Zelie Rotary Club chooses two noteworthy people to honor
Zelienople is honoring two worthy, standout community members this Fourth of July.
The Rotary Club of Zelienople recently announced Joella Baker, a longtime Rotarian, accomplished athlete and triathlon coach, will serve as the Zelienople Fourth of July parade’s grand marshal; and DeeAnn Graham will receive the Tullio A. “Doc” Viola Service Above Self Award.
The latter is intended for a non-Rotarian who exemplifies exceptional community service.
Both these individuals are community-minded. They are at the heart of what makes Zelienople special, and it’s fitting that they are honored.
Baker also was recognized recently when inducted into the Butler County Sports Hall of Fame. She has competed in 18 Half Ironman races and currently coaches the Duquesne University triathlon team.
Baker, a Harmony native, has accomplished impressive feats, but also impressive is how she continues to invest in the community.
Graham is known by many in the community, too. Her impact primarily was in schools. She worked as the principal of Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School for 17 years and spent more than 30 years with the Seneca Valley School District.
These two are both fitting examples of what service to others should look like.
— TL
