30 Members Receive Outstanding Rotarian Awards
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More than 100 members and guests from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Rotary District packed a room at the Inn of Villanova last Thursday evening to recognize the good work of members over the past year and introduce the new District leadership for 2025-26.
For the event, dubbed Denim and Diamonds, members and guests were encouraged to dress casually in denim and wear Rotary bling. District Governor Francy's theme and platform this year is "Bee Kind," a nod of encouragement to treat each other with kindness and respect.
Rotary members honored for their service in Rotary Southeastern PA District at Denim and Diamonds event.
“It is our members who truly make our District successful, said District Governor, Francy Cross. “Your service to the community and the world is exceptional. The service projects, grants, and fundraisers organized by our Clubs exemplify the Rotary ideal of ‘Service Above Self’.”
Governor Francy officiated the award portion of the evening which divided into two categories. The first were the “Bee-themed” Outstanding Rotarian awards:
Nectar of Service Award – for service that makes a sweet impact - Reese Davis, Westtown-Goshen
Beehive Builder Award – ability to enhance the club and increase its influence - Barb Steele, Ardmore
Pollinator Award – for promoting positivity and sharing innovative ideas - Ken Myers, Philadelphia
Honeycomb Award – for club and community connections - Stacey Ballard, The Upper Main Line
Golden Honey Award – for exceptional service to your club and district - Rob Newman Longwood
Hive Leader Award – exceptional leadership and teamwork - Jay Pennie, Chestnut Hill
The Queen Bee Award – recognizing your outstanding leadership - Bianca Mandel, The Upper Main Line
The Busy Bee Award – recognizing your hard work and dedication to the District and community - Kerry Leraris, Glenside-Abington
Newbee Award – for outstanding contributions as a new Rotarian - Nick Squeri, Philadelphia
The Bee Kind Award – for showing constant kindness, compassion, and positive impact - Joy Charlton, Swarthmore
Francy then issued the second category of Outstanding Rotarian Awardees. “Because a fellow Club member nominated you and they believe that you are an Outstanding Rotarian, so do I,” said Francy. “Your service to your Club, the District, and the community has not gone without notice. You are outstanding and appreciated.” The awardees are:
Shawn McGill, Philadelphia, Roderick L. Tandreau, Jr., Bryn Mawr, William Friednamm, West Chester, Matthew Abraham, Jenkintown, Mikael Nordstrom, Media, Neil Ryan, King of Prussia, Nichelle Artwell, Chester, Lisa Leonard, Philadelphia, Lou Pace, Broomall, Maggie Stoeffel, Chestnut Hill, John Stiffler, Feasterville, Denise Chapline, Chestnut Hill, Heather Melck, King of Prussia, Carol Smith, Bryn Mawr, Charles W. Huntoon, Jenkintown, Mary Thorne, West Chester Passport, Kathe Subczak, Pennsylvania East, Leoni Kolvenbag, Longwood, and Cathy Darrell, Swarthmore.
Highlights of Denim and Diamonds event.
The event also included a short speech by and the installation ceremony for the District Governor for 2025-26, Janice Biros, from the Phoenixville Club.