The Exchange Club of Rome has announced its top individual honors for the 2025–2026 year, recognizing two members for their leadership, service, and dedication to the community.
Janet Fortune was named Volunteer of the Year, an award that highlights exceptional commitment to hands-on service projects. Fortune, who is completing her second year on the club’s board of directors, has served as chair of the Community Service Committee. Under her leadership, the club carried out a wide range of initiatives, including the Adopt-A-Mile program with students from Main Elementary School, a winter sock drive benefiting members of Rome’s homeless community, and volunteer support for a local Habitat for Humanity build.
Additional projects included organizing gift donations for seniors through the Santa for Seniors program and coordinating crossing guards for Rome’s downtown Halloween celebration, helping ensure safety for thousands of children. Club leaders also praised Fortune for her organizational skills, noting her ability to effectively mobilize members and see projects through to completion.
Norma Williams was selected as Member of the Year, recognized for her enthusiasm and leadership across multiple club efforts. Williams chaired the Youth Committee during the past year, overseeing programs that engaged and celebrated local students. Among them was the A.C.E. (Accepting the Challenge of Excellence) program, which honors students who have overcome adversity to approach graduation successfully.
She also helped lead the club’s Youth Speech Contest, where area high school students present speeches focused on patriotism, and participated in outreach to fourth-grade classrooms through the Americanism program, known as GIVEAKIDAFLAGTOWAVE, which teaches the history and significance of the American flag.
According to the selection committee, Williams’ consistent energy and dedication made her a standout choice for the honor.
Both Fortune and Williams have now been submitted to the Georgia District Exchange Club for consideration at the state level in their respective categories.
