Awards highlighted the Rockdale Rotary Club’s annual fun night and installation banquet Tuesday, June 25 at Rockdale Country Club.
Rotarian of the Year award went to Michelle Morgan, club secretary who also serves as Rotary International assistant district governor.
“I can’t tell how much I love Rotary, you all,” Morgan said, while wiping away tears of joy. “It means everything to me. Thank you.”
Retiring club president Gordon Todd, who served as master of ceremonies and presented awards, introduced Eric Vasquez as incoming club president by handing him the traditional past-president’s gavel.
Todd introduced Rotary District Governor Jim Henry of Austin who inducted new club members Gaye Bland (former long-time member), Jim Morris, Shannon Telg, Melissa Barcuch and Susan Turner.
Paul Harris Fellow pins, recognizing $1,000 contributed to the Rotary Foundation, were presented to Karen Todd, her sixth pin; Carol Worley, her third; Terry Mowdy, sponsored by his father Homer Mowdy; Judith Matula and Diane White.
Perfect attendance awards went to Hal Reagan, 33 years in the local club, and Michelle Morgan. Homer Mowdy, sergeant-at-arms for 18 years, was lauded for multiple areas of service, including being the chef for the annual fun night which featured steaks and all the trimmings.
Years of service awards went to Pam Kaufmann and Michelle Morgan, 5-10 years; Homer Mowdy, Carol Worley, Denice Doss, Judith Matula, Joan Ratliff, Mike Vance, Gordon Todd, Kerry Starnes and Wallace and Cheryl Jones, 25-30 years and Hal Reagan, 35 years.
Todd traced the club’s accomplishments for the year, including providing more than $10,000 in scholarships to deserving RHS seniors and also sponsoring the Rotary Interact Club at the Rockdale Intermediate School, a project that promotes good citizenship, responsibility and character.
Todd said the intermediate school program “has resulted in a 75 percent decrease in student trips to the principal’s office for disciplinary reasons.”
Board members for 2019-20 are Gordon Todd, chair; Eric Vasquez, president; Diane White, president-elect; Michelle Morgan, secretary; Joan Ratliff, Foundation chair; Kerry Starnes, program chair and Denice Doss, scholarship chair.
Ward Roddam, chief of the Rockdale Volunteer Fire Department, received a certificate of appreciation and a donation.
Roddam said that the RVFD owes it success to community support, and especially the business community well represented in Rotary.
The Rotary club meets weekly at the local fire station.
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