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 to be held today, Thursday, May 28 at the Pitser Garrison Convention Center in Lufkin.

The Steen award was named after 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 public is invited.

The morning sessions are free and open to the public. Luncheon tickets can be purchased at the door.