Photo by Deb Martin _ Dizzy Dean national directors Ronnie Berry, left, and Bobby Dunn, right, make presentation to Shawnna Skiles.
Shawnna Skiles was surprised with a special honor Saturday night at the 29th annual Tennessee Dizzy Dean banquet held at the Abba’s House in Hixson.
The City of East Ridge Athletics Supervisor was honored as the second woman to ever be placed in the Dizzy Dean Gold Circle Hall of Fame.
In a letter Dizzy Dean member Kevin Wright was asked to write on behalf of the organization, he described Ms. Skiles as, “Real as it gets, you know where you stand and how she feels. I say this in a completely positive way; she is as honest as the day is long. She will be brutally honest about any topic or situation. That’s why people would go to any length to help her and work with her.”
Ms. Skiles had other plans for Saturday night after dealing with the final stages of getting soccer, baseball and softball organized this past week.
“I didn’t even plan to go to the event,” Ms. Skiles said. “But my boss, Stump Martin, my friend Rachel McCrary and hubby Ricky Skiles, had other plans. Between the three of them they invited some of my closest family, friends and coworkers. I just want to thank all who came.”
More than 20 family, friends and coworkers showed up to support Ms. Skiles and stood and cheered when the award was announced.
Martin, who is the East Ridge Parks and recreation Director, said he was extremely proud Ms. Skiles had the opportunity to be honored in this way.
“Shawnna is Shawnna, she does what it takes to get the job done no matter how long or how hard the task is,” Martin said. “There’s not another person like her. Her personality and quick wit is often what gets us through the toughest of times. She is tough and will stand her ground when it is necessary. Nevertheless, she has one of the biggest hearts a person can have. We’re going to fight sometimes like brothers and sisters, but I love Shawnna.”
Martin said the parks and recreation team works together each day to provide a better quality of life for those who choose to be members of the East Ridge sports community. He said the team understands that each member can help make a positive difference in people’s lives, especially the younger ones.
“We have good people who care and this award for Shawnna is proof of what others think about the efforts,” Martin said. “Parks Supervisor Bill Owens, Shawnna and administrative assistant Kim Gann work close to make sure we are on the right track daily. Shawnna and I often talk after 10 or 11 p.m. nightly to review the day and make plans for tomorrow. That’s just the way it has to be and our families understand.”
Martin said the rewarding part of being on the parks and recreation staff is that you get an opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives each and every day.
“There’s no doubt, Shawnna makes a difference,” he said.
Mr. Wright closed his presentation letter by describing Ms. Skiles as, “A faithful loving wife, caring mother, dedicated worker committed to the children in her community, and a loyal friend.”
