At the October 10, 2024, Kiwanis Club of Statesboro meeting, Connie Turner Saunders was recognized for her exceptional service and dedication to the community. A long-time member of the club, Saunders was honored as the 2024 Kiwanis Fair Honoree, following in the footsteps of her father, JD Turner, who received the same recognition in 2021.
Saunders has been a member of the Kiwanis Club since 2012 and is known for her tireless efforts in organizing the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair. Her passion is ensuring that children with special needs can enjoy the fair, a mission that has been close to her heart for many years. Bobby Turner, the fair chairman, praised Saunders for her unwavering dedication. "Connie’s commitment to the fair and her advocacy for children with special needs has made a profound impact on our community," he said.
A graduate of Hephzibah High School and Georgia Southern, Saunders retired as a counselor from Portal Middle High School and is actively involved in Portal First Baptist Church, where she serves as the pianist. Her recognition at the Kiwanis meeting was a heartfelt tribute to her years of community service, which have spanned across numerous causes and organizations.
In her acceptance speech, Saunders expressed her appreciation for the honor, saying, "I do appreciate this. We may be older, but that just means we’ve been around long enough to know how important it is to give back."
The Kiwanis Club of Statesboro meeting was filled with lively conversation, reflections on history, and preparations for the upcoming Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair.
The meeting kicked off with a mix of historical trivia, humor, and reminders. Touching on significant events like World Mental Health Day and “Hug a Drummer Day,” they also peppered the speech with light-hearted jokes about local rivalries, including a Georgia Southern victory over Georgia State. The crowd chuckled as they learned some fun historical facts, including the 1969 birth of NFL legend Brett Favre and the acquisition of YouTube by Google in 2006.
As the conversation shifted to business, members were reminded of the importance of supporting causes like the Reach Scholarship program. Sam Gaston with the Kiwanis gave a check presentation on behalf of the Kiwanis Education Committee to support the Bulloch County Reach Program, which provides mentoring and scholarships for promising students. Akilah King and Keith Wilkey explained the impact of the program, noting that many Reach scholars go on to become first-generation college students, with some pursuing advanced degrees in fields like medicine and veterinary science.
With the Kiwanis Ogeechee Fair just days away, the meeting also focused heavily on preparations for the event. Bobby Turner, the fair chairman, emphasized the need for volunteers and outlined tasks to ensure the fair runs smoothly. “It’s all hands on deck,” he said, as he encouraged members to help with everything from setting up booths to hanging signs. The club also prepared for its traditional fair dedication, with Connie Turner Saunders stepping forward to be recognized as this year’s honoree.
Saunders, a dedicated member since 2012, was praised for her tireless work in making the fair accessible to children with special needs. Her father, JD Turner, had received the same honor in 2021, making the recognition a family tradition. In her acceptance speech, Saunders expressed her gratitude and commitment to the community, saying, "I do appreciate this. We may be older, but that just means we’ve been around long enough to know how important it is to give back."
Beyond fair preparations, members were reminded of the importance of service and the impact of their efforts on local initiatives. They celebrated the club’s recent Gold Distinguished Club Award, a significant achievement that reflects their dedication to the community. Additionally, the club recognized Jeremy Wilburn, Jim Thibodeau and Gwen Yarbrough for completing the Kiwanis International’s Amplify Leadership Training Program, which will continue to build strong leadership within the club.
Dr. Brent Tharp, Director of the Georgia Southern University Museum, presented Project Eaglet, an initiative that provides hands-on STEM experiences for local students. This program brings approximately 4,000 first through fifth graders to the university each year, where they engage in activities at the Botanic Garden, planetarium, museum, and Wildlife Center. The goal is to enhance students' understanding of science through interactive learning outside the traditional classroom.
Funded by a $120,000 grant from the Kiwanis Club for the last five years, Project Eaglet covers admission, materials, and transportation, ensuring accessibility for all students. Tharp highlighted how important transportation is to the program's success, particularly for under-resourced students. The initiative also involves Georgia Southern education students, offering them hands-on experience in teaching and facilitating STEM activities.
Project Eaglet has gained attention beyond Bulloch County, with its success being shared at professional conferences. Tharp encouraged Kiwanis members to volunteer with the program, underscoring the club’s essential role in creating meaningful educational opportunities for local children.
In closing, the meeting shifted to prayer requests for those affected by recent storms in Florida and North Carolina. As the members prepared to leave, they were reminded that the Kiwanis mission—to serve children and the community—remains at the heart of everything they do. Whether through the fair or other charitable efforts, the members left inspired and ready to give back.