It's not often that Pepper Pettit finds himself speechless.

But he couldn't seem to find the words when he was named Rotarian of the Year during the Rotary Club of Dawson County's June 18 meeting.

"You really got me this time," he told Club President Scott Yochum, who presented the award.

Yochum said the recognition reflected Pettit's unwavering support of the club's community service efforts the last year.

In addition to volunteering for each of the club's more than two dozen projects, Pettit went above and beyond on several occasions.

"He spent 12 hours at the Moonshine Festival, a day after he had surgery. That's commitment," Yochum said.

A commemorative brick will set in the walkway at Rock Creek Park's Rotary Island in his honor.

Also receiving awards during the meeting were Vernon Smith, Karen Armstrong, Nicole Stewart, Bob Alman and Jeanne Tompkins for their club service the last 12 months.

Each was presented with Rotary's Service Above Self certificates, while Smith also received a pin for recruiting more new members to the worldwide organization than any other Rotarian in the district.

Rotary meets at 7:30 a.m. each Thursday at the Georgia Racing Hall of Fame. Visitors are welcome.