The Sabine Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction banquet on Tuesday, March 25, at the Many VFW Hall, 1738 San Antonio Ave. in Many. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6:30 p.m., and the program starts at 7:00 p.m. Ticket locations are listed below. Each year, the Sabine Hall of Fame recognizes outstanding citizens for their service and dedication to Sabine Parish. Don Burkett, longtime District Attorney of Sabine Parish, is this year’s Hall of Fame inductee. Now in his 41st year as DA, Burkett has served longer than any other DA in Louisiana history. A Converse native, Don has led statewide as president of the Louisiana District Attorneys Association, and locally through involvement in the Fair Board, 4-H Foundation, and Dixie Youth Baseball. He credits his parents for the faith and values that guide his life and career. Receiving the Achievement Award is Dorothy Calhoun, a Zwolle native and trailblazing educator. Dorothy was the first African American teacher at South Grand Prairie High School in Texas. A graduate of Grambling State University and Texas Woman’s University, she holds advanced degrees in Art Education and Supervision. She has also worked to preserve the history of J. S. Clark High School for parish archives.
Tylen Singleton, a standout Many High School and LSU athlete, will be honored with the Accomplishment Award. A talented linebacker, Tylen helped lead Many High to multiple state championships, earning MVP and All-State honors. Now at LSU, he continues to excel in football and academics, pursuing a degree in Business.
The Good Citizen Award will be presented posthumously to Harold Stewart, a respected Zwolle businessman and community servant. Owner of Stewart’s Auto Sales for over 40 years, Harold was a devoted member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church and former Zwolle Tamale Fiesta King. His lifelong dedication to civic life and church leaves a lasting legacy.
Also receiving posthumous honors are: Alfice Brumley, former Sabine Parish Sheriff and veteran of the 82nd Airborne, who served as Chief of Police and later as Sheriff from 1978 to 1996. He also contributed to the Council on Aging, Gideons International, and founded a Neighborhood Crime Watch Program. His life was marked by service and commitment to Sabine Parish.
Phyllis Murdock, an educator for over 34 years and active community leader in Zwolle, continued serving through St. Joseph Catholic Church and other civic roles after retirement. Her generosity and passion for travel touched countless lives.
Freddie Rivers, a respected businessman, founded a successful lumber and building supply business, supporting parish growth and development. His dedication to quality and service made a lasting impact on Sabine Parish.
This year, the Sabine Hall of Fame will also make a charitable donation from banquet proceeds to the Mt. Carmel Cemetery Association to assist the group in obtaining a historic marker commemorating the Louisiana Maneuvers of 1941 that took place in the Peason/Florien area.
Banquet tickets are $50 per person and available at Nichols, the Office of Sen. Alan Seabaugh, 515 S. Capitol, Many; from Robert Gentry, (318) 332-8653; Martha Henderson, (318) 294-3362; and Pete Abington’s office, (318) 256-4344. For table reservations, text or call Laurie Gentry at (318) 332-7873.
Everyone is invited to honor these remarkable Sabine Parish citizens at the March 25 banquet. This year’s major event sponsors are Anna Garcie, Delta Tree Service and Toledo Health.