(From the Findlay Rotary Club)

At the Club’s Wednesday, Aug. 20 meeting, The Findlay Rotary Club presented the Service Above Self Award to Dan Metzger, and the Cliff Dochterman Award to Bill Life.

The Service Above Self Award, won by Metzger, is presented annually to a non-Rotarian in the community who exemplifies the Rotary ideals of professional leadership and service.

Rotarians Jeff Shrader and Sue Lehman presented the award to Metzger at the meeting.

Rotarian Mark Miller nominated Metzger, Pastor at St. Mark’s Church, for the award.

“While Dan is an outstanding pastor at St. Mark’s Church, he goes beyond typical pastoral duties and has demonstrated extraordinary service to the Findlay/Hancock County Community,” Miller wrote. “Pastor Dan’s tireless efforts in organizing and leading significant community events have been nothing short of inspiring.”

Listed as Metzger’s community accomplishments was organizing a Thanksgiving meal for teachers and students at Findlay’s Bigelow Hill Elementary School, bringing the Night to Shine event to the community and to St. Mark’s and arranging for former University of Findlay Head Football Coach and current Ohio State University Assistant Coach Rob Keys to speak at the Community Good Friday Breakfast. He also helped to reorganize the community’s involvement with the National Day of Prayer, and has been instrumental in the success of Second Chance Day.

Rotarian Puck Rowe submitted a letter of support for Metzger’s nomination.

“His huge involvement within the community touches the lives of so many people in a very positive manner,” Rowe said.

Rotarian Carla Benjamin seconded these notions in support of Metzger.

“In every way, Pastor Dan embodies the spirit of “Service Above Self,” she said. “His heart for people and his quiet but powerful impact on this community make him more than deserving of this recognition.”

The Cliff Dochterman Award, won by Life, recognizes Rotarians who act as role models and render distinguished and dedicated service to the Boy Scouts of America through active service, leadership or other exemplary contributions to BSA. In keeping with the objectives and principles of both Rotary and Scouting to encourage character development, leadership, citizenship and personal growth for youth, this award is presented to an active Rotarian who has displayed distinguished service and outstanding dedication to the program of Scouting.

Marc Kogan, Rotarian and Scout Executive of the Black Swamp Area Council, presented the award to Life along with Lehman.

Kogan said, “Bill has been an active Scouting volunteer since 2008, serving as Den Leader, Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, and Merit Badge Counselor. His dedication has guided countless youths in character, citizenship, and leadership, supported by extensive training and thousands of volunteer hours.

Professionally, Life serves as Senior Vice President and Commercial Executive at Fifth Third Bank. Known for his integrity and relationship-building, he applies those same values to his civic roles with the Findlay Rotary Club, Goodwill Industries of Northwest Ohio, the University of Toledo, and Adopt America Network.

According to Kogan, through both Life’s career and community involvement, Bill has built lasting relationships and demonstrated servant leadership. He embodies the principles of Rotary and Scouting, standing as a role model and mentor to man.