At its June 29th meeting, the Rotary Club of Henderson recognized several members for their exceptional efforts to both Rotary and to Henderson.
The Service Above Self Award which is given to a Rotarian who has volunteered in the community in ways that meets the Club’s Service Above Self motto was awarded to Dorsey Ridley. Ridley has devoted his life to service, including serving as a state senator. He was instrumental in securing the transfer of the historic Henderson National Guard Armory to be the new home of the Henderson Boys and Girls Club. Currently, Ridley is an elder at the Presbyterian Church, serves on the Henderson Area Arts Alliance board, and is in line to be the District Governor for Rotary District 6710 in 2025.
The Rotarian of the Year Award, which is given to a loyal, dedicated Rotarian, who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment of their time, talent and treasure throughout the past year was given to Brianna Cessna who has served as the Treasurer of the Henderson Rotary Club. Cessna is an employee of Field & Main Bank.
President Alex Caudill was presented a gift to mark the end of his presidency. The club ended the year with a record of 21 new members. Caudill celebrated the club’s recent 15th annual Rotary Trivia Night that raised a record-breaking $29,000. Henderson Rotary also achieved the status of a 100% Paul Harris Fellow club with the installation of 54 new Paul Harris Fellows. Cyndee Burton, retired CEO of Matthew 25 Aids Services, was recognized as the Rotary Woman of the Year for her outstanding humanitarian service. Rotary’s Hometown Hero Award will be presented at the State of the City and County address later this summer.
The 2023-2024 Rotary Board was also installed at the June 29th meeting. The new Rotary Board of Directors includes President Holli Blanford; Past President Alex Caudill; First Vice President (Programming) Mary Steely; Second Vice President (Membership) Dr. Kate Baker; Treasurer Brianna Cessna; Secretary Kelsi Dunham; Sergeant-at-Arms Charles Johnson; Rotary Foundation President Nick Whitt; Gaming Officer Erich Spraetz; Public Image Chair Jennifer Marks; Board Members Brian Crafton, Eric Hoey, Cyndee Burton, Lori Tuggle, Nick Gillham, and Kendra Marsh. Outgoing board members are Jennifer Andrews, Immediate Past President and Dwight Williams. In starting its 106th year in Henderson, the club has 103 members.
It meets on Thursdays at noon at the Henderson County Public Library. Guests and visitors are always welcome.
The new Rotary International theme for the 2023-2024 year is Create Hope in the World.
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