BY DEBBIE PAGE

The Exchange Club of Troutman gathered recently to honor a local child abuse prevention organization and club members who exemplified leadership, service and commitment to the community and the club’s ideals.

Presiding over her last meeting, outgoing President Amy Suggs first recounted four major events from the past year, including the Hearts to A.C.E. 5K to raise funds for the club’s scholarships that help students who have Achieved the Challenge of Excellence. These students have overcome great physical, emotional, or social obstacles, including physical difficulties, language barriers, child abuse, delinquency or substance abuse.

The April Cars for Kids car show, held at the Career Academy and Technical School, aimed to drive out child abuse. Proceeds benefitted the Pharos Parenting nonprofit and provided gear for the CATS welding class, who assisted with the event.

The club also brought back the Troutman “Ham Day” tradition, selling bags of ham biscuits at the Wagner Street traffic light, with proceeds benefitting Troutman Fire and Rescue and the MCJROTC at South Iredell High School.

The recent Walk of Heroes event is another major fundraiser that promotes Americanism. The club lined the Richardson Greenway with waving flags from Armed Forces Day through Memorial Day, with community members purchasing and dedicating the flags to service members, law enforcement, and first responders. Proceeds will fund club projects.

Suggs’ leadership theme for the year was “Growing Connections for Community,” honoring her farming grandparents and her love of gardening installed by her grandmother.

“Thankfully we fulfilled that goal together,” she said/ “This club rocks!”

As a parting gift, Suggs provided wildflower seed packets for attendees as a way to spread her love of flowers and to further beautify the Troutman Community.

AWARDS

“No symbol better signifies our nation’s greatness or inspires respect and love of country than our American flag — the Stars and Stripes. That is why The National Exchange Club encourages all Americans to properly fly the flag as an ongoing, highly visible expression of that respect,” said Suggs.

To accomplish this simple goal, Suggs said Exchange has an effective program known as Proudly We Hail to encourage Americanism and regular display of the flag by individuals, commercial establishments and industries by honoring them through the presentation of a specially designed plaque.

Bill Cox presented the 2025 “Proudly We Hail Award” to Johnny Sherrill, who was honored for the Vietnam War Memorial Wall that he created four years ago on his property on Oswalt Amity Road (on right about 1/4 mile from Highway 21 intersection). He maintains the display for community viewing.

Cox said Sherrill also has a service every Memorial Day to honor these fallen Vietnam military heroes.

Treasurer and Secretary Jane Babela presented the 2025 “Youth of the Year” award and a scholarship to Jackson Miller, described as an exceptional young man who has outstanding dedication, leadership, and commitment to his community and fellow students.

Jackson is an inspiring leader of the SIHS MCJROTC and led an effort in December to raise funds for two cadets whose family lost everything in a December fire.

Babela, who has known Jackson since he was born, said he was a person of unwavering kindness and generosity who has risen through the ranks of his MCJROTC unit and maintained high grades while also juggling a part-time job.

“His positive work ethic, dedication to his studies, and commitment to his responsibilities are truly commendable. Jackson’s demeanor is always marked with a warm smile, friendliness, and respect, making every interaction with him a pleasant and uplifting experience,” she said/

The 2025 “Member of the Year” award was presented by Suggs to Jane Babela, described as a special person full of heart, dedication, and service “who left a deep mark on our club and our community.”

“She is the kind of member every club dreams of having. She is reliable, generous, and endlessly committed to the ideals of the Exchange Club. She is the first to raise her hand, the last to leave an event, and always thinking ahead of the next opportunity to serve,” Suggs said. “She steps up wherever needed, never seeking credit and always giving her all.”

Incoming President Cori-Anne Gallina presented a small remembrance to Suggs in honor of her service and fantastic leadership and “who led our club with heart, purpose, and class” as the club completed over 30 projects in the past year.

Gallina thanked Suggs for her strength, clarity, and vision as she helped to strengthen the club over the past year with welcoming fellowship.

“Amy reminded us that service doesn’t have to be stiff. It can be joyful, impactful, and full of purpose,” she said.

The club traditionally honors the outgoing president with a gift, but Suggs requested that whatever they would have spent on the gift go to a donation to Guardians of the Children.

This biker organization is “dedicated to recognize and react to child abuse and educate the public to do the same; to serve as advocates to provide strength and stability to families in crisis; and to be an answer to the prayer of an abused child or teen for courage, support, and protection.”

Mooresville Chapter President Nathan “Wheels” Armas expressed his appreciation for all the work that all Exchange Clubs do in child abuse prevention and awareness as well as uplifting the community with their service.

Armas also thanked his “amazing” fellow Guardians present “who would lay down life down for any child who needs it.” He also says the group works hard to break the stigma associated with motorcycle riders as they work to help children in the community.

NEW OFFICERS/BOARD INSTALLED

District President Beth Packard thanked Suggs for her class, energy, creativity, clarity, and communication skills as she helped the club grow deeper connection to the community.

Packard installed Cori-Anne Gallina as President, Jane Babela as Treasurer, and Board of Directors members Robbie Suggs, Barbara Sprinkle, and Tim Cuttle, for the next fiscal year. Due to scheduling conflicts, Becky Sharer will be installed later as secretary and Mike Shire as a board member.

After accepting the gavel, Gallina shared her theme for the coming year, “rooted in service, growing our mission.” Reflecting on the century of service of the Exchange Club, Gallina said “lasting change starts with strong roots.”

The Troutman club is an extension of that legacy as it sows seeds to grow our mission and do things to strengthen the community, noted Gallina. “We must continue to dig deep and sow seeds together as we grow our mission,” she said.

Gallina said all members have a passion to serve the community, and all are leaders in that mission. She encouraged the club to stretch to take on new challenges and projects so that the club’s impact multiplies in the community.