GREEN RIVER — Angie Bennett, a Green River resident for over 50 years, was honored with the 2022 Distinguished Citizen award during the Green River Chamber’s 2022 Awards Luncheon on Wednesday.

Mayor Pete Rust chooses candidates for this award, and the Chamber board then makes the final decision based on his selection. Bennett received this year’s award for dedicating her time and talents to enriching the community.

“She is a woman of many talents and interests. In her over 50 years in Green River, she has been involved in numerous committees and organizations which have made Green River a better place to live,” Mayor Rust said.

Bennett is an artist who has dedicated much of her time to sharing her talents and skills so others in the community can expand their own artistic creativity.

“A talented artist, Angie has interpreted many local scenes in her paintings. She has participated in many art shows including the annual Art on the green, and the YWCA Arts and Crafts Fair,” Mayor Rust said.

She has also displayed her work in local exhibits at the Sweetwater County Library and the Community Fine Arts Center.

“She is a well loved teacher, instructor of art classes at Western Wyoming Community College and the Golden Hour Senior Center,” Rust said.

She is also a member of the St. John’s Episcopal Church, and has served multiple terms on the vestry.

However, her major role has been as the director of the St. John’s Thrift Shop for the past 15 years. In this role, she recruits and schedules volunteers, and oversees the operations of the shop which makes yearly donations to local and statewide charities.

“Angie is an excellent example of someone who enriches her community by generously investing her time and talents. She is indeed an outstanding citizen of Green River,” Mayor Rust said.

Bennett said the award was surprising to her, but that she is very happy to receive it.

“I’m happy, surprised, thankful,” Bennett said.

As for why she dedicates her time to the community in all the different avenues she does, Bennett said it’s because of the benefits it provides the community.

“There’s so much good that comes out of it,” she said.