Canton Rotarians Praised for Service To Profession

The Rotary Club of Canton honored two of its own who have demonstrated consistent, selfless acts of giving back to others.

The club held its 2014 Vocational Awards Program on Tuesday. Rod Drake was awarded the W. Lee Arrendale Vocational Excellence Award and Jeff Mitchell was honored with the Robert S. Stubbs II Guardian of Ethics Award.

The Guardian of Ethics award, named for Canton Rotarian Bob Stubbs, recognizes a Rotarian who "has made outstanding contributions that foster the development of ethics, has made significant contributions in his or her vocation and who has by his or her actions; writing, policies and public pronouncements strengthened and fostered development of ethical practices," according to its website. 

The Arrendale award recognizes Rotary members who have shown exceptional commitment to his or her's profession and in the community.

Drake was introduced by fellow Rotarian Marguerite Cline, who received the Arrendale award in 1997. She noted Drake, who has worked for Georgia Power for more than 30 years, has shown a commitment to his profession and to the community that's nothing short of admirable. 

"The thing about Rod and all that he is accomplished (is that) we know that he is very, very deserving of this award," she added.

Drake added he can still appreciate working in an environment and living in a community he enjoys. 

Drake added he's "humbled" by being in an organization filled with people who are more deserving of the award than he is. 

Rotarian Patty Baker introduced Mitchell, who said exemplifies "the same principles and core values of integrity" as Stubbs. 

"Jeff has devoted much of his life to fostering ethical ideas, (both) professionally and personally just as Bob Stubbs did," she added. 

Mitchell said he was also thankful for the recognition. When he reviews the names of those Rotarians who have been bestowed the honor in the past, Mitchell noted "I just don't feel like I'm worthy."

Being part of an organization that's managed to get things done has inspired him, he added.