This last weekend at the Neligh-Oakdale Alumni Banquet my dad, Ted Hughes received the Outstanding Alumni Award presented to him by his niece Lesley Funk Johnson whos ten year class hosted the banquet. When my dad received the award, he explained that he has always been a hometown boy who never wanted to be anywhere but Neligh. His love of the community reminds everyone to look beyond your front door and take some time to be a good friend and neighbor to everyone around you! Here is the nomination letter that Denni Maple, a classmate and life long friend submitted. It was written from the heart and shows what kind of man my dad is. Please read on! My name is Denny Maple and I am a 1969 graduate of Neligh- Oakdale High School. I nominate Ted D. Hughes of the same great class for this year’s Outstanding Alumnus Award. I am a classmate, lifelong friend, and business partner of Ted’s. His contributions to the community of Neligh, Nebraska make him exceptionally qualified to be this year’s recipient. Ted graduated from Neligh-Oakdale High School in 1969. He was active in sports, Future Farmers of America, the school play and ALL of the school social functions. After graduation, Ted enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his Country, both in Germany and the States. Upon his honorary discharge he returned to Neligh to farm with his father, Doug and brother, Scott. He married Charlene Goetz of South Dakota in 1975. They raised four children on their farm seven miles north of Neligh. Autumn, Nathan, Lacey and Alex attended District 4 Country School and all went on to graduate from Neligh-Oakdale High School. During their time at the Country School, Ted served on the District 4 School Board for many years. Today, Ted and Charlene have five grandchildren and another on the way. In 2006 Ted and Charlene left the farm, moved to town and built a house in Neligh on the west side of town. In 2007 he founded Blackstrap Inc. a local trucking company that hauls numerous products and commodities throughout Nebraska and much of the United States. His sons, Nathan and Alex, are employed by Blackstrap, as are several other local employees and independent truckers. Being raised on a farm and being a farmer himself, Ted has a true love for our land and our precious natural resources. This led him to volunteer to serve on the Upper Elkhorn Natural Resources District. The 23 NRD’s of Nebraska design and implement programs to protect the future of our natural resources including ground water and soil. NRDs respond to our local needs while protecting our environment for future generations. Ted has served the NRD since 1987. During this time he has served in many capacities both at the Upper Elkhorn Valley NRD and at the state level in the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts. At the Upper Elkhorn NRD he served one year as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors and three years as Chairman. He has been their representative to the Nebraska Association of Resources since 1999 and currently serves in this capacity. He has also served terms as the Nebraska Association of Resource Districts President and Vice-President. Ted’s tireless dedication and commitment to the future of our water and our environment are invaluable to us all. In 2009 Ted was appointed to fill a vacant position in the Neligh City Council. He was elected to continue in that position in 2010. He presently serves on the Council. His efforts and foresight have been instrumental in acquiring an electrical generation plant, obtaining funding to restore the bridge by the Old Mill, directing funds to restore the water main system for the City of Neligh, and establishing an Economic Development Council to help bring businesses to the City of Neligh. He is thought of as a councilman who does what is best for the community with a common sense approach to problem solving. Even with all these accomplishments, not to mention being a very cool Grandpa, Ted has also found time to give his heart and soul to the American Legion Post 172. He has been an active member of the Legion for many years, serving as the Post Commander since 2008. His efforts have helped revitalize the Legion Building with a new roof, improved kitchen and an updated main meeting hall that has served the community on countless occasions. He also serves proudly as part of the Legion’s Color Guard. The Color Guard takes part in the Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day Ceremonies. They also perform at funerals to honor our Veterans. Ted’s commitment and dedication to the community is inspiring. He is always there to lend a hand. He offers his support to neighbors and friends in the hard times and is there to celebrate the good times as well. He is a good friend and a good neighbor. He is respected and well liked. He is bright, witty and his laugh is as big as his heart. People like Ted make Neligh a great place to live. I believe he is truly deserving of the 2014 Outstanding Alumnus Award. Please give him every consideration. Sincerely, Denny Dennis E. Maple
Posted on: Wed, 28 May 2014 15:20:03 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015