LAVONIA – The Pilot Club of Lavonia brought home several awards from the Pilot International Annual Convention June 27 through July 2.
The Lavonia Pilot Club won first place honors for Outstanding Community Service, Outstanding Pilot Club and Outstanding Pilot Club Visibility and second place for Pilot Club Volunteer Hours.
In addition, member Susan Harbin received the Lucy B. Allen Award for Leadership and Sarah Young received the Pearl Sparks Service Award.
The convention was held at the Hyatt Regency in Rochester, N.Y.
Attending the Pilot convention from the Lavonia club were President Sue Heath, Past President Vonnie Brown, Denise Thompson, Susan and Harold Harbin and Avaline and Larry Adams.
Susan Harbin is the past Georgia District governor and Avaline Adams is the Governor-elect for the Georgia District.
The Pilot Club of Lavonia has been in existence since 1975, but Pilot International held its first meeting Oct. 18, 1921, in Macon.
The establishment of the organization was the idea of Elizabeth Leonard.
She and 40 local businesswomen signed the charter.
The name “Pilot” was inspired by the mighty riverboat pilots of that day who represented leadership and guidance. The riverboat pilot’s wheel is the club emblem.
Pilot’s principles are friendship and service and its motto, “True Course Ever.”
The club colors of green and gold symbolize life and vigor (green) and sincerity of purpose (gold).
First Pilot President Lucy B. Allen was elected at the organization's first convention in 1922.
Ruby Newhall, president of Pilot International in 1949, was instrumental in establishing Anchor Clubs, Pilot's youth service organization arm. Compass Clubs have recently been re-established for college-age students.
Pilot International Foundation (now called Pilot International Founders Fund) was established in 1975 to further Pilot's humanitarian efforts.
Since the Pilot International Founders Fund grant program began in 1977, nearly 1,221 grants totaling more than $1,932, 264 have been disbursed to Pilot Clubs to assist with service projects in their communities.
Also, since 1985 1,121 scholarships have been granted, totaling over $1,438,493.
Pilot International's mission is to influence positive change in communities throughout the world.
To do this, members come together in friendship and service, focusing on encouraging brain safety and health and supporting those who care for others.