“Big John Ware” Optimist of the Year Award
| 1994-1995
Alan R. Jorgensen Kennesaw, Georgia |
1995-1996
George M. Daniel Carrollton, Georgia |
1996-1997
Carlton Stamey Hartwell, Georgia |
1997—1998
Hugh Overfield LaFayette, Georgia |
1998-1999
Randolph W. Goldman Augusta, Georgia |
| 1999-2000
Buck Buckalew St. Simons Island, Georgia |
2000-2001
James M. Holcomb Gainesville, Georgia |
2001-2002
Ed May Atlanta, Georgia |
2002-2003
Betty Clements Savannah, Georgia |
2003-2004
Hal Bell Woodstock, Georgia |
| 2004-2005
Terry A. Ussery Macon, Georgia |
2005-2006
Lamar Orr Cumming, Georgia |
2006-2007
Walter McClure Macon, Georgia |
2007-2008
Trace Vaughn Calhoun, Georgia |
2008-2009
Ida Jones LaGrange, Georgia |
| 2009-2010
Cheryl Pruitt Cumming, Georgia |
2010-2011
Patricia Beouy Kennesaw, Georgia |
2011-2012
Pearce Hardwick Atlanta, Georgia |
2012-2013
Harry Hackett Smyrna, Georgia |
2013-2014
Nick Prillaman Atlanta, Georgia |
| 2014-2015
Abraham Walker Decatur, Georgia |
2015-2016
David Grant Kennesaw, Georgia |
2016- 2017
Howard Shames
Cumming, Georgia |
2017-2018
H. Nick Prillaman Atlanta, Georgia
|
2017-2018
Russ Thomas Cumming, Georgia
|
| 2018-2019
Gwen Gable Decatur, Georgia |
2019-2020
Carolyn Tucker Chattanooga, TN
|
2020-2021
Betty Turley Kennesaw, GA |
2021-2022
Sarah D. Moore Trenton, GA |
2021-2022 District Chair: Gerald Johnson
email: geraldjohnson@juno.com
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 – coming soon