Cheryl Robinson
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Aug 08/03) - Rotarian James Clark beamed with gratitude when the Yellowknife Rotary Club surprised him with their highest honour.

"I'm just stuck for words," Clark said after the presentation.

During a regular Rotary meeting on July 31, Darrell Portz, past Rotary president, announced a Rotarian would be receiving a Paul Harris Fellowship award.

The award, named after the founder of Rotary International, is the highest award the Yellowknife club can give to members and non-members.

As Portz began to list off the qualities the mysterious award winner possessed, Clark sat quietly at his table, unaware that he was about to be given the award.

"We chose this year's recipient based on who we, the executive, felt best projected the ideals of Rotary in our community," said Portz.

"If anyone outside this room was asked to name a Rotarian, I am confident that James Clark would be the first name provided."

As Clark was finally revealed as the award winner, the room filled with applause and a graciously surprised look came across his face as he made his way to the podium.

Proud members of Clark's family happened to be present during the meeting, which he said made the award even more special.

"I'm a firm believer that if you enjoy doing something you will do well at it, and I do enjoy Rotary," Clark said.

He was presented with a certificate, a medallion, a pin and will also have his name inscribed on a plaque naming past award winners.

Since 1979, there have been 27 people honoured with this award in Yellowknife.