After spending its first year building a service organization from the ground up, the Lake Anna Rotary Club paused earlier this week to recognize the people who helped make it possible.

Club members gathered June 23 to celebrate the organization’s first anniversary during its inaugural Recognition & Awards Event, honoring several individuals whose efforts helped establish and grow the service organization during its formative year.

The celebration marked a significant milestone for the young club, which was founded on Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self” and aims to improve the Lake Anna region through community service and volunteerism.

Outgoing President Frank Ramey opened the evening by reflecting on a year filled with challenges, growth and accomplishments before surprising several members and community partners with awards recognizing their contributions to the club’s success.

Among the evening’s highest honors was the Citizen of the Year Award, presented to Louisa County Public Schools Superintendent Doug Straley. Ramey said Straley was recognized in large part for his support of the club’s Flags for Heroes campaign and for helping increase visibility for the organization through recognition on the “Jungletron” scoreboard during Louisa Lions home football games.

Accepting the award, Straley shared that he was thankful to have grown up in Louisa County and spoke about the impression the Rotary Club made on him during his first meeting with the organization in 2025.

“It was a very special feeling that I had that day. … As we were driving home, I said, ‘That’s a group of people that are going to get things done,’” Straley said. “I could feel the service above self in that room. The Lord put me here to serve — I truly believe that. And to be surrounded by people that day that I felt truly wanted to serve this Louisa community, I left there with a feeling that you all will never understand.”

The club also recognized Secretary Kelly Boyle as its Rotarian of the Year. Boyle was credited for her extensive behind-the-scenes work during the club’s charter year, including preparing and publishing meeting minutes, designing promotional materials and distributing public notices. Ramey said Boyle’s contributions were instrumental in helping the organization establish itself during its first year.

“On a personal note, I have admitted openly that I am not high-tech. I’m high touch, and it’s eyeball to eyeball,” Ramey said. “This lady [Boyle] understands all that I needed to know. Many times I reached out to her and said, ‘Help!’ And she has always been right there and never winced at all.”

Others recognized included Deneal Kennedy, Carrie Withers, Devon Dempsey, Paul Snyder, Amelia Stansell and Caleb Mihlfeld for their contributions to the organization.

The evening also marked a leadership transition as Marie Snyder was officially sworn in as the club’s new president, succeeding Ramey after the completion of the club’s inaugural year.

Before the event concluded, Kennedy recognized Ramey for his leadership and dedication during his tenure as president, presenting him with a plaque and commemorative token on behalf of the club.

Reflecting on the organization’s first year and the community support that made it possible, Ramey thanked every individual who helped provide traction along the way.

“Thanks to each and every one of you who have played a role in this from the ground floor,” Ramey said. “It became very evident to me very early on that there were people in this lake area that wanted more. Sure, we can fish and play golf and do all these fun things, but it’s about serving people who don’t have what we have — and that’s what Rotary is.”