Boone County residents have until 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, to nominate a neighbor for the Rotary Club of Florence's 2026 Citizen of the Year Award, an honor that has recognized more than 34 individuals and couples since 1995.
Club president Matt Turner said the award is meant to spotlight people who serve without fanfare.
"Every community is shaped by people who choose to serve others, often without anyone knowing the difference they've made," Turner said in the club's announcement. "Those quiet acts of kindness, generosity, and leadership are what make Northern Kentucky such a special place to live."
The award celebrates Northern Kentucky residents who demonstrate what Rotary calls "Service Above Self" through personal, professional, or volunteer work. Past recipients have included educators, coaches, first responders, nonprofit leaders, physicians, pastors, and postal workers.
Who qualifies
To be eligible, a nominee must be a current Northern Kentucky resident who plays an active role in improving the community and has earned the respect of friends, neighbors, and peers, according to the club's nomination page at florencerotary.org.
The club encourages nominators to submit multiple letters of support showing a nominee's impact. People who were nominated in previous years but not selected remain eligible and can be nominated again.
A recent example
In 2023, the club honored Jim Parsons for his years of service as an advisory board member at the R.C. Durr YMCA and as a 15-year coach, supporter, and benefactor of Notre Dame Academy's girls track and field and cross-country teams.
How to nominate
Nominations are accepted online at florencerotary.org. The deadline is 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 7.
The 2026 winner will be recognized at a special Rotary Club of Florence meeting on Monday, October 5.
About the club
The Rotary Club of Florence was established in 1945 and serves all of Boone County. It supports scholarships, youth leadership programs, community service projects, and local nonprofits. The club meets each Monday at noon at the Northern Kentucky Area Development District, 22 Spiral Drive, Florence.
Upcoming
- Thursday, August 7 — Citizen of the Year nomination deadline, 5 p.m. Submit at florencerotary.org.
- Monday, October 5 — 2026 Citizen of the Year recognition ceremony at the Rotary Club of Florence meeting.
