Omega Hawkins Recognized with Key to the City and Annual Award in Her Honor

 

 

For Immediate Release

TERRELL, Texas — Nov. 12, 2024 — Longtime public transit advocate Omega Hawkins was honored with the Key to the City by Terrell Mayor Rick Carmona, who proclaimed October 26 as “Omega Hawkins Day.”

“A true champion of public transit, Omega’s advocacy spans over four decades in Terrell and across North Central Texas,” said Mayor Carmona.

Hawkins began her career in 1980 with Kaufman County Senior Citizens Services and then Kaufman Area Rural Transit (KART), the precursors to the creation of STAR Transit in 2011.  Hawkins served as STAR Transit executive director until retiring in 2019, after which she served on its board of directors.

“Omega has worked tirelessly to expand public transit access for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and rural communities,” said Tommy Henricks, STAR Transit executive director.  “All these years later, STAR Transit offers affordable transit service to people from all walks of life across four counties.  We owe this success to Omega’s dedication.”

At the same ceremony, the first annual Omega Hawkins Award was presented to Alice Smith for exemplifying Hawkins’ values of safety, reliability, kindness, and compassion.  Smith has been a driver for over 11 years.

The following STAR Transit employees also received recognition:

  • Extra Mile Award: Gary Williams
  • Outstanding Customer Service Award: James “JJ” Janicek
  • Outstanding Service Award: Felicia Smith
  • Rookie of the Year: Johnnie Johnson
  • Driver of the Year: Janice McLean

“Our dedicated team follows in the footsteps of Omega Hawkins, continuing to provide outstanding public transit service.  Congratulations to all our award recipients!” concluded Henricks.

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About STAR Transit.  Founded in 1988, STAR Transit is the fourth-largest transit agency in the North Central Texas region—and the largest not funded by sales tax.  Revenues are derived from federal and state grants as well as local partnerships with cities, counties, and businesses.  STAR Transit provides safe, affordable, and convenient transportation to the general public, persons 60 and older, veterans, and individuals with disabilities for access to jobs, healthcare, personal services, retail, entertainment, and more.  Over 100 employees are responsible for providing more than 215,000 rides annually.  The agency is headquartered in Terrell, TX.  For more information, visit STARtransit.org.