The Natchitoches City Council recognized John Winston at its meeting Monday by presenting him the “You Made a Difference Award.” 
Winston is leaving his position as president of the Natchitoches Voters and Civic League, a capacity in which he served for several years. He is a retired educator who was principal at Parks Elementary; was vice president of university affairs at Northwestern State; CEO of the Natchitoches Outpatient Medical Center and was on the City Council for 24 years. He also ran for mayor twice.
Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr. said Winston had contributed to the community in numerous ways and was a faithful and consistent voter advocate by urging citizens to exercise their right to vote and have a voice.
Councilperson-at-Large Betty Sawyer Smith presented another plaque to Winston commending him for his “invaluable service and dedication to the community.”
Winston said, “You know when to say when.” He was honored to be recognized and did not plan to resign from community activism but would “…let someone else step up and run with that torch.” Winston said he would be 80 May 2.
Winston said that J.W. Scarborough has succeeded him as president of the Voters and Civic League.