“Celebrate isn’t just something we do at the end of the year. It’s recognizing every act of service, every life changed, and every Rotarian who chose to make a difference.”
– District Governor Jessica Fleetwood
There are moments in every Rotary year that remind us why we serve.
For Rotary District 6910, one of those moments came at this year’s District Conference, when Rotarians from across Georgia gathered in the beautiful mountains of Cherokee, North Carolina. Between fellowship, learning, and celebration, one tradition stood above the rest: recognizing the volunteers whose passion and leadership helped make this Rotary year unforgettable.
Under District Governor Jessica Fleetwood’s theme, Celebrate, the awards ceremony wasn’t simply about plaques and certificates. It was a chance to celebrate the people who quietly lead, inspire others, and prove every day that Service Above Self is more than a motto.
A Year Defined by Leadership
This year’s highest individual honor, Rotarian of the Year, was presented to Janice Davis of the Rotary Club of Lanier-Forsyth. Through her dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others, Janice exemplifies what it means to be a Rotarian.
The Area Governor of the Year award recognized Leon Womack of the Rotary Club of Toccoa for his outstanding leadership in supporting clubs and helping them thrive throughout the year.
Celebrating Leaders Who Lift Others
Leadership in Rotary isn’t measured by titles. It’s measured by the people you encourage, the clubs you strengthen, and the opportunities you create for others to succeed.
This year’s R.L. Panyik Leadership Awards honored exceptional Rotarians from clubs of every size:
- Small Club: Tricia Massey, Banks County
- Medium Club: Cindy Mills, North Forsyth-400
- Large Club: Matt Freeman, Clayton
- Extra-Large Club: Ralph Johnson, Athens
Each recipient has helped shape not only their own club, but also the future of Rotary across District 6910.
Going Above and Beyond
Some volunteers simply say “yes” whenever Rotary calls.
District Governor Jessica Fleetwood recognized two such individuals with the Governor’s Award:
- Jennifer Hibbard, Gwinnett County
- Jennifer Hendrickson, Gwinnett County
Their willingness to serve wherever needed reflects the spirit that keeps Rotary moving forward.
“Service isn’t measured in hours. It’s measured in lives touched.”
Thank You to Those Who Led the Way
Rotary’s success is built by volunteers who dedicate countless hours behind the scenes.
District 6910 proudly recognized its outgoing Area Governors and District Board members, thanking them for their guidance, mentorship, and unwavering support of clubs throughout the year.
Thank you to outgoing Area Governors:
- Jason Prater (Etowah Cartersville)
- Mike Everett (Hartwell)
- Tammy Gilland (The Classic City of Athens)
- Allen Bowns (Johns Creek)
- Barbara Myers Mason (Big Canoe)
- Nipuna Ambanpola (Rotaract)
We also recognize the District Board members whose guidance and service helped shape another successful Rotary year.
- Arthur Holst (Johns Creek)
- Donna O’Neal (Greene & Putnam Counties)
- Mike Everett (Hartwell)
- Ron Larson (Dahlonega Sunrise)
Special appreciation was also given to Billy Fleetwood, Tammy Gilland, Katie Gobbi, and Debby Ciccone, whose leadership helped create an outstanding District Conference experience that truly embodied this year’s theme of celebration.
Clubs That Set the Standard
Rotary’s impact grows when clubs dream big, serve boldly, and inspire others to do the same.
Several clubs earned the Governor’s Citation, recognizing excellence across membership, service, leadership, and Rotary engagement.
District 6910 also celebrated its Club of the Year winners:
Small Club
Banks County
Runner-Up: Towne Lake
Medium Club
Johns Creek (Co-Winner)
North Forsyth-400 (Co-Winner)
Runner-Up: Big Canoe
Large Club
Canton
Runner-Up: Dahlonega Sunrise
Extra-Large Club
Gainesville
Runner-Up: Dalton
These clubs demonstrated that when members unite around a common purpose, extraordinary things happen.
The conference was true to the year through celebrating the service, the friendships, and most importantly the impact.
Looking Ahead
As the applause faded and another Rotary year came to a close, one message echoed throughout Cherokee.
Celebrate isn’t just a theme for one year. It’s a reminder to pause and recognize the volunteers who make Rotary extraordinary. It means celebrating every meal packed, every student mentored, every family helped after a disaster, every scholarship awarded, every friendship formed, and every life changed through service.
Congratulations to every award recipient and every Rotarian who gave their time, talents, and heart throughout the 2025-2026 Rotary year.
Together, you gave District 6910 countless reasons to celebrate, and your impact will continue to be felt for years to come.
