Freytag named Citizen of the Year

The 93rd Annual Hallettsville Chamber of Commerce and Agricultural Membership and Awards Banquet was held Wednesday evening, Jan. 29 with Chris Freytag named Citizen of the Year.

Recognized by CCA secretary Christine Brown, she said Chris is considered an extraordinary community leader whose involvement with the youth of Hallettsville has had a lasting and profound impact.

Over the years, Freytag has been a dedicated volunteer with Scouting USA (formerly Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts).

“His commitment to these two huge roles and maintaining success in both is truly remarkable and rare,” Brown said. “Hallettsville has not had a Boy Scouts chapter in over 20 years prior to Chris’s efforts to revitalize it. He has built one of the most robust and successful packs and troops in our area.”

In addition to the scouting chapters, Freytag has dedicated countless hours coaching little league baseball and softball as well as coaching soccer.

Chris is also deeply involved with the Brahma Band and supports and mentors local youth in various capacities.

“Chris is the embodiment of what it means to be a Citizen of the Year, and his profound positive impact on our community makes him an outstanding candidate for this recognition,” Brown said when announcing the award. “His work continues to serve as a credit to the Hallettsville community, and his legacy will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.”

This year’s Hospitality Award was awarded to Jessie Allen, the owner of Allen and Allen Law Firm, P.C. and was presented by CCA treasurer Jo Beth Tieken.

In presenting the award, Tieken said Jessie is a leader whose commitment to exceptional service and unwavering dedication to his clients set him apart.

Tieken said he is not only a skilled and ethical lawyer, but is also someone who creates a welcoming and inclusive environment for both clients and employees.

“Jessie’s leadership is rooted in genuine care, and his ability to balance professional excellence with kindness and empathy is unmatched,” Tieken said. “He is a consistent example of what it means to be ethical, trustworthy and compassionate.”

In regards to other areas Allen is involved in includes serving as a trustee and chairman of the Dickson-Allen Foundation, the Hallettsville Rotary Club, the Lavaca Historical Museum and a number of other local organizations.

“His willingness to donate his time, expertise and resources to improve this community is truly admirable. He is more than just a leader. He is a dear friend to many and always goes above and beyond in his role of serving,” Tieken said. “His mentorship, dedication to his work and his big heart make him someone to look up to. He is a true local hero in our community.”

Sacred Heart Catholic High School senior Lance Barton and Hallettsville High School senior Brett Baker were chosen as the Outstanding Senior Students.

Lance, the son of Kenneth and Denise Barton, is a dedicated student and ranks in the top 25% of his class.

Throughout high school, Lance has taken on multiple leadership roles including student council member, class officer, and vice-president of the 4-H.

He serves as an altar server at Sacred Heart Church and actively commits to Booster Club functions.

Lance plans to attend Texas A&M University to pursue a degree in Construction Science.

“With his leadership skills, academic drive and passion for construction, he is poised for success in his future studies and career,” Hallettsville CCA vice-president Sammi Silgero said when presenting the award.

Brett, the son of Crystal and Bryan Baker is an accomplished student at HHS.

During his years in high school , Brett has served as a FFA officer, and has competed in state-level Leadership and Career Development events as well as showing livestock at the Hallettsville Junior Livestock Show.

Brett has been involved in the National Honor Society, the Student Council, Quill and Scroll, UIL, and Rotary Interact. He has volunteered with St. Nicholas Youth Ministry, the Sacred Heart Catholic Church and other local organizations.

Brett plans to attend college and pursue a career in the medical field with interest in anesthesiology and radiology. He has applied at Texas A&M University, the University of Texas at San Antonio and is awaiting a decision from the University of Texas in Austin.

“His leadership experiences, community service, and summer work and educational opportunities, such as attending Texas Boys State and visiting Aggieland, have prepared him for success in college and beyond,” Silgero said.

Texas Thunder Radio personality Laura Kremling served as mastor of Ceremonies for the banquet and the evening included a social hour, a dinner as well as the presentation of awards and special recognitions. An event raffle and prize drawings concluded the banquet.