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Audra Raybon chosen Jackson's Citizen of the Year
She was chosen from a total of four nominees. Others nominated were First Baptist Minister of Music Brian Jemison, Jackson Mayor Richard Long and Clarke County Commissioner Patricia DuBose. Upon receiving the news, Tuesday, Raybon said, "I am overwhelmed with honor. This is not something I ever expected." Besides being a teacher, much of her volunteer work includes working with students on extracurricular activities as well as other types of community service. She serves as the Student Government Association sponsor, helps with the National Honor Society, works to help stu- dents pass the graduation exam, works with school spirit committee, along with HealthActions organizes a health fair for high school students, works with Children's Church, helps with preparation for the yearly mission trip to Central America, assists with the Christmas program for the city of Jackson and is a member of the Women's League. For the past two years Raybon has sponsored the JHS homecoming parade. Some of her other past activities have included working with Jackson's Relay For Life, helping with the new JHS band room dedication, sponsoring a blood drive at the school, serving as a member of the Jackson Area Chamber of Commerce, serving on its education committee and organizing its annual calendar, being active in last year's "Get Lost In Jackson" program, serving as president of the Clarke County Chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association, serving on the Joe M. Gillmore Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) Executive Committee and working as the assistant prom coordinator. "Jackson, Alabama has been good to me ever since I was a little girl," said Raybon. "All I do is try and repay the citizens of Jackson for my great upbringing. Service to my community fulfills my need for the people of Jackson to realize what a valuable resource we have here, which is its people. "My parents (Betty and Jim Howell) have always been hardworking, true American, red, white and blue citizens," she continued. "They raised my brother, Rob (Howell) and I to do what we could for others." She added that there have been many other great influences in her life. Raybon said her "gift of gab" and a love for history led her to the teaching profession. "Where else can you get a full, captive audience every single day and talk about something you love? This is the greatest job in the world, at the greatest school," she said. "When you see the light bulb go off in a student's head, that is one of the most wonderful moments you can experience." The activity which Raybon said has perhaps touched her the most has been her involvement in Relay For Life. "So many families have been touched by cancer in Jackson," she said. Having passion for everything she is involved in knows no boundaries. "I love playing a part in the creation of citizens and promoting Aggie pride as well as overall pride in Jackson," she said. "I do my best to teach by example." And that carries over to her own children, John, 10, Will, 8, and Kate, 4. "They are three of the reasons I am so involved in the community," said Raybon. "I want them to grow up to be great American citizens who are willing to do their part in helping others." Raybon and her husband, Brian, along with their three children are active members of the Jackson First Baptist Church. In what little leisure time she has, Raybon enjoys spending time with her family and supporting one of her other passions, University of Alabama football and baseball. "I have always loved U of Asports," she said. "It's something we all love to do together as a family." Returning her attention to her selection as Jackson's Citizen of the Year, she said, "What an amazing, elite group of names have come before me. They are true examples of what the Citizen of the Year should be."
Raybon will be honored at the Jackson Civitan Club's annual banquet Feb. 15, 7 p.m., at the First Methodist Church in Jackson. Tickets for the event are $20 and can be purchased at The South Alabamian, Regions Bank, Atchison Business and Smith Jewelers. Deadline for purchasing tickets is Monday, Feb. 12.
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