A poem was read aloud at the first annual Golden Bridge Builders Award ceremony on Saturday.

“Those who build bridges for others live full, exhilarating, productive lives, helping, nurturing, prodding and pushing others to succeed,” the poem by Drake Peterson reads.

And Selma Mayor George Evans said bridges are all about leading others to success and avoiding pit falls. He created the Golden Bridge Awards to honor those who need to be remembered.

Each of the nine recipients Saturday were individuals who played integral parts in Selma’s history and culture, in all aspects of the city. People were chosen for categories of media and print, religion, government, education, arts, business, community service, humanitarian and health care. We could not agree with Dallas County Probate Judge Kim Ballard who commended the mayor and award committee for choosing a group of diverse people who are forward thinking and brought wonderful things to Selma and Dallas County throughout their lifetimes.

The city and county should be given a pat on the back for taking time to recognize residents who have dedicated their lives to serving others and in turn, have dedicated themselves for the betterment of the city.

Because the recipients were over the age of 55, these passionate Selmians dedicated themselves to service even when Selma was economically thriving and have followed their convictions and callings into today’s world of Selma, which is forever evolving and changing.

Arlena King, Mallieve Breeding, Mike Reynolds, Wanda McCall, Lorenzo Harrison Sr., Glenton Davis, Alston Fitts III, Alvin Benn and Joe Peterson: thank you for your numerous contributions of time, money, effort and overall compassion for our community. Golden Bridges were built here because of you. We are sure many of your good deeds have gone unnoticed, because there are far too many to count.