Grovetown residents honored at second annual Samaritan Awards

On Saturday afternoon, scores of visitors, including several local officials, gathered in the sanctuary of Clifford Memorial Presbyterian Church in Grovetown to pay tribute to the conscientious contributions of good citizens.

The church hosted the second annual Samaritan Awards, launched by its pastor, Rev. Elliot Norman, to honor members of the community who have demonstrated selflessness, courage and compassion.

“This award is for the people,” Norman, a retired Army medic, said in his opening statement. “People in the community who help each other every day … stop on the side of the road and help someone change a tire, or drive someone to the hospital and they don’t even know where you’re going, they’re going to get gas. This award is for you.”

After the church band opened the ceremony with performances of “Jesus is a Waymaker” and “The Goodness of God” and opening remarks, keynote speaker and Grovetown Mayor Eric Blair praised the recipients, referencing the Bible passage in Luke — chapter 10, verses 30-35 — from which the awards program takes its name.

“This story, I have to tell you, is quite powerful and it’s a reminder of the profound impact that just one act of kindness can have on each and every one of us in Grovetown,” Blair said. “We are blessed to have citizens who embody the spirit of the Good Samaritan.”

10 prizes were awarded, consisting of an engraved trophy and a cash prize.

Pastor Joshua Swanson, former pastor of Grovetown United Methodist Church, told the congregation how surprised he was to learn he would receive the award, which was presented to him last year by the recipient, Fellowship Baptist Church pastor Sonny Sevigney.

“Sometimes pastoral ministry is a tough job for a lot of things, and sometimes it’s just the way we see ourselves, always wanting to do more,” said Swanson, currently executive director of the Wesley Foundation at the University of West Georgia in Carrolton. “It’s one of those things that I think keeps you going, and it keeps you believing that you’re doing the work that God has called you to do … that you’re touching people in ways that you might not even understand.”

Councilwoman Sylvia Martin, who is in her 47th year^e years as a teacher, received the Teacher of the Year award.

“I always tell people the grass isn’t greener on the other side,” said Martin, a Grovetown native and Columbia County elementary school teacher for 33 years. He has since taught at the college level at USC Aiken and later at Augusta University. “I love Grovetown. I know we’ve grown a lot. It’s not the town I grew up in. … But I really can’t imagine living anywhere else because this is my home. We’re a community and we love each other. So thank you.”

Jermaine Whirl, president of Augusta Technical College, received the John Dewey Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant economic contributions to the city of Grovetown.

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world,” said Whirl, quoting Nelson Mandela, before citing Augusta Tech’s current motto: “It’s Time.”

“We came up with that motto about three years ago because we wanted to let this community know that no matter where you are in life, if you’re in a job that’s not going anywhere, it’s time to make a change. If you’re underpaid, it’s time to find a new career… We’re going to partner with anyone who’s willing to do that so that everyone in this community can have an abundant life.”

Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at [email protected].