Gridley Rotary honored four community members for their dedicated volunteer work. From left are Liz Ayon, Diane Wilkerson, Clark Redfield (Rotary president) and Madison Albiani. Not pictured is Annette Boone.

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - When Rotarians honor their own, they also reach out to honor community members who are dedicated and selfless community volunteers. This year, they honored four service-minded area residents.

Liz Ayon, Gridley High School English teacher, is also the advisor for the Gridley High School Interact Club. Sponsored by the Rotary Club, Interact encourages students to reach out and serve in the community. For example, Interact members worked to beautify the fairgrounds during Volunteer Day in April. Clark Redfield, Rotary president, said of the students, “What an amazing group of kids, polite and considerate.” He remembered that when they attended a Rotary luncheon, they didn’t leave without first helping clear tables.

Gridley Rotary honored several of its members for their donations to the club. From left are Gabriel Ruiz, Jackson Glick, Clark Redfield (Rotary president), Heather Payne, Kory Hamman, Howard Hamman, Joe Hughes and Milt Brown. Not pictured is Steve Stark.

Madison Albiani, Gridley High School ag teacher, was honored for taking the school’s ag program from a quality program to a superior program. She is also the ag department chair and helped bring new teachers into the program.

Diane Wilkerson was honored for her dedication to multiple community efforts: the fair, activities and programs for children and youth, and helping families in need. Redfield remembered that when he first arrived in Gridley to take the position of Gridley Unified School District superintendent, he attended a picnic at Wilson School. As he walked through the students and adults, Wilkerson approached him and asked, “Who are you?” They became acquainted and Redfield quickly learned the force for good that she is.

Annette Boone was honored for her well-known community service. She was particularly involved in the Camp Fire response, helping families in their recovery efforts.

Paul Harris founded Rotary International in 1905. Each year, Rotary honors its members who have donated $1,000 to the club or multiples thereof with the Paul Harris Award. This year, Steve Stark, Gabriel Ruiz and Jackson Glick received their first award. Ravi Aujla, Milt Brown, Jay Croy, Joe Hughes, Heather Payne, Howard Hamman and Kory Hamman received their “plus” awards, having donated multiples of $1,000.

Redfield is finishing his year as Gridley Rotary president. Lynne Spencer, president-elect, will assume leadership July 11. Rotary meets Thursdays at noon at the Gridley Presbyterian Church. For information on joining Gridley Rotary in their positive contributions to the area, contact [email protected].