Finding grit in Charleston

 

story and photos by Ruby Dean
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The Charleston Chamber of Commerce had its annual banquet on Saturday (Mar. 5), at the Charleston Elementary Cafeteria with approximately 150 attending — to a include a star of the movie remake of “True Grit.”

“What is “grit?”

Tracee McKenna, president of the Charleston Chamber of Commerce, asked that question as she welcomed everyone attending. By definition, grit is firmness of mind or spirit; underlying courage in the face of hardship or danger.

McKenna spoke of how Charleston has “grit.” Charleston is most known for being the first community in a southern state to desegregate its school system following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 Brown vs Board of Education of Topeka, Kan., decision.

Each year Charleston’s Chamber of Commerce looks for someone who has characteristics of going above and beyond to achieve excellence.

One such individual was honored during the banquet for achieving that excellence. Charleston Public Schools Superintendent Jeff Stubblefield was awarded with the Award for Achievement. He has held many jobs during his tenure at Charleston High School. He has been a teacher, baseball coach, and an assistant football coach — just to name a few hats he has worn. He was described as a loyal, and hard worker and has given to the community.

Stubblefield would not take all the credit.

He said his accomplishments are due to the fact that he has a “great team.” His team included people who were close to him such as his teachers, administration and community.  He was overwhelmed by the award and almost speechless. He was truly humbled.

“I could have gone to higher places, but not a better one and (I’ve) never regretted my decision to be where I am,” he said.

A special speaker followed the presentation of the award. Actress and Fort Smith native, Candyce Hinkle spoke to the guests about “True Grit” the movie. She played the part of Ms. Floyd, the landlady, in the movie.

Hinkle has been acting for 40 years and loves it.

“Once bitten, you have the bug,” she said.

She is very happy where she is in life. She owes a lot to her husband for allowing her to “live this dream of acting. He has been very supportive and has picked up the slack when she has been off acting.”