When his oldest son Greg was a Junior in high school, Lion Charlie Poarch felt that students excelling in academics weren't being recognized like those in athletics, band, etc. so after discussing his concerns with the other Lions Club members, he talked to the Watonga High School superintendent and convinced him to allow the Watonga Lions Club to sponsor a scholastic banquet each year for high school and middle school students in the top 10 percent of their class. Marvin Daugherty offered to help him with the project. The first banquet was held in April, 1983. Del Ray Thomas was Lions Club President that year. Mr. Faye Odell, Perry High School Athletic Director, was the special speaker. The recognition of these academically gifted students was well received by the people in our community and a huge crowd attended the first banquet. In following years the Lions Club was able to present scholarships for two seniors each year plus other organizations also were encouraged to award academic scholarships. In addition to top ten students, the banquet now recognizes National Honor Society students and scholastic team members. After hearing of the success of Watonga Lions Club's Scholastic Banquet, other Lions Clubs began scholastic banquets in their communities. Charlie was very proud to receive the honor of being named the first recipient of Watonga Lion of the Year for his work organizing many scholastic banquets.

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