Awards were presented and officers were installed at the recent Kiwanis Club of Durant annual installation banquet at the Massey Building in downtown Durant.
Alicia Farley was named Kiwanian of the Year. The award was presented by Kiwanian Jason Manous.
Farley puts in many hours with the Kiwanis Club through her leadership of the Key Club at Durant High School, according to Manous. The Key Club is the studentled equivalent of the Kiwanis, and the Key Club at Durant High School has flourished under her leadership.
A former teacher, Farley is now an instructional coach, assisting and coaching teachers in the Durant School District.
“Alicia has been teaching for about 25 years, with at least half of that time dedicated to the Key Club,” Manous said. “Through that, she’s touched countless lives. Whether it’s a Kiwanis event like pancake day, the Easter egg hunt or the track meet or a community event like a Saturday morning 5K, you’ll find Alicia right there, serving alongside her students.
“Now, we Kiwanians put in a lot of service hours each year. But, let’s be honest, if we compared our hours to hers, I’m pretty sure she would embarrass us all.”
Dr. Greg Clay was awarded the Durant Kiwanis Club Layperson of the Year award. This award recognizes a member of the club who upholds and promotes spiritual values and principles in their daily living. Manous said that Dr. Clay willingly serves his church, his community, and his Club – living as a Christ-like example in leadership and in everyday living.
Clay is a co-founder and board member of the Turning Point Mission in Durant, a ministry that serves lower-income people. Clay regularly teachers and preaches at those gatherings.
“Of course, Greg’s most important ministry is at home,” Manous said. “He and is his wife Pam have been married for 52 years. Together, they raised three Christian daughters, and today, Greg continues to lead as a faithful grandfather and the patriarch of the Clay family, always setting the example and lifting many, many prayers for his loved ones.”
Two Durant Kiwanis Club members were honored with Legion of Honor Awards for their longtime service to the club. Bart Rustin was honored for 40 years of service and Kevin Dale was recognized for 30 years of service.
Four Kiwanians were honored with Hixson Fellowships. Hixson Diamond Fellowships were awarded to Joe Barrett, Dr. Greg Clay and Betty Clay. A Hixson Fellowship was also awarded to outgoing President Shyla Whitlock.
The Hixson Fellowship is one of the highest honors in Kiwanis. It recognizes someone who has made a lasting impact through their service and dedication. Each Fellowship also represents at least a $1,000 contribution to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund, which supports projects that improve the lives of children around the world.
New officers are: President Hudson Toews, President-Elect Barbara O’Steen and Vice President Tracy Trotter. Kiwanis Oklahoma-Texas District Governor Bobby Quinten installed the new officers.
The club also recognized incoming and outgoing Board of Directors.
