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Lisa Crabtree had no idea that being master of ceremonies at the Chamber of Commerce’s recent Spring Soiree Membership Banquet would lead to much larger accolades.

The Huntland School principal, who has an extensive teaching and coaching record with the Franklin County School System, said she was surprised when she found out during the course of the event that she had been selected as the organization’s Outstanding Citizen of the Year — an honor she said she doesn’t take lightly.

“It was really a big surprise,” Crabtree said, referring to how those working the banquet had stunned her later in the banquet with the announcement.

“I was just so amazed that they selected me as Citizen of the Year,” Crabtree said. “It takes you back when something like this happens, and it says that people think that highly of you. It’s very humbling.”

Crabtree’s selection was from one of five categories the Chamber has to honor those who have given back so much to Franklin County.

In addition to Citizen of the Year, the awards and winners included:

— Large Business of the Year: V.R. Williams & Company.

— Small Business of the Year: Bennett’s Pharmacy.

— Young Professional: Cassie Fulmer

— Ambassador of the Year: Debra West

Chamber Executive Director Kayla Doney said this year’s event at Monterey Station in Cowan, the organization’s 73^rd annual chapter, was truly successful, and those who received the awards were extremely deserving of the honors.

She said the selections were made based on what the individuals and businesses have done to support youth and community programs that give back greatly to the community.

“They are all very deserving of the honors,” Doney said.