special to the star



Three Meridian First Ladies Civitan members received the highest district honor at the recent Magnolia Civitan Distict’s Annual Convention.

Barbara Holyfield, Arlene Campbell and Pennie Luke were the three distinguished honorees at the meeting, which was held in Lafayette, La. Magnolia Civitan District include Louisiana and Mississippi, beginning one county north of I-20 from east to west.

Holyfield was recognized as Civitan of the Year. The award is presented to the District Civitan who has provided outstanding leadership skills to their home club as well as the district through excellence in service, knowledge and fellowship to Civitan through their program guidance, chairmanship abilities and willingness to always be available when called upon for service.

Holyfield is past district governor, past area director, past club president and secretary. She currently serves her club as fundraising chair and also serves as District Junior Civitan chair.

Campbell received the Magnolia District Honor Key, which is presented to the club member who dedicates herself to her Civitan club as well as the Magnolia Civitan District.

Campbell, who served as district treasurer for 2008-09, is currently serving her district as treasurer for 2009-10. She is president elect of the Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club and has provided leadership through her participation in club, district and international activities and projects.

New Civitan club members have the opportunity to prove that they are a “Very Important Part” of their club. Luke has earned the VIP Award as a new Civitan member.

During her first year as a Meridian First Ladies Civitan Club member, Luke participated in all club projects during her first year, with regular attendance at club meetings, service to her club, personal development, growth and communication skills added to her service. She has served as secretary of her home club, plus took on the responsibility of district secretary during the annual convention.

Luke works full time at Citizens National Bank in downtown Meridian as a supervisor in the bank card division. She and her husband, Rick, have one son, Josh, who attends Meridian Community College.