“I can tell you we plan to be a partner with you all for a long time,” Stewart said.

Mayor Ben McCrory gave City Councilmember Willie Goldsmith the Friend of Montevallo Award.

“It’s a night like this that makes being the mayor of Montevallo so special,” McCrory said. “(You all) contribute immensely to what our city is today.”

Stewart presented the Friend of Montevallo Award to the mayor and the City Council, and said he has received comments about the positive partnership between the city and the university.

ValloCycle, the bicycle initiative between the city and the university, was awarded the Civic Leader of the Year Award by Montevallo Chamber President Mary Lou Williams.

Williams then named John and Sandra Lott as the Citizens of the Year, which rendered Sandra Lott speechless, she said.

Williams said the Lotts’ leadership in Montevallo has been “legendary.”

“Obviously we’re surprised and speechless,” Sandra Lott said to the audience. “Thank you very much.”

John Lott said he knew his wife would receive the award, but wasn’t aware his name was also on the plaque.

“I knew it was supposed to be for her, but I didn’t know I was included,” he said.

“He should’ve been the main one,” Sandra Lott said. “It’s just overwhelming. I’m surprised and grateful to be able to live in the community since I was a student at Montevallo in the late ’50s. It’s been my home, and I’m thankful to my neighbors.”