The Chattooga County Democratic Party held their Annual Dinner on Saturday evening at the Chattooga County Agricultural Building in Summerville. 

The local political party named two to the Chattooga County Democratic Party Hall of Fame.  Melvin Foster, a long time member of the Chattooga County Democratic Party was named to the Hall of Fame posthumously for his commitment to the local party and his lifelong work of making sure that voters had a ride to the polls on election day.  His family was on hand to receive his award.  Also, local attorney Albert Palmour was named to the Hall of Fame.  Sutton Connley presented the award to Palmour and spoke of Palmour's dedication to the local Democratic Party and his commitment as a lifelong Democrat.  

Newly elected Chattooga County Democratic Party Chairman Zach Hughes was named as the "Democrat of the Year."  The award was presented by former State Representative Barbara Massey Reece who spoke of Hughes's commitment to her own campaigns, and many others local political office holders.  

The Susan Kellett Jones Community Service Award was presented by Andrea Hall.  The award is given to a local Democrat that demonstrates a commitment to community service and philanthropy.  This year's award went to ninety year-old Bremp Warren, who was the uncle of Jones that the award is named for.  

The keynote speaker for this year's event was Georgia School Board Executive Director Valarie Wilson, who was introduced by Jimmy Holbrook.  Wilson spoke to the crowd about her values telling the crowd, "I am a Democrat because I believe people come before politics and Democrats are committed to making sure that every person, regardless of their background or status has a voice." Wilson was the 2014 Democratic Candidate for State School Board Superintendent who was endorsed by the outgoing Republican Superintendent and garnered more votes than any other statewide Democratic candidate in the most recent election.  

 

GHSA Executive Director Valarie Wilson was introduced by Jimmy Holbrook