Described as a “modern-day saint” who “influences thousands,” Becky Morgan received the McComb Rotary Club’s Service Above Self Award Tuesday night.
The award, presented at the club’s year end banquet at the Fernwood Country Club, goes each year to a non-Rotarian who exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “service above self.”
Rotarian Dr. John Dale Dumas, who presented the award, read a list of descriptions he had compiled from some of those whose lives have been touched by Morgan.
He called her an “educator, mentor and friend to all,” as well as a “wife, mother and Christian.”
A McComb native, Morgan has been an educator for more than 37 years, holding both teaching and administrative jobs in the McComb School District.
She was one of the founders of Camp Sunshine, a summer camp for special children and adults, and she has directed it for the past 35 years.
Morgan, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Bob DeCoux, gave “all glory to God,” and said she was taught by her family that “you are expected as a Christian to put God first, others second and yourself last.”
Other awards included:
• Program of the year, Dr. Ralph Brock, a longtime Rotarain who discussed the history of medicine in McComb and advised patients on their rights.
• Spouse of the year went to Lisa Cameron, wife of outgoing Rotary president Michael Cameron.
• New Rotarian of the year went to Jared Mellinger, who also was honored by being named a Paul Harris Fellow.
• J. Johnson and Elizabeth Gabbard also were named Paul Harris Fellows. That means at least $1,000 has been donated to Rotary Foundation’s international service projects in their honor.
• Rotarian of the year, Allan Smith.
New officers installed by District Gov. Ace Necaise are Sam Sanders, president; Rachel Michel, vice president; Chip Gibbes, president-elect; Beverly Johnson, secretary; Tommy Lindley, treasurer; Sarge Everett, sergeant at arms; Charlie Lewis, pubic relations director; Chad Lindsey, program director; and Bobby McDaniel, Foundation director.
