Paula McPeake Stephens Elementary Ment2Be Coordinator
Named Rotary Club of Florence 2021 Citizen of the Year
Written By: Hannah Walters, Ignite Institute Intern for Stinger Media, LLC
Florence, Kentucky – August, 30, 2021 –
What does the quote, “service above self” mean to you?
A Rotary Club Citizen of the Year is much more than just a title. For 27 years, it has been a recognition of a person’s qualities that are exceedingly exemplary of Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self.” But, what does this mean? If you are curious as to the definition, all you have to do is turn to Paula McPeake.
Many people describe Ms. McPeake as a wise, thoughtful, and caring person. When you think of, “service above self,” Paula McPeake should come to mind. She has demonstrated outstanding service for years, and quietly all the while. Ms. McPeake doesn’t do it for recognition- she does it for the people. “My goal was to be able to work and serve free of charge,” Ms. McPeake said, “I guess that’s the definition of volunteering.” Without a second thought, she will help you with any of life’s challenges. It’s who she is.
There are many words that can describe Paula McPeake- mother, grandmother,
mentor, leader, even mascot. But there isn’t a string of words that could accurately portray Paula McPeake’s benevolence and devotion to her community. Paula McPeake is deserving of this award for many reasons. She has touched many lives, one being Emma, her mentee from the MENT2BE program located at Stephen’s Elementary School. Ms. McPeake became not only the rock in Emma’s life, but the rock of MENT2BE. “Paula strategically meets with every adult who wants to be a mentor and finds their passions and skills, then purposely matches them up to the right child. That way, lifelong relationships can be built,” Mrs. Julia Pile (@juliepile), Rotary Club of Florence member who nominated Ms. McPeake said, “A lot of her mentees have become part of her family and she has become a part of their family.” The Rotary Club of Florence (@FlorenceRotary) recognizes her for undying dedication to the program and every single child within it.
Paula McPeake is also recognized for being an active member of the ELL program: “She advocates for students both in and out of the classroom,” Dr. Randy Poe writes in his nomination letter for Ms. McPeake, “If you hear Paula talk about the program then you immediately know how passionate she is about these students.”
Julia Pile, President of Stinger Media, ParentCamp, Vice-Chair of the Boone County Board of Education and board member of the Rotary Club of Florence, nominated Ms. McPeake.. Touching is an understatement when talking about the story of how Mrs. Pile’s life has been directly impacted by Ms. McPeake. In 2019, Ms. Pile’s sister was nearing the end of her five year long battle with lung cancer and was in Florida by herself. Mrs. Pile asked if anyone wanted to help her with the leery drive to Florida to bring her back to Perrysburg to be with the rest of her family. Paula McPeake was more than willing.
“She drove with me 14 hours on a Friday and 14 hours on a Saturday with my sister in the backseat.” Mrs. Pile said, “Paula was the sweetest to her. She showed her the love that she has for everyone.”
A quote from Mrs. Pile reflects everyone’s feelings towards Paula: “When I’m a grandmother, I want to be just like Paula.”
Countless people can relate to this. Anyone who wants to be a good natured, passionate, and caring person with an angel-like heart should strive to be like Ms. McPeake.
Paula McPeake is more than deserving of the Citizen of the Year award. She has impacted countless lives of children, adults, and everyone in between. Many are indebted to Paula’s grounded soul. The Rotary Club of Florence thanks Puala McPeake for accepting this award and being the person, the rock everyone needs in their life. As an avid member of multiple volunteer-based organizations, McPeake is committed to pouring her wisdom and passion into everything she does. Thank you, Paula McPeake.
Each June, Rotary Club of Florence accepts nominations from the public for the Citizen of the Year award. . A recording of this year’s presentation and past meetings of the Rotary Club of Florence is available on the club’s YouTube Channel: 2021 RCoFKy Citizen of the Year Celebration – Paula McPeake
The Rotary Club of Florence, Kentucky (serving all of Boone County) is a community service organization focusing on “service above self”. The club meets weekly on Mondays at noon. Guests are always welcome. To learn more about meeting location, upcoming speakers and events, please visit the club’s website at www.florencerotary.org or follow their Facebook page.
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