Sherry McCarthy was installed as president of the Rotary Club of Fulton, and Debbie Laughlin was recognized as the Raymond McCallister Rotarian of the Year during a virtual installation Friday.
In addition, Allen Huggins received a plaque in appreciation for his service as president during 2019-20.
District Governor Paul Reinert was the guest speaker from his home in Springfield. He also installed the officers, which include Secretary Sara Henry and Treasurer Joan Berry Morris.
Directors are Community Service, Jan Reyes; Family of Rotary, Debbie LaRue; Foundation, Bill Bryant; Fundraising, Josh Hanley; International Services, Bob Hansen; Membership and New Member Orientation, Mary Ann Beahon; Programs, Jennifer Books; Social, Jill Gamlin and Debbie Laughlin; Youth Services, Joan Berry Morris; and Webmaster, Charlie Anderson.
Dori Shirley will lead the evening satellite club as chair during the coming year, and Tim Conner will serve as secretary/treasurer. Other board members are Community/International Services, Amanda Gowin; Programs, Carol England and Casey Clevenger; Public Relations, Brenda Loeffler; Social, Trish Alexander.
Karen Digh-Allen (evening club) and Mary Ann Beahon will serve as co-sponsors for the Rotaract Club at William Woods University. Kati Boland (evening club) and Debbie Laughlin will serve as co-sponsors for the Interact Club at Fulton High School.
The Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Laughlin by Jan Reyes, last year's recipient.
While presenting the award, Reyes said you'll never see Laughlin without a smile.
"This Rotarian can't say no," she said. "Whether it is working the Serve Food Pantry, standing out in freezing rain to collect money for Polio Plus, ringing bells for Salvation Army, asking for donors for the organ drive or taking on the role of presidency as a new member. She gets up at crack of dawn to meet and advise the Fulton High School Interact group, as well as attending the Evening Rotary to help guide them."
Laughlin is always willing to give to Rotary causes and service needs like Our House and CARDV, Reyes continued.
"People are often asked to give of their time, talent and treasures, and our recipient does all three," she added.
The award honors the late Rev. Raymond McCallister, a long-serving member of the Fulton Rotary Club and pastor of the 1st Christian Church in Fulton. McCallister served as club president from 1971-72 and passed away in 2005. Club members remember McCallister for his active participation in the club and for his great sense of humor.
Previous recipients of the award serve as the selection committee and identify a member of the Fulton Rotary Club for recognition of distinguished service, loyalty and devotion to the ideals of Rotary.
In addition to the installation and awards, Rotarians who recently achieved new levels as Paul Harris Fellows were acknowledged. The Paul Harris Fellow program continues the legacy of Rotary's founder, recognizing individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
New Paul Harris Fellows are Ernest Mahoro and Dori Shirley. New PHF +1 are Carol England, Jill Gamlin, Marcia Lamons and Jan Reyes. New PHF +2 are Jacque Cowherd and Sherry McCarthy. New PHF +4 is Mary Ann Beahon.