The Statesboro Kiwanis Club proudly hosted the District 17 Governors Rally on Saturday, April 5, 2025, welcoming District Governor David Simmons to the Kiwanis Community Building at the fairgrounds. The well-attended meeting was expertly led by Statesboro Kiwanis member and District 17 Lieutenant Governor Christopher Wiggins, providing a platform for fellowship, recognition, and a renewed focus on service.
Governor Simmons, a proud graduate of Georgia Southern University, expressed his delight in returning to Statesboro. While noting the significant changes to the university and the town since his time as a student, he emphasized the enduring strength and impact of Kiwanis clubs within District 17.
"It's always great to be in Statesboro," Governor Simmons remarked, adding with a touch of humor that his connection to Georgia Southern provided a strong incentive to visit. He lauded Division 17, stating, "Y'all really don't know how well you have it here in Division 17. Every club is just phenomenal, with great work in all of their activities."
He acknowledged that not all divisions within the Georgia District share the same level of strength and commended Division 17 for the exceptional work being done by each of its clubs in their local communities and on a worldwide scale.
A significant portion of the rally was dedicated to recognizing outstanding service and contributions. Governor Simmons proudly announced that the Statesboro Kiwanis Club was the sole club in Division 17 to have contributed to every one of the Georgia District's annual projects this year. The members present were asked to stand and were met with enthusiastic applause for their dedication to the district-wide initiatives.
Governor Simmons also highlighted the importance of the Kiwanis Georgia District Foundation and its matching grant program, encouraging all clubs to participate in district projects to become eligible for grants of up to $5,000. He playfully stated his goal was to "make the foundation members mad" by having all 132 clubs in the district apply for the matching grants, thus increasing the impact of the foundation's resources.
Membership growth, the lifeblood of the organization, was another key focus. Governor Simmons announced that Division 17 was a remarkable +12 in membership as of March 31st, placing it among the top divisions in the state. He specifically recognized several clubs for their positive membership growth, including:
- Douglas Club: +1 member
- Effingham Club: +3 members
- Claxton Club: +7 members
- Brooklet Club: +8 members
He urged all members to consider every interaction as an opportunity to invite potential new members to join Kiwanis, emphasizing that "every month is membership month."
The rally also celebrated the vital role of Kiwanis Service Leadership Programs (SLPs). Governor Simmons shared a powerful quote from a past Governor, Jim Smith, stating that if all Kiwanis did was support their SLPs, they would still be the best service organization in the world. He encouraged clubs not currently involved with SLPs like K-Kids, Builders Club, Key Club, Circle K, and Action Clubs to consider starting one.
A highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of the Hayden Memorial SLP Leadership Award to CheyAnne Woodcock Howard, a student active in Circle K. Paul Cerpovicz, representing the sponsoring Swainsboro club, lauded CheyAnne for her involvement in various service projects, including creating gift bags for hurricane relief workers, participating in a "Trunk or Treat" event, and establishing little free libraries in the community.
Governor Simmons then had the honor of presenting Governor's Leadership Medallions to several deserving individuals nominated by their clubs for their outstanding service:
- Janine Hunter (Baxley Club)
- Heather Mullis (Baxley Club)
- Milton Williams (Brooklet Club)
- Harry Starling (Statesboro Club)
- Dan Hagan (Statesboro Club)
Additionally, Governor Simmons personally recognized the presidents of several clubs for their leadership during his gubernatorial year:
- Jeff Graham (President, Brooklet Club)
- Wes Abler (President, Douglas Club)
- Marilyn Darrell (President, Statesboro Club)
He also acknowledged the crucial role of club secretaries, noting that all secretaries in Division 17 had previously received the award.
In his address, Governor Simmons shared an inspiring story about the 1983 North Carolina State Wolfpack's improbable NCAA basketball championship run, using it as an analogy for the importance of motivation and belief in achieving goals. He challenged Kiwanis members to be intentional in sharing the impact of Kiwanis in their communities and to consistently invite others to join their ranks. He emphasized that even small acts of service can have a profound impact on individuals' lives, referencing a heartwarming experience visiting the Eaton Kiwanis Club and their simple act of sending Christmas cards to nursing home residents.
The meeting concluded with presentations to Governor Simmons. The Douglas and Coffee County Kiwanis Clubs presented him with a jar of local honey. The Swainsboro and Statesboro Clubs made a generous donations to the Georgia District Foundation in his honor. A special recognition was also given to Alexia Lieber for her remarkable 31 years of service to the Georgia District, as she is retiring from her current role but will remain an active Kiwanis member.
Lieutenant Governor Wiggins thanked all attendees for their dedication and commitment to Kiwanis, reiterating the organization's mission to improve the lives of children, one child and one community at a time.
The successful rally served as a testament to the vibrant spirit and dedication of Kiwanis members in Statesboro and throughout District 17.
