Carolyn Bowen thought she was attending Saturday's meeting of the Dawson County Homeowner's and Civic Association to talk about the success of the local animal shelter.

A few minutes into the meeting, however, she learned the spotlight was turning to her accomplishments.

Bowen was presented with the association's Mike Brown You Care Award for her work with the Dawson County Humane Society. She has served as president of the society's board of directors since 2010.

Both surprised and shocked at the recognition, Bowen said she alone could not take credit for the shelter's success.

"Everything that's been accomplished is the result of the huge effort of so many dedicated and hardworking volunteers, supporters and staff," she said. "It has been a team effort and the team deserves the credit."

Named in honor of Richard "Mike" Brown, a local community activist and humanitarian who died in 1999, the You Care Award recognizes Dawson residents who demonstrate by actions, deeds or written words that they care about the community, its people and the environment.

Jane Graves, who was elected the association's president for the seventh year at the meeting, presented the award.

"Carolyn has been a visionary [by] successfully leading the organization through a recession that led so many businesses and other nonprofits to close their doors," she said.

Since taking the helm in 2010, the Dawson County Humane Society has achieved no-kill status and most recently eliminated its long-term debt.

"We're proud of our shelter," Bowen said.