The Kiwanis Club of Bellefontaine recently celebrated another year of service, leadership and community involvement during its annual awards presentation and installation of officers.

The meeting recognized several individuals for their outstanding contributions to the organization and the community while officially welcoming Kyle Springs as club president for the 2026–2027 year.

Immediate Past President Todd White Jr. opened the meeting by presenting three of the club’s distinguished annual honors: the Citizen of the Year Award, Kiwanian of the Year, and the Kiwanis Club of Bellefontaine Certificate of Honor.

The club is also marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 and is making its preparations for its 100-Year Celebration, set for 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Maxwell Event Center, 233 S. Main St., Bellefontaine, open to members, past members and past officers. Tickets are $50 per person or $90 per couple. Reservations are needed as soon as possible by contacting (937) 935-7484 or via e-mail at [email protected].

Bruce, Louise Norris Honored as Citizens of the Year

This year’s Citizen of the Year Award was presented to longtime Kiwanis members Louise Norris and her late husband, Bruce Norris, in recognition of their decades of dedicated service and commitment to the organization.

Bruce, who passed away in July, joined the Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club more than 30 years ago and remained an active member throughout his life. During his many years of service, he held several leadership positions, including club president and lieutenant governor.

Louise, a member for the past 12 years, has continued the family’s tradition of service through her involvement in numerous club activities and leadership roles. She has served on the club’s board of directors and held the positions of secretary and assistant secretary.

“Together, Bruce and Louise have exemplified the spirit of Kiwanis through their generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to serving others. Their recognition as Citizens of the Year honors not only their individual accomplishments but also the lasting impact they have made on the club and the Bellefontaine community,” officials from the club said in a release.

Springs Named Kiwanian of the Year

The club’s Kiwanian of the Year Award was presented to Kyle Springs in recognition of his leadership, dedication and continued involvement in the organization’s many service projects and community initiatives.

Springs, a local Realtor with Zimmerman Realty, joined the Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club in December 2014 and has remained actively involved in supporting the organization’s mission of serving children and strengthening the community.

He currently chairs the club’s annual Pancake Breakfast Committee and the Our Daily Bread service project. Additionally, Springs serves as vice chair of the club’s 100th Anniversary Committee and is actively involved with the Scholarship Committee and the annual Kiwanis-Rotary Golf Outing.

Through his involvement in these initiatives, Springs has helped support the club’s fundraising efforts, community partnerships and charitable programs, members said.

Kunze Receives Certificate of Honor

Longtime member Brad Kunze was presented with the Kiwanis Club of Bellefontaine Certificate of Honor, “recognizing his remarkable 33 years of membership and extensive contributions to the organization,” club officials said in the release.

Throughout his Kiwanis career, Kunze has served in numerous leadership capacities at both the club and district levels, including District Membership Chair, District Formula Chair, and Club Membership Chair.

Perhaps most notably, Kunze has dedicated the past 15 years to serving as the club’s treasurer, providing continuity and financial oversight while helping support the organization’s many charitable efforts.

Although Kunze is stepping away from his role as treasurer, he will continue serving the organization as a member of the Board of Directors and leading the membership committee.

His decades of service reflect the commitment and volunteer spirit that have helped sustain the Bellefontaine Kiwanis Club for generations.

Springs Installed as 2026–2027 Club President

The meeting also marked the official transition of club leadership as outgoing President Todd White Jr. passed the gavel to incoming President Kyle Springs.

Springs was formally installed as President for the 2026–2027 Kiwanis year, succeeding White, who will continue serving the organization as immediate past president.

The following officers were also installed: President-Elect: Tim Notestine; Vice President: Christy Myers; Secretary: Kelli Douglas Bader; Treasurer: Connor Adelsberger

Board of Directors – Terms Ending 2027: Tony Beck, Natasha R. Kennedy and Julie Schrader.

Board of Directors – Terms Ending 2028: Kevin Braig, Scotty Elliott, Jacob Estes and Vicki Rapp.

Continuing a Century of Service

The leadership transition comes during a particularly meaningful year for the Kiwanis Club of Bellefontaine as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2026 and prepares for its upcoming celebratory gathering.

For a century, the club has played an important role in the Bellefontaine community through volunteer service, charitable fundraising, youth scholarships and programs designed to improve the lives of children and families.

As the club begins its next chapter under new leadership, members remain committed to honoring that legacy while building upon the foundation established by generations of Kiwanians.

The annual awards and installation ceremony served as both a celebration of those who have given so much to the organization and a reminder of the importance of continued community involvement.

“With a century of service behind it and a new leadership team in place, the Kiwanis Club of Bellefontaine looks forward to continuing its mission of serving the children of the world, one child and one community at a time,” club officials said.