Danny R. Von Kanel, a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Franklinton, received the Natchitoches Rotary’s “Service Above Self” award at its meeting May 3.

Over a 5-year period, Von Kanel raised $28,000 to award a $192 scholarship to students who took one of 12 fine arts classes offered after school at the L.P. Vaughn School of Fine Arts in Natchitoches, which he directs.

This year, he led the school to raise $15,582 through sponsorships and a brick memorial fundraiser.

During the award presentation, Von Kanel said, “I’m totally overwhelmed. What a wonderful way to be honored.”

Von Kanel has lived in Franklinton since 2002 and was minister of music at First Baptist Church there from 2002-2005. He also served as minister of music at Memorial Baptist Church in Bogalusa from 2005-2008. He and his wife, Beverly, have two grown sons and six grandchildren.

Photo cutline: Sue Weaver conducted the Rotary Club program when the club presented the Service Above Self award to non-rotarian Danny Von Kanel. From left are Ken Gardner, Von Kanel, L.P. Vaughn Principal Cynthia Cole, Dr. Greg Handel and Weaver.

Article from the Baptist Message, a newsjournal for Louisiana Baptists