Jasper, Texas – The Ralph W. Steen East Texan of the Year Award will be presented during the 46th Annual Deep East Texas Council of Governments (DETCOG) Membership Meeting and awards luncheon.  It is being held Thursday, May 28th at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin.   

The Steen award was named after the beloved past president of Stephen F. Austin State University, Dr. Ralph W. Steen.  It honors an individual who has played a major role in leadership and service to the twelve county DETCOG Region. 

Two sets of scholarships also will be presented.  The Stewart and Malone Memorial Scholarships are presented to students from the region’s high schools.   The DETCOG Employee Memorial Scholarships are funded by contributions from DETCOG employees and are awarded to the children or grandchildren of DETCOG employees.

“The annual membership meeting is always special because it gives the DETCOG board of directors, members and staff, a chance to visit with representatives of the communities we serve,” says DETCOG’s Executive Director, Walter G. Diggles, Sr.  “The highlight of the meeting has always been the presentation of the Ralph W. Steen East Texan of the Year.  What makes it special is that each new recipient is chosen by those who previously received the recognition.”

DETCOG’s Board President, Angelina County Judge, Wes Suiter, would like to extend an invitation to the public to attend.  The morning sessions are free and open to the public.  Luncheon tickets can be purchased at the door.  Anyone needing information may contact Cynthia Trowbridge at the DETCOG office in Jasper at (409) 384-5704.