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GOLIAD – Myra Heard, who farms her great-grandmother’s land with her husband, has a dedication to her community like no other, so it’s no wonder she was recently named citizen of the year by the Goliad Chamber of Commerce.

Civic service along with her church and family are her main interests. Although very honored to receive the award, she said it’s a shame it has to be given to an individual instead of an entire organization, if not the entire county.

Q: Why were you nominated and chosen as Goliad Chamber of Commerce citizen of the year?

A: It was a huge surprise to me. There are so many people in Goliad that are so deserving of this and I was very surprised that I was chosen. I had no idea that it was happening. I did not find out until the night of the chamber banquet. Everyone in Goliad works together on things. We have a lot of deserving people so I was very honored to be chosen. It’s too bad only one person gets the award, it should be given to the whole county or organization. It’s a group effort.

Q: What are the criteria?

A: The main criteria are to choose someone that has worked on different civic projects that support the county, the people and different organizations.

Q: What organizations do you work with?

A: I have volunteered for different projects that are going on in the county as well as in the city. We all try to work together. We are a very small community, so every volunteer ends up working on different projects, not just their one specific organization. I’ve been working with Goliad County Historical Commission since 1984. We do Christmas in Goliad. I also work with the American Cancer Society on the Relay for Life, the county fair and rodeo, and the Goliad pet adoption – it’s one of my “pet”organizations.

Q: What gives you the drive to give back the way you do?

A: I think Goliad is a wonderful community. There are so many wonderful people here. I think everyone should give something back. I love working with the people. I feel like in a way I was not deserving of the award because it’s not just one person, it’s the whole organization. The Goliad historical commission, everyone in it, is a hard worker so it’s an award for the entire organization, not just one person.

Q: What was your first volunteer experience?

A: I live on my great-grandparents ranch, and in 1984 I moved back to Goliad. At that time I became involved in the Goliad County Historical Commission.

Q: How did you end up coming back to Goliad?

A: My parents are from here. My mother’s grandparents’ranch, I spent every summer, weekend and holiday here. I spent many years traveling around the country and in ’84 I couldn’t wait to get back here. This was home. I just love Goliad.

Q: Are there any current projects?

A: We are working very hard on the 25th year for Christmas in Goliad. We want to make it the biggest and best yet.

Every organization tries to help the rest out. Because we are small we have to. I can’t say enough about our merchants, business owners, both on and off the square. All you have to do in Goliad is ask.

Q: Why is it important to volunteer?

A: When you volunteer it gives you a certain amount of pride and you care a little more. It’s a civic duty. Everyone should give back to his or her community. When you do, it keeps you informed, helps you make better decisions, gives a better sense of pride and well-being about community and you meet more people and get more ideas…it helps your outlook.

Christina Burke is a reporter for the Advocate. Contact her at 361-580-6516 or cburke@vicad.com.