The Kiwanis board includes, front row from left, Gina Banks, vice president Danielle Cobb, Heather Martin, Jill Leo and Emily Settle. On back row are treasurer Lee Waskom, immediate past president and Region 7 Lt. Gov. Dion Boyett, secretary Richard Rose and president Rodney Boswell. Not pictured are president-elect Carey Etheredge, vice president Craig Caskey, and board members Lauren Anderson, Annette-Sterling-Roque, Jared Kilpatrick and Gina Banks.
The Kiwanis Club of Natchitoches recognized members and introduced officers at the Awards Banquet and Officer Installation Sept. 27 at the Natchitoches Events Center.
President Dion Boyett presided. The vision of Kiwanis International is, “We will be the world’s premier organization engaging adult and youth volunteers to improve the quality of life worldwide.
Kiwanis’ I-Plan advocates inspiration, impact, image and investment.
Kiwanis Awards 2018
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Robert Harris received his membership papers since he is the newest Kiwanis member.
Incoming President Rodney Boswell, left, presented a past-president’s plaque to Dion Boyett. Boyett was recently installed as lieutenant governor of Kiwanis Region 7.
Danielle Antoon Cobb received the New Member of the Year Award.
Emily Settle received the Distinguished Service Award.
Natchitoches Parish School Board Director of Personnel Linda Page introduced Teacher of the Year, Alyson Erikson, an assistant principal at M.R. Weaver Elementary. “She’s simply amazing,” Page said in describing the teacher as focused, articulate and compassionate.
James Lorenzo accepted the President’s Award presented to Chili’s that sponsors Kiwanis night at the restaurant and gives back 15 percent of food sales.
Heather Martin received the Volunteer of the Year Award.
The Kiwanis Club Lawman of the Year-State Trooper is Master Trooper Steve Pezant. At left is Capt. Jason Smith, commander of Troop E, who introduced Pezant. Smith said Pezant has worked in many capacities and is an engaging person who takes care of his brothers and has a love for the public.
LaQuita Collins introduced Kimberly Green, Lawman of the Year-Deputy. Green is a native of Natchitoches and her supervisor said she is an outstanding dispatcher who will “do anything I ask her to do.’”
Natchitoches Police Chief Micky Dove introduced the Lawman of the Year–City to Sgt. Steve Rachal, a 14-year veteran of the department. Dove said Rachal has risen through the ranks through his dedication and service in many capacities. He recently spent long hours, many on his own time, to assist in the investigation of a murder case.
Natchitoches Fire Chief John Wynn accepted the award for Firefighter of the Year that was given to Ryan Palmer. Palmer was attending a class and was not at the banquet. Wynn said the firefighter exhibits integrity and commitment and earned his EMT certificate in 2017.
Jill Bankston accepted the Kiwanis Club Northwestern State Scholarship for Joshua Below.
Ron Brown, left, received the Walter Zeller Fellowship for contributing $1,250 during one year. The donation to the Eliminate Project will save or protect more than 690 women and their future babies with inoculation against tetanus. President Dion Boyett said it was the most important gift a Kiwanis member can give. At right is Brown’s wife, Leta.
