The Niceville-Valparaiso Kiwanis Club celebrated 50 years of community service last month with an awards banquet at Rocky Bayou Country Club that brought together members past and present to recognize the organization’s impact on local youth programs.

• The club, chartered August 28, 1975, welcomed two original members to the celebration: Jimmy Summerlin and Bill Landsberg. Landsberg, a charter member and past president, delivered the keynote address, sharing reflections from five decades of Kiwanis service. 

Distinguished guests from the Florida Kiwanis District attended, including Governor Jeremy Riehl, Governor-Elect Tommy Mills, Vice-Governor Linda Skaathun and Division 3 Foundation Trustee Kim Mills.

Outgoing President Bo Arnold reviewed the club’s 2024-2025 year, highlighting more than $41,000 in charitable giving to local youth programs and nonprofits. The club also awarded $11,000 in scholarships to local high school students.

Recipients of the club’s charitable support included Children in Crisis, Children’s Advocacy Center, Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart, CALM House, Sharing and Caring, VIP PAL Soccer and the Emerald Coast Autism Center.

• The club sponsors Kiwanis service leadership programs at Niceville High School (Key Club), Ruckel and Destin Middle Schools (Builders Club), Edge and Bluewater Elementary Schools (K-Kids) and the Okaloosa-Emerald Coast Akiton Club in partnership with the ARC of the Emerald Coast.

The evening’s awards recognized members for outstanding service. Dona Force received the Kiwanian of the Year award for her leadership in community food drives and fundraising events. JD Cameron earned the Distinguished Service Award for exceptional dedication and communications leadership. Arnold received the George F. Hixson Fellowship for his contributions to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund. 

Legion of Honor Awards recognized long-standing members: Landsberg for 50 years of service, and Tim Parsons and John Stamp for 30 years each. Governor Riehl installed the 2025-2026 officers and board of directors for the new fiscal year beginning October 1.

“Fifty years of Kiwanis in Niceville-Valparaiso is more than just a milestone — it’s a testament to the power of community service and the incredible people who make it happen,” Arnold said. “Our members are passionate about helping children and building a stronger, kinder community.”