The Walt Sargent Exemplary Service Award...
was created as a special way to recognize Rotarians demonstrating a special, on-going commitment to Willoughby Rotary. Recipients are generally individuals characterized by long-term service and commitments to both the club and the concept of Service Above Self.

Collins Receives Sargent Award, December 2007

Jerry Collins was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award by President Dale Fellows during our 2007 Christmas Dinner.

A past president, Jerry has been the chairman of the Willoughby Rotary Foundation for years, our "Santa Claus" at the Christmas party, and very involved in the charity ball for years. The Sargent Award was also Jerry's idea.

Nelson Receives Sargent Award, December 2006

John Nelson was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award by President Debbie Clarke during our 2006 Christmas Dinner.

John is best known for bringing The Dictionary Project to our club. His leadership of this program has expanded its scope to more schools each year, as well as District 6630. John also handled the tax records for our club Foundation for many years.

Wright Receives Sargent Award, December 2005

Tim Wright was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award by President Connie McDonald during our 2005 Christmas Dinner.

Tim is a past program chairman, charity ball chairman, newsletter editor, club president, assistant district governor, district governor, two Paul Harris Fellow Awards, first surveys both at club and district level to find out what was important to members about their clubs, created and coordinates the President's Coffee series for new members.

Schuler Receives Sargent Award, June 2005

Reverend Robert (Bob) Schuler was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award by President Charlie Lawrence during our 2005 Installation Dinner.

Bob is a past president, Paul Harris Fellow, Foundation Board member, and creator of our "Salt of the Earth" program to recognize unsung heros in our community for their charitable activities.

Oddis Receives Sargent Award, December 2004

Dr. James (Jim) Oddis, aka "The Maestro," was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award by President Charlie Lawrence during our annual Christmas Party. Jim's wife and family were on hand to see him surprised by this service award.

In addition to leading us in "Happy Birthday" each week, Jim has managed The Four Way Speech Contest for our club for twenty years.

Gallagher Receives Sargent Award, June 2004

John Gallagher was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award by President Keith Miller during the annual picnic.

John is a past president, Paul Harris Fellow, and was responsible for the creation of the Willoughby Rotary Foundation that he chaired for many years. John also spearheaded the Wick Pavilion project.

de Fasselle Receives Sargent Award, December 2003

President Keith Miller presented Craig de Fasselle with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award during the 2003 Christmas dinner.

Craig is a past president, Paul Harris Fellow, Foundation board member, and webmaster for the Willoughby Rotary web site, club historian, Rotary Information Officer, and acts as the past presidents' liaison at club board meetings.

Ruple Receives Sargent Award, May 2003

Willoughby Rotary presented the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award (posthumously) to William Ruple during our 2003 installation dinner. His son, also a Willoughby Rotarian, is shown receiving the award from President Larry Allen.

Bill Ruple had been a Paul Harris Fellow with perfect attendance for many years. Always generous, Bill left a substantial sum to the Willoughby Rotary Foundation for distribution to the Art Holloway and Christie Montrella Scholarship funds.

Spinks Receives Sargent Award, December 2002

During the 2002 Christmas Dinner, Don Spinks was presented with the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award. As our second recipient of this special award, Don has distinguished himself in numerous ways, including over 35 years of perfect attendance, a past president of the club, Paul Harris Fellow, and continuing to run the 50-50 raffle for many years.

Durgin Receives First Sargent Award, June 2002

Past president Bob Durgin became the first winner of the Walter W. Sargent Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his contributions to the club. In addition to his service as a club officer, Bob started and ran our Student of the Month award program for many years.

Below is a 2002 letter from Dr. Sargent to the Board of Directors, who wanted it shared with our members.

Dr. Walter w. Sargent
125 North St.
Chardon, OH 44024

Board Of Directors
Willoughby Rotary Club
President Jerry Collins


Dear Jerry,

The establishment of an award for outstanding service by a Willoughby Rotary Club member is both innovative and noteworthy. You are to be complimented for this action, as it reflects the maturity and stability of our club.

To honor my personal adventure in Rotary service by attaching my name to the award is most gratifying. I accept this distinction with great humility, for it was only through the efforts of my many Rotary friends both past and present that make my achievements seem commendable.

The future of the Willoughby Rotary Club is assured by the commitment of its members to community involvement and our willingness to share this unique avenue of service to worthy members of the area we serve.

Once again, please accept my sincere thanks.


Kindest regards,


Walter




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Presidential Citation

Willoughby Rotary has been awarded four Presidential Citations in the last five years. The purpose of the Presidential Citation is to increase Rotary club involvement in service activities, while at the same time encouraging Rotarians' personal involvement in serving others and promoting a high standard of Rotary service in the community. The award is revised on an annual basis by the RI president and traditionally highlights the president's theme.


Willoughby Rotary has qualified for the A. Z. Baker Service Award from District 6630 continuously from 2000 – 2009


A. Z. Baker was born in Whitesboro, Texas. He studied engineering at the University of Tennessee, but was forced to leave school because of the depression. He later studied law at the John Marshall Law School of Ohio Northern University and was admitted to the practice of law in 1922.

A. Z. joined the Rotary Club of Cleveland in 1929 and served as club president in 1939. In 1942-43 he served as Governor of District 158. After significant service to Rotary International, he was elected President, serving in 1955-56, His election took place during the 50th year of Rotary's existence.

The theme of Mr. Baker's year as R.I. president was "Develop Your Resources." He died in 1976 and our District, under the leadership of Jim Banks, later established the A.Z. Baker award in 1978 honoring Baker's memory. Clubs may earn this award by participation in each of the four avenues of service.

The A.Z. Baker Award, named in his honor, is available to every Rotary Club in District 6630. The award is earned by accumulating points in the areas of community service, service to youth, vocational service, club service international service, Rotary Foundation support, and District/ Rotary International participation.

Meetings: 12:00 p.m. Monday, Gavi's at 38257 Glenn Ave., Willoughby


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