CLINTON — Lumberton and St. Pauls Lions Clubs and their members were honored during an annual banquet on July 23.

The clubs received certificates of appreciation for their contributions to Boys and Girls Homes of North Carolina in Lake Waccamaw. Lions in North Carolina also sponsor a home for at-risk youths.

David Cox, who chairs the Lumberton Lions’ eye screening program, received the Jack Stickley Fellowship, the highest honor in North Carolina Lionism, named for the past Lions International president. In the last year, the club has screened more than 2,000 students with its SPOT machine for eye problems in Robeson County.

Jim Kirkland, the Lumberton club secretary and a 50-year member, was recognized for his work in coordinating the visit of Bob Corlew, the first vice president of Lions International, while he toured the state earlier this year. Corlew now is International president.

Kenny Cox, a Lumberton member and the district Boys and Girls Home chairman, and Jack Stephens, a St. Pauls member and the zone chairman, were honored with William L. Woolard partner-in-service awards, also named in honor of a former Lions International president. Cox, one of five state chairs, supervises the program in more than 50 clubs in Eastern North Carolina. Stephens looks after the five clubs in Robeson County, including Pembroke, Maxton and Rowland.

Outgoing District Gov. Vince Schimmoller, of the Western Harnett Lions Club, distributed the awards. Sid L. Scruggs, a past Lions International president from the Vass Lions Club, was installing officer.

Staff Report