Dedicated volunteers, pro golfer win Heritage Days honors

TOP: Four students were awarded scholarships to McCook Community College and given the honor of Heritage Days Royalty at the MNB Bank mixer Wednesday evening. Pictured from left are, Vice President of Student Affairs and MCC Vice President Kelly Rippen; Royalty Jackson Dellevoet, Abbey Diaz, Kaedi Hegwood, and Hanna Crowe; Chamber Board Member Josh Keenportz; and Chamber President and CEO Casey Flint. ABOVE CENTER: Lori Beeby, right, receives the honor of 2023 Heritage Days Parade Marshal from Chamber President and CEO Casey Flint. ABOVE LEFT: Brandon Crick, a 2006 McCook High School graduate who is making a name for himself on the pro golf circuit, was awarded the 2023 Heritage Days Grand Marshall. ABOVE RIGHT: Greg and Pam Wolford are the 2023 Heritages Days Honor Family.

Shary Skiles/McCook Gazette

McCOOK, Neb. - The 2023 Heritage Days Honor Family, Pam and Greg Wolford, are considered pillars of the community. Pam, a retired McCook High School teacher, is involved in the City of McCook Library Board, Youth Change Reaction, PEO, McCook Community Foundation Fund, and Bison Days committee. She continues to be dedicated to education, offering her services as a tutor.

Greg, President of W Design Associates, has fulfilled roles with the YMCA board of directors, Masonic Lodge, and McCook Economic Development Executive Committee.He is the State of Nebraska District 7 Highway Commissioner, which involves extensive state meeting travel.

For over a decade, both Pam and Greg have dedicated themselves to nurturing the spiritual growth of the youth as passionate leaders of the Methodist Church’s youth group. Both have served on numerous committees for the church. They have been fervent supporters of 4-H, offering guidance as the Citizen Washington Focus chaperones and mentors and serving as judges for various events.

Greg told the mixer crowd, “McCook has been a wonderful place to raise a family and have a career.” Their family includes son, Adam of McCook and wife, Angie, along with their children, Isaiah, Isaac, Isabelle, Macy, and Silas; and daughter, Dr. Kate Wawrzynkiewicz of North Platte and husband, Jake, along with their children, Noah, Julia, and Wyatt.

Lori Beeby, the 2023 Heritage Days Parade Marshall, was the glue that held the chamber together when the organization faced a leadership void in 2022. As a chamber executive board member, Lori invested countless hours to ensure its vitality and resilience. Her positivity, unyielding work ethic and adept leadership skills kept the chamber running smoothly. In addition to her chamber responsibilities, Lori is the Vice President of Support Services at Community Hospital, where her expertise in information systems and people management have proven invaluable. She is also a dedicated family member to husband, Chase, and children Cassidy and Cadde. The family immerses themselves in hunting, wrestling meets, and dog shows, where Lori is the family photographer. She told the gathering that she is very proud of the chamber and everything that they do.

The 2023 Heritage Days Grand Marshall is a 2006 McCook High School graduate and a member of the 2003 and 2004 state championship golf teams, as well as the 2006 State runner-up team. In his high school career, Brandon Crick achieved three top-three finishes in the Class B championships. He has dedicated himself to excellence in golf, with victories such as the Nebraska Junior Amateur in 2006 and participation in the Nebraska Golf Association Nebraska Cup Team and Nebraska Junior Golf Association All-Star Team. In his collegiate golf career at Gonzaga University, Brandon received honors like the West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year in 2007, setting records and earning titles.

Transitioning to professional golf in 2010, he’s marked an impressive journey, with 72 cuts made in 130 PGA events, a runner-up finish, and a remarkable lowest score of 60. Brandon is currently entering his eighth season on the Korn Ferry Tour in 2024, continuing to inspire and excel in the world of golf. He has strong family bonds in McCook, as loving husband to Bailey and devoted father to daughter Kamry, son to Jeff and Beth Crick, and sibling to Jessica Meyer and Nate Crick. In accepting the honor, Brandon said, “This community has meant a lot to me and Baily. I’ve been to a lot of places in the United States, and this is one of the best communities. I wouldn’t want to raise my family anywhere else.”

Heritage Day Royalty are:

Hanna Crowe, a student at McCook High School who excels in academics and athletics. She participates in Bison track and field, swim and dive, Teammates mentor. She is a church camp counselor.

Jackson Dellevoet excels as a Bison middle linebacker and fullback. He is also involved in mock trial, One Act, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He has received the Bison Leadership Award and the Scout Team Player of the Year Award. He is also an active participant at McCook Christian Church youth group.

Abbey Diaz has taken on leadership roles at McCook High School, including MHS Swim team, Thespian Club, National Honor Society, National Honor Society of High School Scholars, and mock trial. She is active in Catholic Youth Organization and McCook Chrisitian Church summer Bible study. She has high academic standards, earning a 3.952 GPA and a 31 on her ACT score.

Kaedi Hegwood is extensively involved in school activities at McCook High School such as Thespian Club, Speech Team, Mock Trial, FBLA, Creative Writing Club, Social Media Club, Interact Club, and National Honor Society. Kaedi has received numerous awards for her leadership and academic excellence, with a consistent 4.0 GPA and ranking as the number one student in her class.