In a year in which the Dumfries community was shifted into change due to the global pandemic, those who served beyond the call of duty in such tumultuous times were honored in a beautiful ceremony last night at Mayor Derrick Wood’s annual ball. Taking place at the Fabriek Event Center, it was a night of celebration and joy, bringing together civic leaders and citizens who may have not had the opportunity to connect in months prior. Whether it was the cuisine served by Dinner 4 Two Entertainment, or the music of the Crush Funk Band that was the life of the party, the ball gave everyone a night where they could enjoy one another’s company and give flowers to those who have made the town of Dumfries, as the Honorable Michael Futrell put it, “a place where it will be everyone’s favorite destination.”

Throughout the evening several individuals and organizations were awarded for their service. The Mayor’s Choice award was given to Delegate Luke Torian (D-52) for his work in the community and contributions to HBCU’s. The Chair of the House Appropriations Committee spoke on the impact that service has brought to the area.

Delegates Luke Torian and Candi King

“The important thing to remember we have the power and the authority, use it for the betterment of our community,” said Torian. “Eyes have not seen nor ear have not heard what is going to happen in the town of Dumfries,” which lead to a cheer from those in attendance.

There were several others who were awarded:

Business Award: Vincent & Vincent

Beautification Award: Triangle Shopping Center

Winners Church Pastor and First Lady Goodwin

Religious Institution of the Year Award: Winners Church, as they continued to provide food to the community during the pandemic and purchased laptops so students could have broadband access.

Dumfries Elementary School Teacher Candace Boles, and her Principal Starr Granby

Teacher of the Year: Dumfries Elementary School fourth grade teacher Candace Boles.

Dr. Vanessa Gattis

Non-profit of the year award: Dr. Vanessa Gattis of the Prince William County Community Foundation, which served over 350,000 meals since 2018, as well as provided several scholarships for middle and high school students. Dr. Gattis addressed the audience about what it meant to continue service on a local level and reminded everyone of the upcoming health fair taking place on Saturday, October 16 at the Hylton Boys and Girls Club.

Citizen of the Year: Master Gunner Sergeant Jeremiah Burns, who spoke of being able to endure through hard times in an emotional speech, but also bringing laughs among the crowd when he mentioned his barbecuing acumen.

Officer of the Year: Sergeant Torres, who was recently promoted after six years of service as a Dumfries officer.

Employee of the year: Lisa Piarote, who was introduced by both Mayor Wood and Vice Mayor Monae Nickerson.

Of all the awards to be given last night, there was one moment in which everyone was brought to their feet in jubilation, and it was for the Albert E. Brooks Unsung Hero Award. This honor, now named after the late civil rights leader, was given to Tammi Lambert, who was pivotal in being a pillar of the Dumfries community, making sure that Black excellence was recognized and pursued constantly as a driving force for change. She spoke of what it meant to be the first recipient of this award, and of Brooks’ enduring legacy, encouraging others to do the same.

“Albert taught me a really good lesson, the best followers make the best leaders,” Lambert said. “Albert Brooks followed A. Phillip Randolph and other great leaders. He learned so much, and he brought that to this community. Everyone benefitted from his work. We need to do the same.”

“There is a large targeted population that he could reach. I encourage the elected officials and town leaders to do what he did; reach for those who you do not know, for those who do not think they have a voice, because those are the ones that followed Al and changed the east side of Prince William County.”

It was night that recognized those who have moved Prince William County from its past, to its thriving present, and set the standard for its future.