Northport Citizens Of The Year Named At 45th Annual Banquet

NORTHPORT, AL — The Civic Center at Northport City Hall saw a big turnout Thursday for the 45th annual Northport Citizen of the Year Awards Banquet, which saw longtime coach Sonny Aaron and his late wife, Northport Mayor Donna Aaron, receive the highest honors.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

The dual honors represent the first time since 1980 that there were two recipients selected.

As Patch previously reported, Donna Aaron — the first and only woman elected to the city's highest office — died in August at the age of 79.

Click the link below or here to watch Sonny Aaron's acceptance speech

Born in Wetumpka, Donna Aaron graduated from Wetumpka High School and went on to graduate from the University of Alabama with a bachelor's degree in mathematics. After a career as an educator, she went on to serve two terms on the city council, before being elected mayor in October 2016.

Sonny Aaron, a graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, was also a professional educator and beloved coach, working in the Northside community and Northport Junior High School.

"I don't have a whole lot to say, except how happy this wonderful woman was six years ago when she became mayor of Northport by the good people," Sonny Aaron said when accepting the award. "Well I'm sure she's standing in heaven today just as happy because she got that award."

Here's a look at the winners of the five subcategories and their nomination bios following the awards

Heritage Pioneer Award: John Boyd of the Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society

"John is a Tuscaloosa County resident, retiring from the Army in 2014. John is a member of the Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society where he has invested countless hours into filming 539 bound volumes of circuit court book found on the 7th floor of the county courthouse. 239 of the 539 volumes have currently been index, and all of this work can be found on the website Seventhfloorrecords.com John’s unselfish time devoted to helping residents of Tuscaloosa County is unmatched in preserving our local history.

Due to his health, he is unable to be here today. He is represented by Mark Scogin and Jan Hutchison from the Tuscaloosa Genealogical Society.

Northport Business Leader of the Year: Pastor Garcia, Pastor's Kitchen

"Our 2022 Northport Business Leader of the Year is Pastor Garcia. He is married to Raquel with children Sahira Garcia, Naamah VanDyne, Diana Garcia, Max Emilian Zuniga, Yoceline Garcia, Cynthia Zuniga, and Joshua Garcia.

Pastor is the owner of Pastor’s Kitchen in Northport, Pastor’s Gift Shop & Coffee and Pastor’s Taco Truck.

He is an elder at Soma Church, overseeing Soma Espanol Ministry. He is also a voluntary member at Quiver Ranch, voluntary interpreter at Sav-a-Life Tuscaloosa, voluntary member of the West Alabama Prayer Breakfast, and senior leader at Kingdom Kitchen.org (a movement to help feed those in need in Northport.

Pastor has never given up on his goals and dreams and has overcome many barriers along the way. He is a prime example of perseverance and hard work. He loves to help others along the way.

Northport Educator of the Year Award: Dana Dunn, retired teacher at Tuscaloosa County High School

"Our 2022 award winner is Dana Dunn, recently retired educator at Tuscaloosa County High School. She is a proud graduate of Tuscaloosa County High School, graduating from the University of Alabama with a Master of Arts and Secondary in English.

Dana served a sponsor of the TCHS Ambassadors (we have this year’s Ambassadors with us today), Senior Class Sponsor, and Homecoming & Prom committees.

Dana is married to Chris Dunn and they have two children Hannah and Nate. She serves at Carroll’s Creek Baptist Church as greeter, children’s activities volunteer, as well as several committees."

Northport Religious Leader of the Year: Ronnie Lett

"Our 2022 Religious Leader of the Year recipient is Ronald Lett. He is married to the former Bebe Jan Davis and they have 2 children Ron and Julia and six granddaughters.

Ronnie Lett is 1961 Tuscaloosa County High School graduate. He received a Bachelors of Science degree in Music Education from the University of Alabama in 1965, Master of Arts in 1968 and later two certifications in administration.

He taught at Northport Jr. High, Tuscaloosa County High, was assistant principal at Brookwood High and then at County High where he would become principal in July 1992 upon the retirement of Bobby Walker.

Ronnie has served as part-time minister of music at Ridgecrest Baptist, Circlewood Baptist Church, Holt Baptist Church, Emmanuel Baptist Church, Five Points Baptist (twice), Grants Creek Baptist Church and currently at St. Mark United Methodist Church since 2006.

Mr. Lett has multiple professional affiliations and honors including Outstanding Alumnus – Tuscaloosa County High School 1995, and President of the Alabama Vocal Association. I think he would agree his highest honor is that so many of his former students have chosen musical careers and performed professionally – as a direct result of his caring and working with his students.

Oh yes, and he was the 2012 Northport Citizen of the Year."

Northport Public Safety Leader of the Year: Captain Jerry Pruitt, Northport Fire Rescue

"Chico, as well all know him by, is married to April and has children Plychette, Jason, Candace, Justin, Kayla, and Carson.

Captain Pruitt is a graduate of Central High School, the University of Alabama, Shelton State and the Alabama Fire College. He has attended multiple certification classes as well. He is a member of the American Legion – Tuscaloosa Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars – Tuscaloosa Post, and the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2676.

Captain Pruitt has received several outstanding awards. He received the Emergency Service Award from Tuscaloosa Fire and Rescue Service. The Department of the Navy awarded him the Navy and Marine Corp. Achievement Medal as Security Manager for Tactical Movement Team 3 in Iraq. The Alabama House of Representatives honored and commended him for saving the life of a fellow firefighter in the line of duty, the Excellence Award was presented to him by his peers for dedication to duty, knowledge, technical skill, and outstanding leadership. The Exchange Club awarded him Firefighter of the Year. As you can see from these awards as well as the letter we received in support of Captain Pruitt, he is without a doubt a Public Safety Leader."

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.