ROCKWALL, TX (July 15, 2026) — The Rockwall Rotary Club celebrated a year of remarkable service, growth and community impact while looking ahead to an ambitious new chapter as members installed Kayne Pierce as president during the club’s annual leadership transition and awards luncheon.
Outgoing President Kenda Culpepper, Rockwall County District Attorney, reflected on a year that expanded community service, strengthened regional partnerships, increased public awareness and produced record fundraising results. Pierce challenged members to build on that momentum by making Rotary an even more visible force throughout Rockwall County.
“Being Rotary president has been an incredible honor,” Culpepper told members. “But a Rotary president is only as good as their board is. My board was just outstanding.”
Rather than simply recap the year, Culpepper used the luncheon to recognize the committee chairs, board members and volunteers whose behind-the-scenes efforts helped the club achieve one of its most active years in recent memory.
During her presidency, the club focused on five key objectives: building greater community awareness of Rotary, improving communications and club processes, expanding service opportunities, strengthening collaboration with neighboring Rotary clubs, and enhancing club programming and education.
Those efforts translated into a busy year of service throughout Rockwall County.
Under Culpepper’s leadership, the club expanded monthly volunteer opportunities, strengthened member communications through a new monthly bulletin, installed Rockwall’s Peace Pole, increased collaboration with neighboring Rotary clubs throughout District 5810, held the most successful Clay Shoot fundraiser in club history, and continued awarding more than $100,000 in scholarships through the Rockwall Rotary Foundation.
Members volunteered throughout the year with Shoes for Kids, the Children’s Advocacy Center, Reese Manor, Meals on Wheels, Women In Need, Helping Hands, Toys for Tots, Feed My Starving Kids and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, among many other community service initiatives. The club also continued its signature Student of Honor program, First Responder Appreciation Luncheon, Interact Club mentorship, RYLA leadership development and Four-Way Speech Contest.
One of the year’s biggest successes came through fundraising. The annual Clay Shoot became the most successful in club history, generating record sponsorship support—including a $15,000 lead sponsorship from Ford Group One—which will help expand scholarships and launch a new signature fundraising event, Rockwall Live.
The luncheon also celebrated outstanding member service.
Mary Liechty was named Rotarian of the Year for her leadership as club secretary and her efforts to strengthen member communications.
John Curtis received the club’s Service Above Self Award.
President’s Awards were presented to Alma McClintock and Harold Snyder, while Curtis Schaibley received the Star Award for his quiet but significant contributions to the club.
Following the awards presentation, Jeff Shell administered the installation ceremony for the incoming officers and board before officially passing the gavel to Pierce.
Pierce thanked Culpepper and the outgoing board for leaving the club “in a really good position of strength, financially and otherwise,” and pledged to continue building on that strong foundation.
Looking ahead, Pierce said his administration will embrace Rotary International’s 2026-27 theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” by expanding both the club’s visibility and its service throughout Rockwall County.
“The Rotary Club of Rockwall already creates lasting impact through its renowned scholarship programs and support for a variety of amazing causes in our community,” Pierce said. “This year, we’re going to double down on those efforts.”
Pierce outlined two primary goals for the coming Rotary year.
The first is increasing public awareness so that, as he put it, “everyone in Rockwall County will be familiar with Rotary.”
To accomplish that, the club plans to introduce a signature community event designed to bring people together “unlike anything seen before,” while continuing to expand Rotary’s presence throughout the county.
His second priority is growing the club by actively recruiting additional servant-minded leaders.
“Our current membership base of around 115 leaders in the community is invaluable,” Pierce said. “But we will be that much stronger with more. Many hands make light work.”
Pierce also announced a $1,000 donation to the Shoes for Kids program, made jointly with Angela Sims, providing funding for approximately 50 pairs of shoes for local children.
The Rockwall Rotary Club’s 2026-27 Board of Directors includes:
President: Kayne Pierce
President-Elect: Christopher Steinsholt
Immediate Past President: Kenda Culpepper
Treasurer: Kevin Fowler
Secretary: Shari Williams
Sergeant-at-Arms: Noel Williams
Membership: Barbara Wilks
Public Relations: Richard Redig
Youth Services: Gerald Hendrik
Vocational Services: Dustin Ray
Community Service: Beth Johnson
International Service: Curtis Schaibley
Fundraising: Shane Hollas
Programs: Russell Caldwell
Club Service: Mary Liechty
Rotary Foundation: Christopher Steinsholt
Directors-at-Large: Jeffrey Shell, Brian Williams and Lorne Liechty.
As the new Rotary year begins, the club is building on a strong foundation of service while setting its sights on an even greater community presence. Guided by Rotary’s call to “Create Lasting Impact,” Pierce said the focus will remain on bringing people together, growing the next generation of servant leaders, and continuing to make a meaningful difference throughout Rockwall County.
By Dawn Redig, Blue Ribbon News. Photos by BRN Media.
Rockwall Rotary Celebrates Year of Service, Installs Kayne Pierce as President with Vision to ‘Create Lasting Impact’ added by Editor on
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