Nominations for 2024 Distinguished Person of the Year now being accepted

The Rotary Club of Morganton is once again asking for the community’s help to find the next “Distinguished Person of the Year.”

Each year, the Rotary Club of Morganton singles out one person who has contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.  “It is a special honor that transcends politics and personalities, and it is reserved only for those individuals whose leadership and service extend far beyond the reach of the average citizen, exemplifying ‘Service Above Self’ (the Rotary motto).”  The tradition of the award goes back to 1948, started by former president J.D. Fitz, who received it in 1972.

The club will accept nominations for the award now through February 7, 2025. Nominees must be citizens of Burke County, at least 18 years old, and of “impeccable character” who have made a significant positive impact on the community.  They cannot be previous recipients of the award.

"Burke County has always been a community made up of compassionate, generous people, devoted to making the place we live in better. However, some distinguish themselves by putting “service to others above self” and they should be recognized for their exceptional acts.  Since 1948 that has been the purpose of Rotary’s Distinguished Person of the Year award,” according to Kim Van Sickler, Club President.

A website honoring previous recipients, www.morgantonrotary.org/person-of-the-year elaborates on what the award stands for.

“Each recipient has been welcomed into an exclusive fellowship of men and women whose deeds and vision have helped enhance the quality of life in this community for over 70 years,” club officials said.

Those wishing to nominate someone should send a completed form or letter that includes the nominee’s name and information about his/her background, especially details about achievements that have improved the lives of area residents that would qualify the person to receive the award. CLICK HERE for a downloadable pdf file of the Nomination Form.

Letters should be sent to Deborah Jones, Secretary, Rotary Club of Morganton, PO Box 294, Morganton, NC, 28680. Nominations also can be emailed to deborah5357@att.net

Attached to this article is a downloadable PDF of the nomination form.