Kiwanis Club of Durant held their annual Officer Installation Banquet in the Fellowship Hall of Durant First Baptist Church on Thursday, October 1. A “fiesta” theme celebrated the past year’s accomplishments, honored active members, and installed a new slate of officers.
President 2025-2026 President Hudson Toews hosted the evening with the traditional “God Bless America,” American flag salute, and prayer. Scott Corbin reminded members of the Kiwanis International Objects, written in 1924, focusing on prioritizing human and spiritual values.
Toews began the presentations with awards of outstanding service. Legion of Honor Awards went to Betty Clay and LouAnn Mullens, both former Kiwanis Club Presidents who have been serving Kiwanis for 20 years or more each. Layperson of the Year is Jim Dunegan who has not only served in Kiwanis but also was an Oklahoma State Representative from 1990-2002 and Durant City Manager from 2006-2011.
Kiwanian of the Year is Riley Williams who will also chair the Membership Committee. Hixon Fellowships honorees are Geri Mendez, Merle Soltis, Tommy Kramer, and Phyllis Rustin. Hixon Diamond Fellowship recipients are Hudson Toews and Bart Rustin as second-time honorees.
New officers were sworn in by Hudson Toews: President Barbara O’Steen; Vice-Presidents Matt Goddard and Tracy Trotter; Treasurers Angela Pierce, Daryl Mendez, and Savanna Dixon; and Secretary Betty Clay. New President Board members are Dr. Stewart Mayer, Alton Rackley, and Shyla Whitlock. Special guests were Durant High School Key Club members and Key Club sponsor Alicia Farley.
Kiwanis officers and members have accepted the responsibility to continue Kiwanis goals of “helping the children of the world.” This past year Durant Kiwanians have partnered projects such as Pancake Day, Terrific Kids, Prayer Breakfast, Boys and Girls Club Easter Egg Hunt, Meals on Wheels, Durant High School and Bryan County Seniors of the Month, Friends of the Library, Pastor Appreciation Day, DHS Baccalaureate, Fourth Grade Track Meet, and Wesley Center Luncheon.
Donations were made to Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Durant Riding Club, Scouts, Oklahoma Shakespearean Festival, J127, DHS Key Club, Feeding Hope, Boys and Girls Club, Meals on Wheels, Colton’s Run, United Way, Eyeglasses, Friends of the Library, and Kiwanis International Possibility Project. Scholarships were awarded to DHS Senior of the Year ($1,000), Bryan County Senior of the Year ($1,000), Spiritual Aims Scholarships ($2,000), and Durant Key Club Scholarships ($1,000).
