Vincennes Civitans Name Their Citzen of the Year

vincennes-civitan-citizen-of-the-year-phyllis-sweeney-2017

 The Vincennes Civitan Club presented its 2017 “Citizen of
the Year” award to Phyllis Sweeney on Dec. 7 at Vincennes University.

Reminding the audience of its motto, “Builders of Good Citizenship,”
Civitan President Krystle Russell said that Sweeney’s longtime service
illustrates what it means to be a good citizen.

First presented to the late Isaac K. Beckes, the Citizen of the Year award
was established in 1954 by the Vincennes Civitan Club to recognize
individuals who perform exemplary volunteer work in the community that
significantly improves lives.

Russell began her remarks by quoting Aristotle, “What is the essence of
life?”  To serve others and to do good.”

“This year’s Citizen of the Year recipient exemplifies not only the Civitan
motto, but also shows us what it means to serve others and do good. Phyllis
Sweeney has served our community in many ways throughout her life,” Russell
said.

In response to the presentation of the award, Sweeney said she feels
fortunate to have developed good friendships, often through volunteer work,
with people throughout Knox County. “It’s been a privilege and an asset to
my life.”

“Receiving this award has definitely been a highlight of my life, one that
I feel very humbled to accept, yet at the same time, very excited and proud
to receive,” Sweeney said.

Sweeney retired in 2000 from a 37 career as a pre-school, kindergarten and
primary teacher, initially in Washington and mostly in North Knox schools.
During this time, she and a partner owned and operated the Gingerbread
Nursery Preschool in Bicknell for six years. As part of her teaching, she
wrote and directed many special programs for students, which included
annual performances at local nursing homes.

Sweeney has a long record of service to her community and church. She
currently serves as vice president of the board of the Knox County Public
Library, where she volunteers in decorating and has done special
presentations. As chair of special events for the Good Samaritan Hospital
Foundation Board, she actively helps raise money through its golf outings
and annual galas.

For several years, Sweeney volunteered for the Generation’s Retired Senior
Volunteer Program (RSVP) as co-coordinator for the Kids Read/Kids Write
programs, which were part of all elementary schools in Knox County.  She
also volunteered for each program, giving her a chance to continue serving
students in area schools. She has also served as treasurer of the Knox
County Retired Teachers for the past 15 years.

A member of Beta Pi Chapter of Kappa Kappa Kappa for more than 45 years,
Sweeney has served as its president, treasurer, and chair of its popular
Knox County Fair food stand, raising money for charity. She is also a
member and elder of Indiana Presbyterian Church where she is a storyteller
leader in the Summer Bible Camp and involved in the choir and bereavement
dinners.  She is a past teacher, choir member, and preschool volunteer for
the Bethel United Church of Christ (now Bethel Church) near Freelandville.

Groups that have benefitted from her volunteerism include Blue Jean Center,
North Knox Relay for Life team, Oprah Book Club, Merom Church Camp, Camp
Pyoca Church Camp, Walk to Emmaus, and Vincennes Area Women’s Connection
Group.

The late Indiana Governor Frank O’Bannon presented Sweeney the Sagamore of
the Wabash citation in 2000 in recognition of her extensive service. She is
also the recipient of the 1984 Outstanding Alumnus Award from Edwardsport
High School, where she graduated in 1959. Sweeney holds an associate degree
from Vincennes University and both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from
Indiana State University.