Photo by Kevin Nagle
Herman Thompson
Herman Thompson was joined by his family as he received the 2014 Rob Patrick Award for Community Support for Bryant before Friday night’s Salt Bowl with this announcement:
“Herman Thompson has been a volunteer in the Bryant Community for many years. A resident since 1983, he has seen and been involved in many changes through the years. Herman was actively involved with the Bryant Optimist Club, now known as the Bryant Athletic Association from 1985-1997 and again from 2011-2013.
“Mr. Thompson was a key member of the Bryant Booster Club for 10 years from 1990-2000 and was instrumental in the planning and building of the football concession stand that was completed in 1998 and is still in use today. In 1999, Mr. Thompson ran and was elected to the Bryant School Board and served for 5-1/2 years from 1999-2005 and was a key member of the building and completion of Bethel Middle School and the expansion of Salem Elementary.
“He is still involved today on the election committee working the polling sites for the past 4 years and you can always find him at a park watching his grandchildren play baseball and softball while visiting with everyone that he meets. He is joined today by his wife Laura, Son Jason and wife Stephanie, Daughter Ashley and husband Jimmy, along with his grandchildren and friends.”
This year’s 2014 recipient of the Donnie Burks Community Support Award is in Benton, awarded prior to Friday’s Salt Bowl went to Arlene Rainey with this announcement:
“Mrs. Arlene Rainey has been a resident of Benton, AR since 1916, the year she was born. Her birthday is October 14th and she will be 98 years young this year. As a life-time resident of Benton, she has been involved in the Benton Athletic Program since going to her first football game in 1930 as an 8th Benton Junior High Student. In her high school years she was a member of the volunteer pep squad. They stood along the row of parked cars at the edge of field, long before CW Lewis Stadium was built and cheered the Panthers on.
“Once she graduated from Benton High School and got married, she and her husband, the late Nelson Rainey, both continued supporting the panther program. Her husband was the announcer and “voice” of the Panthers on radio broadcasting for several years. They were some of the very first reserved holders at CW Lewis Stadium and Arlene is still a seat holder in the new Benton Athletic Complex. She was privileged to attend the very first and very last football games at CW Lewis Stadium, and was honored at the opening season football game for the Panthers in 2013 for the new complex.
“As a long-time Panther fan, it is our privilege to honor Mrs. Arlene Rainey with the 2014 Salt Bowl Donnie Burks Award.”
