Pikeville Rotary Club Celebrates Year of Growth, Service, and New Leadership

PIKEVILLE, KY — The Pikeville Rotary Club celebrated a year of remarkable growth, community service, and fellowship during its Annual Installation Banquet on Tuesday, June 30, at the Appalachian Wireless Arena Ballrooms, where members reflected on the accomplishments of the 2025-2026 "Unite for Good" Rotary year and welcomed new leadership for the year ahead.

Outgoing President Karen Roberts Prater officially passed the gavel to Shelly Justice Fouts, who assumed the presidency with the beginning of the new Rotary fiscal year on July 1.

The evening celebrated not only a leadership transition but also one of the club's most productive years in recent memory.

Under Roberts Prater's leadership, the Pikeville Rotary Club welcomed eight new members, strengthening the organization's ability to serve the community. Membership Committee member Don Combs recognized these members and the club provided them with a Rotary pin in the shape of the state of KY. Rotary Foundation Club Chairperson Frank Dawahare and District Foundation Chair Seema Sachdeva recognized new Paul Harris Fellow Recipients for their contributions.

The club significantly expanded its public outreach by creating more than 350 social media posts, ensuring that local service projects, scholarships, community events, and Rotary initiatives reached thousands throughout the region. Roberts Prater also continued the club's longstanding tradition of personal connection by mailing 106 birthday cards and 187 handwritten thank-you cards, reinforcing Rotary's commitment to recognizing and appreciating those who make a difference.

The club's work also gained recognition beyond Pike County, with the Pikeville Rotary Club appearing in every monthly Rotary District 6740 newsletter during the year, highlighting the club's innovative projects and continued commitment to "Service Above Self."

Roberts Prater credited the year's success to the dedication of the club's members, officers, board of directors, committee chairs, and community partners.

"The accomplishments of this year are a reflection of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared commitment to serving others," Roberts Prater said. "Every member played a role in making this an exceptional Rotary year."

Several individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions during the evening.

The Community Partner Award was presented to the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Appalachian News-Express in appreciation of their continued partnership and support of the Pikeville Rotary Club's mission. Both organizations have been instrumental in helping promote Rotary activities, celebrate community achievements, and increase awareness of the club's many service initiatives.

The Quiet Rotarian – Unsung Hero Award was presented to Lynette Schindler for her many years of faithfully preparing the club's annual tax returns. Although her work is performed quietly behind the scenes, Schindler's dedication and professionalism have provided an invaluable service to the organization for many years.

New member J.J. Walker received the Rookie of the Year Award after making an immediate impact on the club. Since joining Rotary, Walker has consistently volunteered for projects, accepted responsibilities without hesitation, and embodied Rotary's spirit of service by stepping forward whenever help was needed—often before anyone had to ask.

The evening's highest honor, Rotarian of the Year, was presented to incoming President Shelly Justice Fouts. Throughout the past year, Justice Fouts worked alongside Roberts Prater to help coordinate meetings, projects, events, and club operations, ensuring that every detail was handled with professionalism and care. Her unwavering dedication, leadership, and commitment to the club earned the admiration of fellow Rotarians and made her a natural choice for the organization's highest annual recognition.

As she concluded her presidency, Roberts Prater expressed gratitude for the friendships, partnerships, and collective spirit that defined the past year, noting that the club's achievements were the result of countless hours of volunteer service by members who remain committed to improving the Pikeville community and beyond.

With the start of the new Rotary year, President Shelly Justice Fouts pledged to build upon that momentum by continuing the Pikeville Rotary Club's tradition of leadership, fellowship, and service while pursuing new opportunities to make a lasting impact throughout Eastern Kentucky.

Founded on the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self," the Pikeville Rotary Club continues to bring together local business and community leaders who are committed to improving lives throughs service projects, scholarships, youth leadership development, and partnerships that strengthen the community both locally and around the world.
 

Outgoing President Karen Roberts Prater presents incoming President Shelly Justice Fouts with Rotarian of the Year

Paul Harris Fellow Recipients 

Karen Roberts Prater presents Southeast Kentucky Chamber and Appalachian News Express with the Community Partner Award

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