The Natchitoches Lions Club gathered for its annual Awards and Installation Banquet, celebrating another successful year of service while honoring outstanding members, recognizing scholarship recipients and installing officers for the 2026–2027 Lions year.
Chartered on October 7, 1943, the Natchitoches Lions Club has proudly served the community for more than 82 years under the Lions International motto, “We Serve.” The annual banquet provided an opportunity to reflect on the club’s accomplishments, recognize exceptional leadership and look ahead to another year of serving the citizens of Natchitoches Parish and beyond.
One of the evening’s highlights was the presentation of the club’s annual Lion of the Year awards.
Sarah Giannone was named Lion of the Year in recognition of her unwavering dedication to the club and its mission. Throughout the year, she consistently stepped forward whenever assistance was needed, helping ensure the success of club projects and activities. Despite balancing the demands of work and family, she also pursued additional leadership training at the state level, further strengthening her ability to serve both the club and the Lions organization.
Sammy Woods was recognized as New Lion of the Year for his exceptional commitment and enthusiasm for service. During his first years as a Lion, Woods quickly became known as both a strategic thinker and a tireless worker. He played a key role in the successful launch of the inaugural Roaring Lion Classic Golf Tournament, actively supports the Louisiana Lions Camp and willingly accepts every opportunity to serve. Earlier this year, he attended his first Louisiana Lions State Convention, where he was honored as a Melvin Jones Fellow, one of the highest recognitions in Lionism.
The club also recognized two outstanding local students with scholarship awards.
Hailey Jarnagin, a recent graduate of Lakeview High School, and Madison Gorum, a recent graduate of Natchitoches Central High School, were each awarded Natchitoches Lions Club scholarships. Both students will attend Northwestern State University this fall as they pursue their higher education goals.
The banquet also welcomed three new members into the Natchitoches Lions Club. Anda Andrews, Shannon Frame, and Evelyn Evans were officially inducted during the evening’s ceremonies. Club leaders expressed their enthusiasm for the newest Lions and the talents, perspectives, and spirit of service they will bring to the organization as it continues its mission of serving the community.
Several members were recognized for their commitment to the humanitarian mission of Lions Clubs International through awards associated with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF).
Five members were honored as Melvin Jones Fellows, one of the highest honors in Lionism, recognizing exemplary service and dedication to humanitarian causes. This year’s recipients were Mickey Stroud, Sarah Giannone, Michael Giannone, Chuck Stoker and Sammy Woods.
Three members received Melvin Jones Progressive Fellowships, recognizing continued support and commitment to LCIF beyond their original fellowship. Those recipients were Mimi Stoker, Michele Waskom, Bill Buckley and Nicole Woods.
Additional international recognitions were also celebrated during the evening: Mimi Stoker received the prestigious LCIF Chairperson’s Medal. Michele Waskom was awarded the LCIF Helping Hands Medal. And, Nicole Woods received the International President’s Leadership Medal for outstanding leadership and service.
The banquet also included the installation of officers for the 2026–2027 Lions year.
Installed officers include:
President: Michael Giannone
Secretary: Sarah Giannone
Treasurer: Michele Waskom, PCC
One-Year Board Members: Mickey Stroud and Don Brown
Two-Year Board Members: Chuck Stoker and Sammy Woods
Tail Twister: Mimi Stoker, PCC
Lion Tamer: Bill Buckley
The evening highlighted the club’s long tradition of leadership at every level of Lionism. Throughout its history, Natchitoches Lions have served as District Governors, Council Chairs, Louisiana Lions Camp leaders and officers of the Louisiana Lions Eye Foundation, demonstrating a legacy of service extending far beyond the local community.
Outgoing President Nicole Woods thanked members for their dedication and commitment throughout the year.
“Everything our club accomplishes is possible because of Lions who are willing to step forward and serve,” Woods said. “Whether through children’s vision screenings, sight conservation efforts, support of Louisiana Lions Camp, scholarships, community projects, or fundraising events, our members continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others.”
Incoming President Michael Giannone expressed appreciation for the strong foundation established by past and present Lions and encouraged members to continue seeking opportunities to serve while growing the club’s impact throughout the community.
The Natchitoches Lions Club remains committed to improving lives through vision programs, youth initiatives, scholarship opportunities, humanitarian service, and community partnerships. Individuals interested in learning more about the club or becoming a member are encouraged to attend a meeting and discover how they can join Lions in making a difference.
