ROTARIANS
Forde presented the awards, which were selected by the members of the club.
Hunter Harrington was the recipient of the John Mitchell Rookie of the Year award.
"She is an excellent example of someone who jumped into a leadership role immediately after becoming a Rotarian," Forde said.
Harrington has worked tirelessly on the new Oktibbeha County Young Leaders Program, Forde said, and she has the responsibility of being the point of contact for the schools, meeting with school counselors to promote the program, working with the committee members on the year-long program and scheduling the interviews for the applicants.
Sid Salter was the recipient of the Service Above Self award.
"This year's recipient was diagnosed with cancer, and he continued to come to Rotary and make us laugh when he was able," Forde said. "Once his cancer went into remission, he came back to Rotary full time."
Forde said Salter is also a Rotary presidential nominee, and he exemplifies “service above self” to the rest of the club.
The Distinguished Service award was presented to Zach Rowland.
"This year's recipient has certainly demonstrated his commitment to enhancing Rotary over many years," Forde said.
Forde said Rowland has served as past president, worked on many committees, helped begin the Rotaract Club and served as chair and co-chair of the Rodeo committee for numerous years.
"He dedicates huge amounts of time and is passionate about this service," Forde said.
The Non-Rotarian Community Service award was given to John Breazeale for his work as volunteer coordinator and construction manager for Habitat for Humanity.
"'The poor you will always have with you.
Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'" Forde said. "These words from the great carpenter Jesus of Nazareth are the guiding principles for an organization that seeks daily to shelter the less fortunate of Starkville and Oktibbeha County."
Forde said Habitat for Humanity was started over 50 years ago, and the local group has put roofs over the heads of 64 families, and Breazeale has worked on over half of those homes.
The final award, Rotarian of the Year, was presented to Michelle Amos.
"This year's recipient has served as a past club president, chaired the Fund Review committee for the last two years, worked tirelessly as the chair of the new Oktibbeha County Young Leaders program," Forde said. "She has served our community as the past chair of the Greater Starkville Development Partnership Board of Directors, and she currently serves as the chair of the Golden Triangle Development LINK."
Forde said Amos also supports the Rodeo as a volunteer and a sponsor.
Also during the program, Rotary President Marc McGee honored the past district governors and past club presidents.
"It is a lot of work and for those who have been past presidents, I would like to thank you on behalf of the club," McGee said.