The Rotary Club of Florence on October 5 will honor Sherry Walters as the Rotary Club of Florence’s 2026 Citizen of the Year — celebrating a lifetime of quiet leadership, compassionate action, and extraordinary service to Boone County.
For decades, Walters has seen community needs and stepped forward to meet them. She co-founded the Union Rescue Squad when faster local emergency response was urgently needed, served as a certified EMT and supported Boone County through the Critical Emergency Team and Emergency Management. At the request of Sheriff Mike Helmig, she founded the Boone County Sheriff’s Auxiliary and served in leadership for more than 20 years, strengthening support for deputies, first responders and families throughout the community.
Walters’ commitment to young people and families is equally remarkable. She helped establish the Ryle High School PTSA and founded the Ryle Craft Show, which grew into the largest craft show in the tri-state area while raising funds for school needs. She developed the Junior Deputy Program to build positive relationships between children and law enforcement, helped launch Project Prom and the Responsible Young Driver Program, and created “A Kid’s Christmas,” providing gifts, clothing and holiday meals for local families in need.
Her service has reached nearly every corner of Boone County. Walters served on the Kentucky Law Enforcement Council, volunteered in the St. Elizabeth Hospital ICU, served on the Hopeful Lutheran Church Council –including as the first female president in the church’s more than 200-year history — and continues to serve as a member and chaplain of the Boone County Garden Club. Friends and community leaders describe her as a person who works tirelessly behind the scenes, leads by example and never seeks recognition.
“It has been my honor to serve my fellow citizens of Boone County for virtually my entire life,” Walters said. “I love Boone County.” On October 5, the Rotary Club of Florence will have the privilege of turning the spotlight toward a woman whose vision, generosity and “Service Above Self” have made Boone County stronger.
Members and guests may RSVP using the direct event link below or by clicking the event listed on the calendar at florencerotary.org. Please note in the comment field if you or your guest will be purchasing lunch.
The meeting will take place at Florence Nature Park Event Center, located at 7200 Nature Park Drive in Florence. Doors Open and Lunch Buffet Begins at 11:45 a.m.
Because this will be an extended celebration, guests are asked to arrive no later than 11:45 a.m. so everyone has time to move through the buffet, be seated and help begin the program promptly.
The event will be live-streamed on the Florence Rotary Club Youtube channel
Rotary Club of Florence