Louise-Hillje Top Citizen
Henderson honored for community service
By BRENDA SOMMER bsommer@leader-news.com

Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year Steven Henderson shows the crowd his appreciation for the honor during Thursday night's Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce banquet. Henderson is a long-time volunteer with the Louise Volunteer Fire Department and is employed by Wharton County. L-N Photo by Chris Barbee

Steven Paul Henderson, a heavy equipment operator for Precinct 3 and dedicated community volunteer has been named Citizen of the Year for 2008 by the Louise- Hillje Chamber of Commerce.

Henderson heard the surprise announcement during the Chamber's 49th annual banquet, held Thursday night at St. Andrew's church hall in Hillje.

The El Campo native and graduate long ago moved to Louise, and "has deeply embedded his roots in the community," new Chamber President John Crowell said when introducing Henderson.

Henderson has been heavily involved in the Louise Volunteer Fire Department, where he serves currently as president and has been named Firefighter of the Year twice. As well, the former Eagle Scout has worked hard with the HOME program, beautification committee, Fall Festival and Knights of Columbus and is a member of St. Procopius Catholic Church and the water board.

Out Cold Daryl Brandes kicks back and soaks up the sun because hypnotist Rodney Rash (rear) convinced Brandes and the rest of participants they were lying on a warm beach in the Bahamas. Rash's show was the entertainment during Thursday night's 49th Annual Louise-Hillje Chamber of Commerce banquet. L-N Photo by Chris Barbee

"I think he's president of everything, because he's never at home," Crowell quoted Henderson's wife Jill as saying, a comment that brought gales of laughter from the crowd.

The father of two took the microphone and told the audience that while he does volunteer, "there's a lot of people who give a lot of stuff to make a good community, and we've got one here in Louise."

He told of speaking with a younger co-worker who asked about Henderson's large volume of volunteer work, and said he could make more money if his hard work was for pay.

"Everybody's riches are one way or another," Henderson told the crowd. "I look around and feel like I've got a billion dollars."