The Recipient of the 2018 Athena award is Becky Rutledge of Bridge City.
Becky Rutledge has dedicated her life to community service. She was born in Orange, TX and spent her early years here as a sports-crazed tomboy. In 1973 she graduated from Bridge City High School and began a 45 year career in the road materials business. She is currently the Materials Sales Manager for Gulf Coast, an Oldcastle company.
Becky is married to her high school sweetheart, David who is currently the Mayor of Bridge City. She is the mother of 3 highly intelligent & beautiful daughters – Kara Hagen, (husband Matt); Annie Reeves, (husband Eric); and Erin Wheat, (husband Randy). And the proud grandmother of 5 super sweet grandchildren – Reilly Shaw; Emmet & Becca Hagen; Kade Wheat; and Aiden Reeves.
For many years St. Paul’s Episcopal Church has been the major focus of her family life. She currently serves on the Vestry (governing board) & Altar Guild. She is also a member of the Daughters of the King, a group dedicated to prayer & service to others.
Becky has served on the Bridge City ISD School Board since her election in 1997. She is a 2013 graduate of Leadership TASB (Texas Association of School Boards) and was recognized in 2013 as a Master Trustee.
In 2007 Becky became involved with Leadership Southeast Texas (LSET), a leadership organization dedicated to promoting regional cooperation among the nine counties that comprise Southeast Texas. Each class program examines the strengths, weaknesses, obstacles, and opportunities for economic development, regional unity, and quality of life. She is currently serving as Chairman of the Advisory Council. In 2014 she was awarded the prestigious Francis K Monk award for her leadership role in LSET.
For over 25 years Becky has served the City of Bridge City as Chairman of the Planning & Zoning Commission. She is also the current Secretary on the South East Texas Tennis Association (SETTA) board.
When not serving on a board or committee, Becky enjoys cooking, gardening, and playing tennis.
Some background on the Athena award:
The Athena Leadership Award is presented annually to a person that is being honored for professional excellence, community service and for actively assisting others in their attainment of professional excellence and leadership skills. This years ceremony at the Brown Estate on May 15 at 11:30am is being sponsored by First Financial Bank and Capital Title.
Past winners of the Athena award:
Pam Crew Honeycutt 1993
Gisela Houseman 1994
Anna Jean Caffey 1995
Marcelle Adams 1996
Louise Maberry 1997
Alexine Adams 1998
Jane Whitfield 1999
Cecily Varner 2000
Eula Hoffpauer 2001
Mary McKenna 2002
Vivian Kelly 2003
Pauline Hargrove 2004
Debbie Hughes 2005
Betty Harmon 2006
Beth Rach 2007
Katherine Frey 2008
Ruby Wimberly 2009
Theresa Beauchamp 2009
Cecil Broom 2010
Nancy Vincent 2011
Mary Behnke 2012
Beverly Perry 2013
Honorable Judge Courtney Arkeen 2015
Elaine Meyers 2016
Loretta Hughes 2017
Congratulations Becky. You and David have done so much for Bridge City and the area.
Congratulations! Thanks for all you do for us!