Optimist of the Year Award

“Big John Ware” Optimist of the Year Award

2025-2026  District Chair:
                          email:

The “Big John” Ware Optimist of the Year award is designed to recognize excellence in Optimist service and leadership.  In addition, the nominee shall have demonstrated personal demeanor that is in keeping with the philosophy of Optimist International and the GATEway District.  

Optimist of the Year Nomination Form

Optimist of the Year Rules

PAST RECIPIENTS OF OPTIMIST OF THE YEAR

            Year                         Name                           Location

1994-95         Alan R Jorgensen                Kennesaw, GA

1995-96         George M Daniel                 Carrollton, GA

1996-97         Carlton Stamey                     Hartwell, GA

1997-98         Hugh Overfield                     LaFayette, GA

1998-99         Randolph W Goldman         Augusta, GA

1999-2000     Buck Buckalew                     St Simon Island, GA

2000-01         James (J.H.) Holcomb        Gainesville, GA

2001-02         Ed May                                   Atlanta, GA

2002-03         Betty Clements                     Savannah, GA

2003-04         Hall Bell                                 Woodstock, GA

2004-05         Terry A Ussery                     Macon, GA

2005-06         Lamar Orr                              Cumming, GA

2006-07         Walter McClure                    Macon, GA

2007-08         Trace Vaughn                       Calhoun, GA

2008-09         Ida Jones                               LaGrange, GA

2009-10         Cheryl Pruitt                          Cumming, GA

2010-11         Patricia Beouy                      Kennesaw, GA

2011-12         Pearce Hardwick                  Atlanta, GA

2012-13         Harry Hackett                        Smyrna, GA

2013-14         Nick Prillaman                      Atlanta, GA

2014-15         Abraham Walker                  Decatur, GA

2015-16         David Grant                           Kennesaw, GA

2016-17         Howard Shames                   Cumming, GA

2017-18         Russ Thomas                       Cumming, GA

2017-18         Nick Prillaman                      Atlanta, GA

2018-19         Gwen Gable                          Decatur, GA

2019-20         Carolyn Tucker                     Chattanooga, TN

2020-21         Betty Turley                           Kennesaw, GA

2021-22         Sarah D. Moore                    Trenton, GA

2022-23         Debbie Rabjohn                   Canton, GA

2023-24         Deanna Morrow                    Carrollton, GA

2024-25         Charlie Romano                   Marietta, GA