Rotary Club installs new officers, present awards

RAYNE - A new slate of officers for the upcoming 2019-2020 session was installed and a number of awards were presented Thursday, June 27, during the Rotary Club of Rayne Installation Banquet held at Chef Roy’s Frog City Café.
Jimmy Fontenot thanked members of the Rotary Club of Rayne for “your appreciated assistance during the year” acknowledging the “privilege of serving as your president” during the past 2018-2019.
“It has been a honor serving as president of such a great group,” Fontenot stated. He thanked everyone for their help throughout the year and noted that he’s sure the incoming president and officers will do a great job. He was given a standing ovation from the membership and their guests.
Steve Bandy was sworn in as president of the Rayne club with Ed Taylor as president-elect, Jimmy Fontenot as immediate past president, Rose Schexnider as secretary, Cheryl Rivette as treasurer, Troy Kibodeaux as president nominee, Kyle Broussard as sergeant-at-arms, and Cynthia Oliver and Jared Lawless as directors.
The club’s Board of Directors include Steve Bandy, Ed Taylor, Jimmy Fontenot, Rose Schexnider, Cheryl Rivette, Troy Kibodeaux, Kyle Broussard, Cynthia Oliver, and Jared Lawless.
Officers were sworn in by Past District Governor Dr. Ezora Proctor, who also thanked the Rotary Club for the invitation to Rayne where she “loves to visit with my Rayne friends and former students.”
Proctor also acknowledged the outgoing officers and thanked them for their outstanding service, noting “The incoming officers will build upon your legacy -- go forth and serve well.”
District Governor Gary Lacombe thanked the club for their continued efforts with Rotary programs and community activities. He also thanked everyone for their support as he participated in a half marathon which helped to raise enough funds to immunize 475,000 children.
A highlight of the evening’s program was the presentation of the prestigious Rotarian of the Year award, which went this year to Ed Taylor, who revamped the club’s social media presence and took on a leadership role in developing the club’s membership brochure.
The Service Above Self Award was presented to Rose Schexnider, a past president who has always assisted with Rotary projects.
Fr. Richard Wagner, who has served the Rayne community for the past 18 years, was named the Distinguished Service Award recipient.
Perfect Attendance awards were presented to:
Nick Simoneaux - 20 years;
Bob Landry - 15 years;
Steve Bandy, Fran Bihm, Cheryl Rivette, Jared Lawless, Troy Kibodeaux - eight years;
Abby Guidry - six years;
Cynthia Oliver – five years;
Cynthia Beslin – four years;
DeBorah Smith – three years; and
Ed Taylor - one year.
Special thanks were also directed towards Nick Simoneaux for his long-time dedication to Rotary and for his work in establishing the Rotary Club of Rayne.
Recognized as the most recent Paul Harris Fellow recipients in honor of their outstanding record of contributions to the Rotary Foundation were Natasha Domagalski, Rose Schexnider, Bob Landry and Deborah Smith.
In brief comments, incoming President Bandy thanked everyone for their continued support and their confidence in electing him as their new president.
“As I’ve said since accepting the nomination,” Bandy stated, “this year will be a ‘president by committee’ and I know we will be able to get through any obstacles that come our way.
“It will be hard to improve on the accomplishments of our past presidents and the make-up of the club we now have,” Bandy continued, “But, there are some goals I have for the coming year. With your help and assistance, together I’m sure we can accomplish them as we begin our ninth year.”
Bandy concluded, “Something Jennifer Jones said during the PETS Program has really stood out to me, ‘In order to live in the kind of society we want, we have to help build it.’ That’s what Rotary is here to do, to help build the kind of society that we want to live in; the kind of society that we want our children and grandchildren and beyond to live in. Together we can do that -- not individually, not even as a club, but as an international society to like-minded business ad community leaders.”
Special guest Bishop James W. Proctor presented the opening prayer, blessing before the meal and benediction.