

The evening wrapped up with a fundraising auction and raffle drawings.

The Chamber is still selling tickets for a 2026 Kawasaki Mule SX 4×4 with the drawing scheduled for Nov. 21, during the second annual Tamale Championship in downtown Breckenridge.

The tickets are available for $100 each, and participants do not need to live in Breckenridge to enter. Delivery will be provided within Stephens County, but if the winner lives outside the county, they will be responsible for arranging to pick up the 4×4.

Entrants must be 18 years or older with a valid driver’s license. Taxes on the vehicle are fully covered, but the insurance will be the responsibility of the winner.

Tickets may be purchased at the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce office, 100 E. Elm St., or online (click here to purchase tickets for the drawing).

Maylun VanWinkle, executive director of the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce, welcomed banquet attendees and introduced presenters at the awards ceremony. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)

Cutline, top photo: Ken Taylor, outgoing president of the Breckenridge Texan, center, and Maylun VanWinkle, executive director of the organization, right, presented the Citizen of the Year award to Rob Durham, left. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)