The Tallassee Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards night on Thursday at the National Guard Armory. The night celebrated community leaders and raised dollars for student scholarships.

Steve Burak was named the Francis Wagnon Volunteer of the Year. WTLS/Tallassee Times was named Business of the Year. Randall Hughey received the Lifetime Award. Bob and Rose Taunton were recipients of the President’s Award.

There were also individual Making a Difference honors. Longtime teachers: Donna Cunningham, Jerri Brantley and Mary Ellen Manning, were recognized for their years of service with Tallassee City Schools. Debbie Rogers was also highlighted for her role with the Tallassee High School Music Department.

Other Making a Difference awards were presented to Allison Stewart of the Tallassee Athletic Club and Tiger Paw owner Brent Tennyson for youth coaching. Plus, Joey and Nancy Wiginton and Bill and Sandra Patterson were given accolades for their work in reopening the Mount Vernon Theatre.

“We’re excited to be able to recognize people for the things they’ve done,” said Jerry Cunningham, Tallassee Chamber of Commerce executive director. “It’s a short list. I always tell people, if you know somebody let me know. We’re trying to say thank you.”

Burak has served on several volunteer boards and as president at Sizemore and Sizemore in Tallassee. Randall Hughey has served on various boards as well as the Tallassee City Council and owns WACQ radio.

WTLS celebrated its 70th year of broadcasting last year. The radio station began broadcasting on June 1, 1954. Tallassee Times was launched in 2008.

Approximately 200 people attended the event and were served dinner from 1220 Cafe by the Chamber’s student ambassadors, who will benefit from funds raised.

“We sold 26 tables,” Cunningham added. “That’s what makes it work.”