PARIS – The Oxford Hills Rotary Club celebrated its 20th anniversary on Feb. 7 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn. More than 75 members from area clubs joined in the celebration that also recognized the 2003 Rotarian of the Year.

The 2003 recipient, Bob Schott, earned his award through his involvement as a vocational service board member, Oxford Hills Middle School Career Day, Interact Club, mentoring program development with the recent bottle drive, MoonBounce Committee, co-chairman for Groundhogs Against Polio and continued involvement with foreign exchange students in his skiing and rafting exploits.

He is involved with just about all club events from May Day Play Day, lobster feed, dictionary project, auction, emergency electrician on call this past year when the food trailer had electrical challenges.

In the community Schott is also involved in programs like Project Graduation, Maine Handicapped Skiing, Special Olympics, rafting trips for local Scout troops and school athletic teams.

Schott received a certificate, medallion and the Rotarian of the Year plaque.

Each year the Rotary Club of Oxford Hills honors one of its members who has made an outstanding contribution to the club during the previous year. In recognition of their contribution, that Rotarian is presented a Paul Harris Fellow.

The Rotarian of the Year is selected based on nominations from club members which are given to a committee comprised of the past three-year’s recipients. The committee then rates the nominations following a certain criteria.

Past recipients of the Rotarian of the Year honor include: 1986, Glenn Huntley; 1987, Richard DeCato; 1988, George Rice; 1989, Steve Merrill; 1990, Tom Kennison; 1991, Matt Gurney; 1992, David Longstaff; 1993, Perry Palmer; 1994, Sue Batchelder; 1995, Val Weston; 1996, Frank Shorey; 1997, Ron Raymond; 1998, Patty Rice; 1999, Paul Thornfeldt; 2000, Roy Earle; 2001, Esther Proctor; 2002, Rick Nero.

The Oxford Hills Rotary Club meets every at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday at the First Congregational Church in South Paris. Anyone interested in attending a meeting, contact President Jack Richardson at 743-5237.

Guest speaker for the next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 25, will be Cathy Rimm, executive director of the Motorcycle Rider Education of Maine.