Rotary Noon Club of Decatur

Monday, we recognized our outstanding Rotary scholarship students and Top Ten Students from Decatur High School, Austin High School and Career Academics of Decatur.

Recipient of the Mark Daniel Maloney Scholarship award was presented by our own Mark Maloney to Ellen Brewer of Austin High School.

Our second recipient, named in memory of Mr. James Rankin was presented by Elizabeth Weinbaum to Emma Hensley McMasters from Decatur High School.

The Dr. Jeanne Payne award was presented to Faith Gremaus by our member Jeanne Payne. Faith attends Career Academies of Decatur.

Our final award was named in honor of Bearl Whitsett. Presenting the Bearl Whitsett Scholarship award was Bonnie Black to Jaidyn Wiley from the Career Academies of Decatur.

Demond Garth, Austin HS principal, Jeremy Mitchell, Decatur HS principal and Leesa Chittam, principal of Career Academies of Decatur proudly presented their top 10 students. Each principal expressed such pride in their students.

Austin High School top ten students:
Charlie Jane Barnes
Allie Catherine Brown
Arden Grace Breedlove
Addison Grace Crumpton
Addison Kate O'Connell
Ellen Elizabeth Brewer
Wittman Ray Ellis
Oscar Chen
Lily Magnolia Hartsfield
Kendal Ryanne Davis

Career Academics of Decatur top students:
Danica Stewart
Corelia Melchor-Rueda

Decatur High School top ten students:
Emma Hensley McMasters
Joshua Bachuss
Annabelle White
Mallory McRee
Nathan Moebes
Harper Douglas
Caroline Coulter
Ella Tourney
Reynolds Ratliff
Sarah "Bes" Botto

We wish all these exceptional students in the Class of 2026 much luck in the next chapter of their life. Seize every opportunity, embrace challenges, and continue to strive for excellence in everything you do.

Lastly, President Julia Roth presented Certificates of Establishment to the principals of Austin HS and Career Academies of Decatur for formalizing an Interact Club. The Rotary Club of Decatur is proud of its relationship with the Interact Clubs of all three high schools, and we look forward to our continued relationship.

A very special thanks to Craig Baker, scholarship committee chairman for coordinating this outstanding student recognition program.
Julia Smeds Roth, Jeff S. Brown, Mark Maloney, Jeanne Duke Payne, Baker

Our speaker this week was Jimmy Hodges, EdD, the President of Calhoun Community College. He has over 40 years of experience spanning higher-education administration, manufacturing and drafting and design technology.

Since stepping into the role of President, Calhoun has seen significant growth, recently surpassing enrollment of 10,000 students.

With Hodges as President, he has worked tirelessly on many major projects including a new Student Union, a 55,000 sq ft expansion of the Advanced Technology Center, and the expansion of the Alabama Center for the Arts. Also, in the works Hodges is working with architects for plans to build a student housing complex and a culinary school.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions with Calhoun Community College Senator Arthur Orr presented Mr. Hodges with a Paul Harris Fellow award.
Julia Smeds Roth, Jeff S. Brown, Senator Arthur Orr, Jimmy Hodges,

Jessica Payne, Executive Director of the Community Free Clinic of Decatur-Morgan County was our speaker last week where she is dedicated to expanding access to quality healthcare for underserved residents.
She is actively involved in statewide leadership as Treasurer and Past President of the Alabama Association of Free and Charitable Clinics.

We thank Jessica for her informative presentation on the Community Free Clinic and the good works they are doing.

Julia Smeds Roth, Jeff S. Brown, Larry Payne, Rick Paler, Jessica Hogland Payne

At this week's meeting our club recognized Ronnie Dukes and his wife, Vicki as a Rotary Foundation Major Donor. We were excited to have our own Mark Maloney, Ken Schuppert and club president Julia Roth present Ronnie and his wife with the award as he received a standing ovation in appreciation for his many years of service to club and community.

Ronnie Dukes has served this club in an exemplary way for many years as past president and by serving on many other committees. Ronnie now serves as the Rotary RI Foundation Chairman for the club.

A Rotary Foundation Major Donor award is presented to a member that has contributed $10,000 or more to the Foundation.
We again thank Ronnie for his continued service to Rotary and to our community.
Julia Smeds Roth, Jeff S. Brown, Mark Maloney, Ronnie Dukes, Lynn Schuppert