The club’s board is pleased to announce the selection of two individuals to receive Rotary District 6360’s Rotary 
Hero Award, given annually to a Rotarian from each club in the District who exemplifies “Service Above Self” in everything they think, say and do, and/or who has given many years of service. After reviewing the nominations submitted by club members, the board selected two outstanding Rotarians to receive this award. Helen Pratt Mickens will receive the award this year, and Mark Hooper will receive the award next year. The award will be formally presented at the annual District Conference, which this year will be held in May on Mackinac Island.
Hero Award, given annually to a Rotarian from each club in the District who exemplifies “Service Above Self” in everything they think, say and do, and/or who has given many years of service. After reviewing the nominations submitted by club members, the board selected two outstanding Rotarians to receive this award. Helen Pratt Mickens will receive the award this year, and Mark Hooper will receive the award next year. The award will be formally presented at the annual District Conference, which this year will be held in May on Mackinac Island.Helen Pratt Mickens was one of the first women in our club, as well as our first woman club president. She also served as President of the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation. She has been an outstanding role model, not only for club members, but for all Lansing area citizens. She is generous with both her time and her expertise, and always conducts herself with quiet dignity that speaks to her strong sense of purpose and self-confidence. At a time when voices are strident and polarizing, Helen stands for a humility and forthrightness of spirit that is truly refreshing.
Mark Hooper has been a Rotarian for over 40 years, during which time he has served as president of the Haslett/Okemos Rotary Club, president of the Rotary Club of Lansing, and president of the Rotary Club of Lansing Foundation. He has held numerous other club leadership positions, including chair of the Rotary Club of Lansing’s Centennial Celebration Steering Committee, which successfully raised $250,000 for a 100th year anniversary gift to support a new water exhibit at Impression Five Science Center. Mark currently serves as Chair of the club’s audit committee, and co-chair of the Membership Engagement Committee. His commitment to “Service Above Self” is also demonstrated by his generous philanthropy and his extensive community volunteerism, which the Greater Lansing Chamber recognized by awarding him its 2016 Community Service Award.
Prior Rotary Hero Award recipients from our club are Jack Draper, Jack Bates, Duane Vernon, Irv Nichols and Ken Beachler. Congratulations to both Helen and Mark for being recognized with this prestigious award, and thank you for all you do to make our club – and our community – better in so many ways.