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DURANT – Four individuals were recognized with the Global Citizen Award, presented by Happy World Foundation, during a gala event at the Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant on Oct. 11.
The 2022 Global Citizen Award Gala honors those who make contributions to global citizenship, diversity, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding.
The Happy World Foundation, Inc., is a nonprofit organization created by friends and family of Akash Patel and his twin, Happy Patel following the tragic passing of Happy. The twins envisioned and worked for a world free of prejudice and bigotry.
The founder of the Happy World Foundation, Akash Patel and Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Chief, Gary Batton, presented this year’s awards to James Winchester, Kansas City Chiefs; Tobin Beal, General Motors; Jeanie Hazell, Durant Public Schools; and the Government of Ireland.
Winchester, a Washington, Oklahoma native, was a walk-on football player at the University of Oklahoma When he was told he was too small to play in the NFL, Winchester took that as a challenge, and now he has a Super Bowl ring. Being a long snapper for the Kansas City Chiefs hasn’t changed his humble, kind-hearted nature, say those that know him. Winchester credits God, his family and his Choctaw heritage for keeping him grounded. His dedication to faith, family and culture are qualities which his nomination noted for the award.
Beal, in his experience as General Motors’ Chief Information Officer gives him a unique platform to encourage Indigenous students to pursue higher education, while maintaining strong cultural ties to their communities. His efforts led to numerous partnerships between GM and tribal nations across North America where Native students have access to mentoring programs and other connections that aim to bring more Indigenous youth to STEM fields and careers at GM.
Hazell teaches second grade at Northwest Heights Elementary in Durant and is known as “one of those above-and-beyond kinds of teachers”. Her creative approach to learning where she connects her learners virtually with people around the world is a positive influence on everyone around her. Hazell’s compassion for her students is a shining example of what an educator should be, her introduction at the ceremony stated.
The Government of Ireland was recognized by the Happy World Foundation for returning the favor of global citizen good works and gestures. In 1847, the people of Ireland were suffering under a devastating famine. An ocean away, the Choctaw people were dealing with the aftermath of the forced removal from their ancestral homelands. A simple gesture of kindness— a donation to help feed the hungry—forged a lasting friendship between the nations. When the COVID-19 pandemic threatened the Navajo and Hopi Nations, the people of Ireland banded together to raise money to help them with food and medical supplies as a way to “pay forward” the Choctaw donation so long ago. The Government of Ireland was represented at the awards gala by Niamh Clarke, Vice Consul for Ireland.
“This event is a truly magical evening to pay tribute and honor those making a difference in the world every day by their humble and generous nature,” Patel said. “This is the opportunity my brother, Happy, would be so very honored to be a part of.”