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Kiwanis Club of Andalusia President Thomas Johnson presented the club’s Citizen of the Year Award to brothers Shaun and Michael Jackson. The Jacksons have spent years renovating the old Covington Mall center to bring the new Shoppes of Covington to Andalusia. (PHOTOS BY ROBERT BLANKENSHIP)

Johnson presents club member Debbie Marcum with the Distinguished Kiwanian Award for her years of dedication and service.

Dr. Jon Raley, right, was recognized for his longtime service as secretary for the Kiwanis Club.

Don Cotton, right, recognizes Anna Harris for her efforts as the director of the Miss Kiwanis Covington County Fair Pageant.

Guest speaker Pastor Keith Pugh of Tuscaloosa spoke about making a difference in the community.

The Kiwanis Club of Andalusia recognized members and named its Distinguished Kiwanian and Citizen of the Year at its annual Fair Appreciation Banquet held Monday at the Kiwanis Building.

Kiwanis Fair Board Chairman Don Cotton opened the ceremony by bringing attention to the club’s four major events: the Kiwanis Covington County Fair, the All Sports Expo, Kiwanis Christmas Lights, and Taste of Summer.

Proceeds from the event allow the Kiwanis Club to support a number of agencies that assist children in need. In 2024, the Kiwanis Club contributed over $50,000 to local agencies. The club also presented $6,000 to students through the Harry Hinson LBW Scholarship, which is available to students at all schools within Covington County.

Among those in attendance were members of the Andalusia and Straughn Key Clubs, student organizations sponsored by Kiwanis that participate and serve as volunteers throughout the year.

“Our Key Club members are doing a great job,” Cotton said. “They help out with all of our events and without them it would be hard to conduct our affairs.”

Kiwanis Club President Thomas Johnson led the awards portion of the event.

The first Kiwanians recognized were those named to the Legion of Honor for their years of service to the club. Ed Short was recognized for 55 years of service to the club, being a member since 1970. Lex Short was recognized for 35 years of membership and Dee Jacobs for 30 years. Pete Stone and Micah Garner were each recognized for 25 years of membership.

Dr. Jon Raley was recognized for his longtime service as the club’s secretary.

This year, instead of naming a Kiwanian of the Year, the club recognized Debbie Marcum with its Distinguished Kiwanian Award.

“Traditionally we have recognized a Kiwanian of the Year, but for the first time we want to elevate that recognition to more appropriately honor a Kiwanian who has given so much time to the efforts of the club,” Johnson said. “[Debbie] serves our community in so many ways beyond the club. She is a community leader, a spiritual leader, and most importantly a wife, mother and grandmother. She is often found working early morning hours with Kiwanis before reporting to her regular job and then comes back after work to make sure everything is in order.”

The Citizen of the Year Award was presented to brothers, Michael and Shaun Jackson, for their efforts within the community, including bringing The Shoppes of Covington back to life after their renovations to the property helped bring new retailers to the city.

“Once a thriving hub of commerce within our community, the former Covington Mall’s parking lot stood empty and the walls were beginning to crumble. Rather than allow the center to deteriorate further, Michael and Shaun Jackson took it upon themselves to bring new life to the center with a vision that was nothing short of ambitious, acquiring the property and embarking on a lengthy and challenging process to restore the center to a thriving center of business and community activity. Their hard work, vision, and dedication has transformed a key city landmark and made Andalusia a better place,” Johnson said.

The guest speaker for the event was retired Pastor Keith Pugh, an associate pastor at First Baptist Church in Tuscaloosa. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a bachelor’s degree in General Business Education and received a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He is a native of Evergreen and played football at UA under Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant.

“Coach Bryant was once asked, ‘What is a winner?’ He said he couldn’t define it, but could always recognize it. In our country today, we need people who are going to be winners. People who make a difference in their communities and in the world. While nobody can do everything, everybody can do something. God has placed each of us here for a purpose. We can all do something. I want all us to be challenged to make a difference; to do what we can to make our city, county, and country a better place,” Pugh said.

The club is currently preparing for its annual Outdoors Expo scheduled for March 8. For information about being a vendor at the event, call 334-488-3939.

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