The annual Sabine Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will be held at Cypress Bend Resort on Tuesday, March. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served 30 minutes later. Each year, numerous individuals are presented to recognize those who have made and continue to make significant contributions to Sabine Parish.
Being honored this year are:
Nell Ponselle Britner will be recognized as the Sabine Hall of Fame Inductee for 2024. She has an extensive background in business ownership and secretarial skills. Nell has been involved in many Sabine Parish civic, charitable, and social activities including Many Rotary Club, Sabine Council on Aging, Sabine Parish Tourist Commission, Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, Taylor House, March of Dimes, Easter Seals, Peoples State Bank’s Travelin’ Friends and many others. She was employed for many years at Peoples State Bank and then Mid-South Bank. She continues working for Pete Abington and is a licensed real estate agent and notary public.
Dr. Terrell A. Gray Sr., will receive the Achievement Award for his outstanding career in technology. Dr. Gray lived his formative years in Many where he attended the local public schools. He now has over 20 years of experience in technology, specifically in profit and loss management along with developing businesses for accelerated growth. Currently, Dr. Gray is senior sales executive for a Fortune 500 Global Technology Firm. His work has afforded him the opportunity of working in Silicon Valley, which is the heart of the chip and technology industry.
Jaegar Ebarb is set to receive the accomplishment award for his many services rendered to Zwolle High School and St. Joseph Catholic Church. During his high school career, Earb was an honor student and active in many school organizations including Beta Club and FFA. He was chosen as Student of the Year during his senior year. He dedicated his summers to working at the school painting and cleaning to refresh the buildings for the coming school year.
He is an active member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and has served as an altar boy since elementary school. He is now a first-year student at Northwestern State University, where he is majoring in biology with plans to attend medical school after graduation.
Walt Korb has been selected to receive the Good Citizenship Award.
Korb, who makes his home in Ebarb, chose a military career and served active duty from 1973-1996. He is not a retired Chief Warrant Officer in the U.S. Army. As a citizen of Zwolle, he has been zealous in his leadership and oversight of events and projects that involve VFW Post 5187. The “Circle of Freedom” display located north of Zwolle was his specific institution of service. He is always available to help meet the needs of local veterans and is always an inspiration to them.
Evelyn Bush will be honored with a Special Tribute Award. She is a life-long resident of Sabine Parish and recently celebrated her 99th birthday. She formerly taught home economics at Sabine High School and later spent her years at Many High School before retiring. She has volunteered for many civic activities over the years supporting her church and community. At present she continues to serve on the board of the Sabine Council on Aging.
Three people who gave outstanding service to Sabine Parish will be honored with Posthumous Awards. They are Dr. Jack Corley, Master Sgt. Douglas Ray Palmer, and Gary Mark Rivers.
Save the date for this event to come recognize and congratulate these individuals for their work and success. Tickets to the event are $50 and may be purchased at Nichols in Many; the Sabine Parish Tourist Commission/Chamber of Commerce office at 1601 Texas Hwy. Many; Robert Gentry’s office at 605 San Antonio Ave., Many; Pete Abington’s office at 1030 San Antonio Ave., Many; Laurie Gentry at Sen. Alan Seabaugh’s office at 515 South Capitol St., Many; or by calling Martha Henderson at 318-6459573.
Each year, the Hall of Fame continues to a local charity. The newly- formed Sabine Temporary Assistance Program will receive that donation this year.