Durant Kiwanis Club just keeps on giving

November brings thoughts of gratitude for so many blessings such as health, home, family, and friends. Kiwanis Club members are no exception. “Thanksliving” is a major focus this month and every month for Kiwanians.

November activities began with the annual Pastor Appreciation Luncheon. Forty area ministers enjoyed the camaraderie of fellow pastors in the Fellowship Hall at Durant First Baptist Church.

A catered lunch from Roma Italian Restaurant was served followed by autumnal pies.

Kiwanian Kevin Dale encouraged the ministers in their commitment to God and to their communities. The emphasis was that their leadership and influence are vital to the strength of our society.

Another annual community favorite is the celebrated Kiwanis Pancake Day, held the first Tuesday of November. Ticket sale proceeds fund the bulk of benefits given to Bryan County children and youth each year. From this one fundraising event, Kiwanis sponsors the Dolly Pardon Imagination Library, Terrific Kids, DHS Key Club, Student of the Month, Student of the Year Scholarships, and Spiritual Aims Scholarship. Local organizations that benefit financially are Boys and Girls Club and Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

November’s Durant High School Student of the Month is Maya Dodson. Earning a 4.0 Grade Point Average, Ms. Dodson was named to the Superintendent’s Honor Roll, National Honor Society, and the Oklahoma Honor Society. She also is accumulating college credits through concurrent enrollment. Currently, Maya is captain of the Lady Lions basketball team. As a sophomore and junior, she was named Women’s Basketball Champion of Character. Ms. Dodson was chosen for an Ambassador Award.

When she is not studying or playing basketball, Maya is a member of HOSA and Student Council. Her contributions to her community include a three-year volunteer for Serve Durant, ten years working in her church’s nursery, and helping two years at the Owen Foundation Basketball Camp for children with special needs. Her future plans are to continue playing basketball on the college level and major in kinesiology. Maya’s philosophy for leadership is to lead by example. “I strive to do everything with excellence and to bring out the best in others.”

Ms. Dodson was accompanied to her awards presentation by her parents Joe and Hannah Dodson and DHS Assistant Principal Torrie Gains. Maya received a certificate honoring her accomplishments and a gift card. She is now eligible to win a $1,000 scholarship as Kiwanis Student of the Year.

Bryan County Senior of the Month for November is Xander Southerland from Bennington High School. Mr. Southerland carries a 4.22 GPA. He has served as Academic Team captain, and as a member of the Youth Advisory Board (YAB), National Honor Society, Student Council, and Science Club.

Xander is already beginning his college exposure by participation in Southeastern Oklahoma State University Upward Bound math and science. Concurrently with high school classes, he is enrolled in ten college credit hours to add to the fifteen hours he has accrued. Mr. Southerland has been successful in area curriculum contests by placing first in history and geography at SOSU and Murray State College.

His plans for the future are to continue his education at SOSU and to eventually receive a masters degree in history education. His motivation is “so I may bless the youth of the next generation just as my teachers have inspired me.”

Community volunteerism is also a major part of Xander’s life. He gives service to Hands of Hope and gathers donations of coats and blankets through YAB. Other activities include collecting canned goods for Blessing Boxes and placing U.S. flags on the graves of veterans.

For his achievements Mr. Southerland was awarded a certificate and a gift card. He will be in the running for Bryan County Senior of the Year and a $1,000 scholarship. His parents, Tommy and Renea Southerland, and school counselor Mary Pierce were his guests.

Since November held two major club activities, the club hosted two speakers for the month. Lauran Fuller shared her experiences as a pastor’s daughter, an entrepreneur beginning her Main Street business (Caked Up), and as a student beginning her masters degree and doctoral studies while being a wife and a mother to three children. Currently, Ms. Fuller serves as an instructor at SOSU in the business department and a Durant City Council member. Her belief is if you want something accomplished, you must be willing to participate.

Trey Hedrick, Director of Baptist Collegiate Ministries at SOSU, reported on the progress of a new building to house this ministry. Their former site was closed in 2016 because of structural concerns. The students have continued to meet and to minister despite having no meeting place. The fundraising effort survived the Covid pandemic, rising construction costs, and a challenging economy. Hedrick was elated to announce that a groundbreaking event was held and that construction has begun.

As with every Kiwanis speaker, a donation will be made in Lauran Fuller’s and in Trey Hedrick’s name to Kiwanis International Project Eliminate, the fight to eradicate neonatal tetanus around the world.

If you would like to be a positive influence on children and youth, consider becoming a Kiwanis member. Kiwanis Club meets Wednesdays at noon in Roma Italian Restaurant.