DAYTON-Dayton Mayor Craig George was given the Citizen of the Year award last week at the Dayton Chamber of Commerce's annual Awards Banquet. George, who is in his third term as mayor, was traveling, and unable to attend the banquet.

George recently announced that he will be stepping down from his position early next year.

In her introduction to the award, Chamber Manager Melissa Bryan said that George "has shown complete dedication to Dayton, advocating for our community locally and statewide. Always generous with his time, he is well versed in accomplishing goals – large and small."

George, a former Navy commander, was first elected in 2007 and would have completed his third term next year.

The Chamber's Employee of the year award was given to Dayton Elementary School Secretary Jeannie Lyonnais.

Lyonnais "advocates for children with kindness and selflessness, always striving to be a positive example, by working hard, showing dependability and professionalism," Bryan said in her statement. "With a strong passion for youth, this person energizes those around her, resulting in a quality learning environment for the staff and students of Dayton Elementary."

The Village Shoppes was given the Business of the Year award. The antique and gift store is located at 245 E. Main St., and had been operated by Candy Jones and her husband, Jim Dyke, for many years. The store has recently been sold to a new owner.

The Village Shoppes "has become a staple in Dayton, with full, beautiful windows and a joyful smile as you enter the door, where a person can shop for a fishin' pole for their favorite fishin' hole, pick up a fancy dancin' dress with matching earrings or a vintage peddle car for the grandkids," Bryan said.

The Youth Citizen of the Year award was given to Kaleigh White, a student at Dayton High School.

White "has involved [herself] in 4-H, FBLA, ASB, Sports, Academics, Rodeo, FFA and The National Honor Society," Bryan said. "The numerous nominations that arrived for [White] described her as fantastic, exceptional, compassionate and a strong leader."

Also given out Wednesday evening was the Historic Preservation Award, given to Greg and Sophia Peterson, for the restoration they completed on their home at 303 E. Patit St.