Notable recipients of the Paul Harris fellowship have included U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Russian President Boris Yeltsin, U.S. astronaut James Lovell, UN Secretary-General Javier Perez de Cuellar and polio vaccine developer Jonas Salk.
Now two people from Duncan have joined the list.
During a June 16 ceremony, Rotary Club of Duncan president Karen Thorington presented a longtime teacher and a longtime entertainment presenter with Paul Harris fellowships.
Quw’utsun Secondary teacher Vera Rowan, and 39 Days of July Festival organizer Longevity John Falkner were acknowledged by the club for their contributions to the community.
"A Paul Harris Fellow, Rotary’s highest recognition to non-Rotarians, is named after the service organization’s founder," said a Rotary press release. "While Rotarians can earn this recognition, it's also awarded to non-Rotarians who embody the spirit of Rotary through their community service and dedication to the organization's ideals."
Rowan is a language teacher at Quw’utsun Secondary School and serves as the staff co-ordinator for the new Interact Club at the school.
"Vera has demonstrated endless dedication to supporting the students to undertake several initiatives, including a coat drive for Warmland and a food drive for the Cowichan Women Against Violence," Rotary said. "Two members of the Quw’utsun Interact Club attended the Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa; one member recently attended a Rotary Youth Leadership Award camp, and five students are going out on short-term exchanges this summer."
Falkner has worked tirelessly over the years to keep music in the air.
"Earlier this year, John was bestowed the King Charles III Coronation medal for his unwavering promotion of the arts and presenting live Canadian touring music as well as local acts in the Cowichan Valley for the last 35 years," Rotary's Jeff Downie said.
"At that presentation, then MP Alistair MacGregor described how John has always gone over and beyond to make sure that our community is an awesome place. He has provided such a rich and vibrant musical culture in the community that not only benefits our residents, but visitors as well."
Both recipients received a special coin and certificate.
“The Rotary Club of Duncan is delighted to honour these two outstanding community leaders”, said Thorington. “Rotary’s motto is ‘Service Above Self’’ Vera and John epitomize this principle that all Rotarians strive for.”
