The Rotary Club of Gainesville named its Man and Woman of the Year at its annual banquet Monday night.
Real estate executive Frank Norton Jr. was named Man of the Year, and Lee Highsmith, a community volunteer, was named Woman of the Year.
Monday’s event was hosted by Club President Mike McGraw and president-elect Ron Quinn at Lanier Technical College’s Ramsey Conference Center. The event was also a celebration of the club’s centennial with a theme of “A Century of Service.”
According to a press release, Norton was recognized for his business acumen as CEO of the Norton Agency, but also for his volunteer work in the community. Norton is known for his support of the Boy Scouts and the arts.
Norton, and his wife Nancy, were recently recognized by the Junior Achievement of Georgia as 2023 Laureates, and the Quinlan Visual Arts Center recently named him an honorary trustee.
“He is without a doubt one of the most creative people I’ve ever known, and it has enabled him to think outside the box whether pursuing significant business interests or pursuing a plan for a better community through public art,” LeTrell Simpson, who introduced Norton at Monday’s banquet, said.
Highsmith is a past president of the Rotary Club of Gainesville and led the club to the distinction of district club of the year. She served for 12 years as an elected member of the City of Gainesville Board of Education and has been a volunteer “pink lady” at Northeast Georgia Health System for 39 years.
Highsmith’s professional work includes roles with local nonprofits SISU, Good News Clinics, and as executive director of Junior Achievement of Northeast Georgia. Her nomination also recognized her for her volunteer work in her church and privately serving neighbors and those in need.
“Lee has been described as someone who stands upon a foundation of faith, family, and community. Her faith guides her through her entire life, including her volunteerism,” Christina Jones, who introduced Highsmith, said.
During the event, other awards were presented to club members.
Tommy Howard was awarded the Sidney O. Smith Fellowship Award given in memory of the late Sidney O. Smith, a charter club member, to recognize a Rotarian’s goodwill, friendliness, and understanding.
Dr. Martha T. Nesbitt was presented the Guardian of Ethics Award, which recognizes a Rotarian who exemplifies the attributes and passion for ethics in his or her vocation, business, and personal life.
Dr. Pierpont “Pepper” Brown III was awarded the W. Lee Arrendale Award for Vocational Excellence, which recognizes a Rotarian’s excellence in his or her vocation.
A new award, the Rotarian of the Year, was created and presented by President Mike McGraw to Gainesville club member Carol Colon, who serves as volunteer club administrator.
“Carol is the glue that helps bind us together as a club,” said McGraw. “If we continue to attract members like her, we will have no issue thriving for another 100 years.”
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