Shantrece Underwood Hooker will be honored with the Good Citizens award Tuesday, March 28, at the Sabine Hall of Fame banquet at the St. Joseph’s Catholic Hall in Zwolle. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and the program will start at 6:30 p.m. This award is presented to someone whose work to better Sabine Parish, its organizations and endeavors deserves special recognition.
Shantrece Underwood Hooker was born May 6, 1971 in Many, Louisiana. She is oldest of two children to Marshall and Brenda Underwood. She attended Many High School and was a 1989 graduate. In December of 1996, she obtained her B.A. in Social Work from Northwestern State University and is currently pursuing a MBA from Columbia Southern University.
In June of 1997, Shantrece enlisted in the United States Army, where she served faithfully and honorably for over 20 years with nu-merous awards and decorations. She retired from the army in July 2017 at the rank of Master Sergeant (E8). She is a disabled veteran with two tours to Iraq and one to Korea. Currently, Shantrece serves as the first female Post Commander of Ray Miller VFW Post #4858, Many, Louisiana. Their vision is to ensure that veterans are respected for their service, always receive their earned entitlements, and are recognized for the sacrifices they and their loved ones have made on behalf of this great country.
In 2019, Shantrece became the part-time Leasing and Compliance Manager under Sutton Real Estate for the Middle Creek Apartments. Shantrece’s passion is community involvement. She says, “ I love to get people excited about things I am excited about. Right now, that’s Many and Sabine Parish. When called upon, I volunteer ALL of my time and expertise with the hope that one day those will pay it forward as well.” The most rewarding experience for her was assisting several Sabine Parish students to fulfill their dreams of going to college, serving their country, and entering the workforce. In the near future Shantrece hopes to establish a non-profit College Prep Academy in Sabine Parish.
Outside of work, Shantrece is involved in many organizations and committees. She is a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church, serves as Worthy Matron of Tilmon Chapter #196 Order of Eastern Starts, District Secretary, District No. 6 Mason and Eastern Star, Board Member for the non-profit organization National Alumni Association of Sabine High School INC., Town of Many Variance Committee, Town of Many Historical/Cultural District Committee, Town of Many Christmas Committee, Sabine Parish Back to School Rally Committee and Zwolle Civic Group Juneteenth Heritage Festival.
Tickets for the banquet are $50 each and may be purchased at Pete Abington’s office, Nichols in Many, Sabine Parish Tourist and Recreation Commission, Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, Robert Gentry’s Office at the radio station and by calling Martha Henderson at 645-9573.
Each year the Hall of Fame donates to non-profit charitable groups. This year, donations will be made to H.E.L.P of Sabine, a Christian 501c corporation that provides outdoor opportunities to physically disabled children, adults and combat injured veterans and to SWAG Youth Group at St. Joseph Catholic Church.