2010 Russell County Fair Persons of the YEAR
Ernie and Nancy Perkins
2010 Russell County Fair Hearitage Award
Betsy Brown
2010 Virginia Association of Fairs, Inc. Fair Person of the YEAR
Dr. M. Sexton Burkett
Dr. M. Sexton Burkett is the recipient of the 2010 award, and has given over 30 years of service to the Russell County Fair. During this time, his leadership has been exhibited as a board member, as a chair person of various activities and also as treasurer. His work has not only been during the fair season, but a year-round commitment to planning, guidance and record keeping.
In addition to a 12-months' commitment to the fair, Dr. Burkett is well known for his community involvement and professional expertise. An active participant in his church, he has taught Sunday school for at least 40 years, served as lay speaker on many occasions and gone on several mission outreach programs. He also served his country for four years in the U. S. Air Force.
His professional career started after his graduation from Virginia Tech as a math teacher at Honaker High School in Honaker, VA, but soon he began work with the VPI extension service at the county level. After receiving his doctoral degree from Ohio State University, his work was highlighted as he served as 4-H District Program Director over 13 counties. He loves math and upon retirement from Virginia Tech, he has continued to teach math as adjunct professor at Southwest VA Community College. He is currently in his 18th year there. He has served as a dissertational counselor and statistical analyst for countless graduate students pursuing their doctoral degrees.
Dr. Burkett's expertise has not only been given unselfishly to the Russell County Fair, but to his community and other fairs throughout the state. He has faithfully attended the Virginia Association of Fair meetings, attended state board of director meetings, and has served as Treasurer of the Virginia Association of Fairs for 7 years.
Dr. Burkett is a busy person, but he would not have it any other way. He loves the fair, and has also given much of his life to helping others. The Virginia Association of Fairs, Inc. is honored to award the VAF Fair Person of the Year to a great person, and a friend, Dr. Sexton Burkett of Russell County Fair.