The Kansas Lions State Convention in Lawrence, June 2-4, will take on an international flavor as the Kansas Lions play host to International President (IP) Sid and Judy Scruggs at the Lawrence Holiday Inn Convention Center.
The State Convention is the final event of the Kansas Lions Year, and will culminate in the fourth and final meeting of the State Board Of Governors, the leaders of Kansas Lions Clubs. The Council is lead by Council Chair Bill Phillipi of Marysville, and is made up of DG Kerry Hookstra of Downs (Western Kansas 17-L), Marilyn Sorenson of Scandia (North Central 17-I). Michele Hufferd of Louisberg (North East 17-O), Tom
Smarsh of Colwich (South Central 17-N), and Tonja Wienck of Hillsboro (South East 17-S).
Many of the State Committees will also meet to conclude plans and activities for the year... and to formulate goals for the next Lions Year beginning July 1.
International President (IP) Sid L. Scruggs, of Vass, N.C., was elected president of The International Association of Lions Clubs at the association’s 93rd International Convention, held in Sydney, Australia, June 28-July 2, 2010.
President Scruggs is a retired military and commercial airline pilot and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. Using as his presidential theme Beacon of Hope, President Scruggs has made service to others the core principal of Lions clubs around the world, and the focal point of his presidency.
A member of the Vass, NC Lions Club, IP Scruggs has held many offices in the association. In addition, he has served as an instructor for the Lions Clubs International Leadership Institute and the District Governors-elect School.
In addition to his Lions activities, President Scruggs is chairperson of the board of directors of the Governor Morehead School for the Blind, a member of the board of the Raleigh Lions Clinic for the Blind, Inc., a life member of the American Airlines Grey Eagles Association and the Naval Academy Alumni Association.
In 2010, Scruggs was elected to the United States Blind Golf Association Hall of Fame. He has also been presented with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, the highest award given by the State of North Carolina, and an honorary doctorate of humanities from World University.
In recognition of his service to the Lions Association, President Scruggs has received the 100% Club President Award, the Governor of Excellence Award, the Key of Nations Award for sponsoring more than 100 Lions members. He has also received the International Presidential Award and the Ambassador of Good Will Award, the highest honor the association gives to its members. Scruggs is a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow.
President Scruggs and his wife, Judy, also a Lion and a Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow, have four children and 16 grandchildren.