Lynn Walton presided over the meeting. Mark Killingsworth provided the opening prayer. Matt Rumph led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Lynn led the club in the Four Way Test. The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Hattiesburg and via Zoom.
Lynn thanked club members for showing up, volunteering, and making this year a success for our club. She noted that the new officers and directors for the coming year will be installed at today’s meeting.
Lynn then presented the award winners for 2021-2022.
Presentation of the Milam S. “Sonny 34” Cotton New Rotarian Award
Awarded to a dedicated Rotarian who has been a member of the club for less than three years. This award is named for Dr. Milam “Sonny 34” Cotton, a dedicated Rotarian who lived to serve. Dr. Cotton was the last member of this club to rise to the level of District Governor. For his eagerness and enthusiasm in taking on club responsibilities, this year’s New Rotarian Award goes to Coty Primeaux.
Presentation of “The Bill Gwyn Non-Rotarian Service Award”
Our club’s best attempt to look beyond our membership. It is our opportunity to recognize someone from our region who exemplifies our club’s values, our commitment to service, and the empowerment of those less fortunate. This year the Bill Gwyn Non-Rotarian Service Award goes to Mavis Creagh. Although Mavis is now a Rotarian, the award was presented to her for her work throughout the community before becoming a Rotarian.
Presentation of “The Joe Spell Spirit of Rotary Award”
The Joe Spell Spirit of Rotary Award” is presented to a club member for their service not only to the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg, but to the community as well. This honor is named for Hattiesburg Rotarian, Joe Spell, who displayed a consistent, enthusiastic passion for the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg and Rotary International. Joe was often heard to say, “Being a member of Rotary is not the same as being a Rotarian”. This year’s Joe Spell Spirit of Rotary Award goes to Mark Killingsworth.
Presentation of the “T.C. Hannah Rotarian of the Year”
The T.C. Hannah Rotarian of the Year Award is given in recognition of a Rotarian for outstanding service and unwavering dedication to the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg. T.C. Hannah was a charter member and the first president of the Rotary Club of Hattiesburg. Through serving on the board of directors, management of our Clubs involvement with the Rotary International Foundation and taking care of things that often go unnoticed, this Rotarian does it all. This year the T.C. Hannah Rotarian of the Year is Matt Rumph.
The 2022-2023 Officers and Directors were then sworn in by Lynn. Mallory Donald will be the club president. Other board members for the coming year include Lucy Sanguinetti, Ryan Kelly, Stew Deen, Mark Killingsworth, Matt Rumph, Katie Anthony, Bill McLeod, and Mike Ratliff. Stew Deen will be the Sergeant at Arms.
Mark Killingsworth has volunteered to chair the membership committee. He encouraged each member to recruit just one new member throughout the coming year.
There being no further business to come before the club, Lynn adjourned the meeting with our motto: “Service Above Self.”