The Rotary Club of Shepherdstown recently presented four Paul Harris Fellow recognitions in separate ceremonies, honoring Mary Hendrix, Brian Palank, Cara Keys, and Angelina Gray for their outstanding service. At the club’s most recent evening meeting on August 5th, Gray became the fourth recipient recognized this year.
The Paul Harris Fellow recognition is the club’s highest honor and celebrates individuals whose service exemplifies Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
The ceremony opened with remarks from Paul Harris Committee Chair Fred Dalauro, who reflected on what distinguishes a Paul Harris Fellow: a sustained record of service, generous support for Rotary’s humanitarian and educational programs, a willingness to volunteer whenever help is needed, and a consistent commitment to improving the lives of others.
Recipients are selected through a thoughtful process. Shepherdstown Rotarians submit written nominations, which are reviewed in person by the club’s current Paul Harris Fellows. A ranked-choice vote is then used to ensure the final decisions represent the majority. This year’s selection process was especially difficult, with many outstanding nominees and exceptionally close voting.
Angelina was chosen for her extensive volunteer work with Rotary and throughout the greater community. Her service includes involvement with Girl Scouts at the local, regional, and national levels, and she was recently named an honoree for this year’s Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital Women of Distinction.
She also serves on the Scarborough Society committee and works with the WISH Foundation, CASA of the Eastern Panhandle, and Trinity Episcopal Church. As a liaison with Breakthrough T1D, formerly JDRF, she advocates for legislation benefiting West Virginians with Type 1 diabetes and leads a local support group.
Gray also teaches with Jefferson County Schools and is a tireless advocate for young people in the community—all while being a busy mother of three and the wife of fellow Rotarian Matthew Gray, a retired U.S. Coast Guard commander.
Congratulations to Angelina Gray, Mary Hendrix, Brian Palank, and Cara Keys on receiving this distinguished recognition.