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Four honored at annual Rotary Banquet
Fort Scott Rotarians assembled in the dining room at the Fort Scott Country Club Thursday evening to honor four individuals for their contributions to the community.
Long time Rotarian and piano player Doris Jones was presented the Happy Tunes Award. According to Fort Scott Rotary President Justin Meeks, Jones is only the second piano player since the beginning of the club in 1921.
"I was really surprised," Jones said. "It seems like I've always played for them."
Jones took over the piano duties after Alta Hurst retired in 1971.
"That's why I like to come to Rotary, there's always good music," Meeks said.
Past Rotary President Jim Scott was presented with the Young at Heart Award. Meeks said in his introduction that traditionally Rotary presents a Young Rotarian of the Year Award, but he wanted to change it up this year.
Scott has been a Rotarian for 25 years and was the recipient of the Rotarian of the Year Award two years ago.
"It's nice, I really appreciate it," Scott said.
Scott added he keeps youthful in Rotary by volunteering for every project, even when it hurts.
"It hurts but you keep doing it," Scott said.
This years Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Lisa Ward for her contributions to the community through her 25 years as a teacher with USD 234.
"It's really an honor," Ward said. "I wasn't expecting it."
While with USD 234, Ward created the Interact Club, a junior version of Rotary. In addition, she sponsored the student council, the junior class, and Future Business Leaders of America.
"It should go to my students who do all the work," Ward said.
The final presentation was to Danny Ellis as the Non-Rotarian of the Year for his contributions to the community through the Ellis Foundation as well as many others. Since coming to Fort Scott in 1961, this is the first time he has received the award.
Ellis attributes his success to the partnership with Willa, his wife of 60 years.
"We are very honored," Ellis said. "We won it, not me."
Ellis and his wife began helping students through the Ellis Foundation after the death of their daughter. It was then they realized the joy of giving back.
"We've found out you work all your life taking ... it's really more fun to give back," Ellis said. "It's more fun to do that than sit on the beach in Florida."
Rotary members also welcomed Ron Puterbaugh, Diana Endicott, Cynthia Levine, and Robert Tersinar as new members to Rotary Club.