Retired educator, college advisor, and faith leader Pastor Ronnie Brooks will be recognized with a Distinguished Service Award at the First Citizen Awards Banquet on Saturday, March 8.
On February 12, a group of Ronnie’s friends and supporters, including the First Citizens of the past two years, Gregg Peterson and Sam Skillern, joined us to surprise him after Pastor Brooks led a prayer before the Salem First Free Methodist Church’s regular Soup Dinner Night.
Known by some in our community today as the leader and founder of To God Be The Glory Church, Pastor Brooks has led a life of service to others, helping children and young people as an educator and mentor for decades. After beginning and spending much of his career in Texas, which included establishing a career and college-readiness program at Texas A&M University’s Commerce campus (that is still flourishing more than 40 years later), he moved to our community in 2004, bringing with him his natural leadership skills and ability to motivate and empower others to reach their full potential.
Shortly after arriving in Salem, Ronnie began volunteering at McKay High School, where he served for many years as its ASPIRE Coordinator, another role in which he helped guide and support young people toward their secondary education and career aspirations. While at McKay, he also helmed the Dream Center, which continues to provide career and college resources, guidance, and scholarships to high school students. In 2012, Ronnie was recognized with a Crystal Apple Award for his work within the Salem-Keizer School District.
Although he has retired from a formal career in education, the lasting impact Ronnie has had on every community he has served is simply immeasurable. And as a Pastor, he continues to lead and inspire with a powerful, yet humble humility, instilling faith, confidence, and trust in everyone he connects with.
Join us to celebrate Pastor Ronnie Brooks at the 74th Annual First Citizen Awards Banquet!!
See below for event details and make sure to get your tickets!
74th First Citizen Awards Banquet
Saturday, March 8
Salem Convention Center
GET TICKETS: https://salemchamber.org/events/first-citizen/
We thank our First Citizen Awards sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Mountain West Center for Community Excellence and Pioneer Trust Bank, for making this premier Salem event possible.