Sherry Walters will receive the Rotary Club of Florence's 2026 Citizen of the Year award at a luncheon Monday, Oct. 5. The honor is the club's highest community recognition.

The ceremony takes place at the Florence Nature Park Event Center, 7200 Nature Park Drive. Doors and a lunch buffet open at 11:45 a.m., with the program starting promptly at noon. Adjournment is scheduled for 1 p.m.

The award dates to 1995. It has recognized more than 34 individuals and couples whose service strengthened Northern Kentucky, according to the club's website. Past recipients have included educators, physicians, first responders and nonprofit leaders.

Walters' record spans emergency response, education and youth programs across Boone County. She co-founded the Union Rescue Squad, served as a certified EMT, founded the Boone County Sheriff's Auxiliary at the request of Sheriff Mike Helmig and created "A Kid's Christmas," which provides gifts, clothing and holiday meals for families in need, according to the Rotary Club of Florence. At Hopeful Lutheran Church, she became the first female president of the church council in the congregation's more than 200-year history.

"It has been my honor to serve my fellow citizens of Boone County for virtually my entire life," Walters said in the club's announcement. "I love Boone County."

Club President Matt Turner said in a July nominations call that the award exists to celebrate people "who choose to serve others, often without anyone knowing the difference they've made."

During the 2025–2026 Rotary year, the club's members donated 3,937 volunteer hours, representing an estimated $92,750 in economic impact returned to Boone County, according to the club.

The Oct. 5 event will be livestreamed on the Rotary Club of Florence's YouTube channel. RSVPs are available through the club's website. A bourbon raffle with $20 tickets will support the club's community initiatives.

Upcoming community events

  • Monday, Oct. 5 — Rotary Club of Florence Citizen of the Year luncheon, Florence Nature Park Event Center, 11:45 a.m.
  • Thursday, Oct. 8 — Mayor Aubuchon's Cider & Chat forum in Florence