2008 First Citizen of Cherokee County
Wade Buchanan
presented by JoEllen Wilson during the Chamber's
37th Annual Dinner in February 2008.

A special thanks to CherokeeTV for the production of the First Citizen video. Visit CherokeeTV.com and browse video list to view.

The First Citizen of Cherokee County is a prestigious award designed to honor a Cherokee resident for outstanding and significant service to the community. The award is presented each year during the Chamber's Annual Dinner.

The distinct title of First Citizen of Cherokee County is bestowed upon a man or woman who has resided in the county for a minimum of five years and has shown significant meritorious service to his or her community through family, civic and/or religious involvement. A panel of out-of-town judges carefully reviews the accomplishments of each applicant and the winner is chosen based upon merit.

Each year a new honoree joins a prestigious list of Cherokee Countians that includes former Canton physician Dr. Grady Coker, who was the initial recipient in 1971 and Wade Buchanan who was chosen as the 2008 First Citizen. The First Citizen program, which went defunct in 1986, was revamped in 1992 when retired Georgia Power Area Manager Bill Wester was chosen as the 17th recipient.

Applications for the 34th Annual First Citizen Award will be available in November 2008.