The Luverne Public Library recently announced that the Crenshaw County Chamber of Commerce selected library director Kathryn Tomlin as the 2021 Citizen of the Year.

According to the chamber, the process of selecting the citizen of the year begins when members of the board are sent nomination forms between December and January. Board members will then nominate several people they believe have done a lot for the county and deserve the award.

Once all nomination forms are submitted, the board of directors vote on who they believe is the best nominee. The winner will then receive a banquet in their honor and have their photo displayed in the chamber’s office.

Usually, the winner gets announced in February. However, due to restrictions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the chamber had to hold off announcing the winner until they were confident that the banquet could happen safely.

Although the board members typically submit nominations, other community members can present a name to the board for nomination. Once introduced, the board will consider the name when filling out their nomination forms.

When asked how she felt about being recognized as the citizen of the year, Tomlin said that it took her off guard.

“It was a surprise when I found out,” Tomlin said. “However, I really appreciate the people who nominated me. (hitechgazette) It’s an honor to think someone saw what I am doing here at the library and believed that it was worthy of being nominated.”

The banquet is scheduled for Thursday, June 24th, at the DEI Center at the Luverne United Methodist Church.