PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Among the many items available at the Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Awards Gala held May 4, was a subscription to the Lake Wales News or any of the other newspapers that make up the Heartland division of Sun Coast Media Group.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Betty Wojcik and Lake Wales Medical Center CEO Scott Smith meet before the start of the night's actilvities. Smith was one of the presenters.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Jean Kincaid Scott and Scott Smith engage in conversation at the Lake Wales Country Club, site of the May 4 Chamber of Commerce awards gala.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Lake Wales Mayor Mike Carter and his wife, Josefina Mendoza smile as they make their way to their table.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Lake Wales Area Chamber of Commerce President Mike Morrow and Executive Director Betty Wojcik review notes. Morrow served as emcee at the awards gala.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Cathy Lamaster pours a drink at the cash bar for an attendee.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Wanda Howard, youth advisor for the Lake Wales NAACP Youth Council and Polk County Schools vice chairwoman Lori Cunningham were among those attending the awards gala.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Beverly Howell and Joyce Wiltshire appear to be enjoying themselves.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Keaton Alexander listens as her grandfather, John Alexander talks to her. Keaton is the daughter of JD and Cindy M. Alexander.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


JD Alexander visits with another attendee (unseen).

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Lake Wales Police Chief Chris Velasquez would later win a floral arrangement such as the one in the background at the awards gala.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Lake Wales News publisher Jim Gouvellis listens to a point being made by City Manager Terry Leary.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


In charge of selling raffle tickets and collecting money are Chris Purdy and Sandra Wolf.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


If it's Lake Wales, then it's got to be Mimi Hardiman, splendid as always in her favorite color.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Did Mike Morrow and Cindy M. Alexander know something the rest of the attendees did not? You betcha!

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Max Linton and Kim Betler, current and immediate past president of Mountain Lake Community Service, Inc., await the opportunity to ascend to the podium to recieve the organization's award for Community Service Organization of the Year.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Jerry Miller closes his eyes in bemused surprise as he hears himself addressed as 2012 Citizen of the Year.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Jerry Miller accepts a congratulatory handshake as he makes his way to the stage after being named 2012 Citizen of the Year.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Cindy M. Alexander pins a boutonniere to the lapel of Jerry Miller's suit jacket. Alexander, the 2011 Citizen of the Year winner had the privilege to announce Miller as this year's recipient.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Various family members gather round Jerry Miller. Their presence was a surprise to Miller, and when they entered the reception hall, Miller was overcome with tears of joy.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Jean Kincaid Scott and John Alexander (second and third from left) look on as Betty Wojcik pins a corsage to Jerry Miller.

PHOTO BY STEVE STEINER


Attorney Howard Kay (left) "holds court" with Max Linton (right)as JD Alexander looks and listens on.