DUMFRIES – (Press Release) Dumfries leaders Clyde and Gwen Washington will be among the honorees at the 2019 Mayor’s Choice Awards, part of the Dumfries Inaugural Mayor’s Ball on Saturday, April 13.
Clyde and Gwen have dedicated their entire lives to public service, with Clyde serving on the Town Council of Dumfries for 28 years and Gwen for 6 years. Gwen’s dad, John Wilmer Porter, also served on the Town Council and was the first African-American official elected post-Civil War Reconstruction in Virginia. Gwen’s mother, Mary G. Porter, also lived a life of public service as a Prince William County teacher and was known in the county as one of the “Courageous Four” who helped to integrate the schools.
“As Mayor, it is important that our history is celebrated and I continue to promote the very best of our community to everyone,” said Mayor Derrick Wood. “I couldn’t think of a better family to be a recipient of the Living Legend Award than Clyde and Gwen. It will be my honor to stand with them at the Mayor’s Ball and celebrate their lifelong service to our town.”
Other 2019 Mayor’s Choice Awards to be handed out that night include: Non-Profit of the Year, Community Business of the Year, the Community Business Beautification Award, Citizen of the Year, Police Officer of the Year, Religious Institution of the Year, Town Employee of the Year and Teacher of the Year.
The Mayor’s Ball will be hosted at The Fabriek, Dumfries’ newest event center, and will be an evening of entertainment, exceptional food, and celebrating all the things that make the town of Dumfries a phenomenal place to live and do business in.
The awards ceremony will be hosted by Hon. Michael and Dr. Bernadine Futrell as part of Dumfries’ Inaugural Mayor’s Ball, which was created to raise scholarship money for high school graduating seniors who reside in the town of Dumfries and to honor the members and businesses in the community.
