Ruritan hands out honors

Accepting the Arry Youngblood Award as Ruritans of the Year from club president Lavel Whitehead, center, are Ken Lawson and Dianne Parker. (Photos provided)

In the largest attendance ever, over 150 friends, family members and fellow educators gathered Friday to honor Wanda Gann.

Nominated by many in the community, Gann was named the 2005 Morrison Citizen of the Year by the Morrison Ruritan Club. The annual award is presented to an area citizen in recognition of their many community contributions.

Brother Ken Mears spoke of Wanda as a fine Christian lady and a kind person.

“She is a genuine person. She is the real thing,” Mears said. Noting that Mrs. Gann’s caring extends far beyond the borders of Warren County, he spoke of the bi-monthly packages she sends to a soldier serving with U.S. forces in Iraq. The soldier’s heartfelt thanks were expressed in an e-mail shared with those at the banquet. His comments then turned humorous as he spoke of her love of shopping and bargains.

Wayne Higgins, Wanda’s brother, noted that his sister knew from an early age she wanted to be a teacher first practicing on him and their younger sister, Beverly, during summer vacations.

“She was the first in our family to go to college,” Higgins said. “She is a great sister and an inspiration to Beverly and me.”

In accepting the award, Gann gave a special thanks to her own fifth-grade teacher at Centertown, Mrs. Dorothy Harding. She acknowledged the love, support and encouraging words she has received during the years from friends and co-workers.

Ruritan Club president Lavel Whitehead presented Ken Lawson and Dianne Parker with the Arry Youngblood Award for Ruritan of the Year. Club members vote on this award and 2005 is the first year there has been a tie.

The award is named in honor of Arry Youngblood who for years exemplified the highest level of service in a club known as America’s leading community service organization.

Lawson and Parker are examples of the dedication to service that are hallmarks of Ruritan clubs nationwide. Ken is head of the Morrison Ruritan ball field and the co-ed youth softball program. This year, 420 children will be participating on 35 teams at the ball field.

Parker is currently the club secretary as well as serving on the Social Development Committee and is an active participant in all the many club activities.