2026 Honorees

Cheryl Sharp DaBera

The Celebrate Our Citizens Award proudly recognizes Cheryl Sharp DaBera for her outstanding professional achievements and unwavering commitment to serving the Washington County community through education, leadership, and volunteerism.

A 1978 honors graduate of Brenham High School, DaBera earned a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Sam Houston State University in 1982, along with teaching endorsements in Early Childhood-Handicapped, Learning Disabled, and Mental Retardation. She later completed a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership at Sam Houston State University in 2005.

For more than four decades, DaBera dedicated her career to educating and mentoring students. She began as a Speech Pathologist and Special Education Teacher with the Houston Independent School District before serving as Campus Coordinator at the Brenham State School. She then spent 16 years as a Special Education and Gifted Education teacher at Burton Elementary School, where she impacted countless students and families.

From 2005 to 2013, she served as Principal of Burton Elementary, providing exceptional instructional leadership while also serving as Campus Improvement and Compliance Team Leader, District Improvement and Compliance Team member, and State and Federal Programs Coordinator. More recently, she continued supporting education as a Library Technical Assistant at Blinn College from 2021 to 2025.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, DaBera has devoted decades to serving her church and community. For more than 20 years, she has faithfully served Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church as Youth Director. Since 2013, she has served on the church’s Board of Directors as Secretary and has chaired its Scholarship Committee, helping guide and encourage young people in their educational pursuits. In 2025, she also assumed the role of Chair of the Program Committee.

Her commitment to community extends well beyond the church. She serves as Secretary of the Camptown Cemetery Association and Texas Ten Historical Explorers, Inc., preserving the area’s history and heritage for future generations. She is also an active member of the Washington County Historical Commission.

DaBera has long supported professional and civic organizations, serving as Past President and current Secretary of the Sigma Chi Chi Professional Women’s Club since 1999 and maintaining membership in the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Educators since 2000.

Whether in the classroom, the principal’s office, the church, or the community, Cheryl Sharp DaBera has consistently demonstrated compassion, integrity, and servant leadership. Her lifelong dedication to education, youth development, historical preservation, and community service has enriched the lives of countless individuals and exemplifies the spirit of the Celebrate Our Citizens Award.

Rosia 'Rose' Telford Newsome

Rosia “Rose” Telford Newsome has spent a lifetime demonstrating that the strength of a community is built through selfless service, unwavering commitment, and compassionate leadership. Born in 1954 and raised in the Sauney Stand Community near Chappell Hill, Texas, Rose has devoted herself to improving the lives of those around her while preserving the rich heritage of her hometown.

A proud graduate of the Brenham High School Class of 1972 and the mother of one daughter and two sons, Rose has always believed that service is both a privilege and a responsibility. Her dedication has touched nearly every aspect of community life.

For many years, Rose has faithfully served as an election clerk, helping ensure fair and accessible elections while encouraging citizens to exercise their right to vote. Her commitment to civic engagement has strengthened democratic participation throughout Washington County.

Her faith has been the cornerstone of her service. At Sauney Chapel A.M.E. Church, Rose serves as Pro Tem Trustee, Steward, and a member of the Stewardess Board. Through these roles, she has provided steadfast leadership and faithful support to her church family.

Rose is equally passionate about preserving local history and honoring those who came before her. As a lifetime member of the Chappell Hill Historical Society and former Vice President, she has worked diligently to protect and promote the history of the community she loves. She also oversees the Motley Cemetery and the Sauney Stand Community Cemetery, ensuring these sacred resting places are maintained with dignity and respect for future generations.

Her leadership extends to numerous civic organizations. She serves as Treasurer of the Red Hat Club and previously served as Treasurer of the Washington County CattleWomen Association. In each organization, she has been recognized for her dependability, integrity, and willingness to serve wherever needed.

For more than 23 years, Rose has been a dedicated member of Celebrate Our Seniors, where she previously served as Culinary Supervisor. Whether preparing meals, organizing events, mentoring volunteers, or lending a helping hand, she has consistently placed the needs of others above her own. Her quiet leadership and generous spirit have enriched the lives of countless seniors and inspired others to become active volunteers in their communities.

When not serving others, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, and spending time with family and friends.

Rosia “Rose” Telford Newsome exemplifies the very meaning of volunteerism. Through decades of faithful service to her church, community, civic organizations, and fellow citizens, she has created a lasting legacy of compassion, leadership, and generosity. Her extraordinary record of service makes her a truly deserving Celebrate Our Seniors honoree and an outstanding example of a life dedicated to making a difference.