Batesville Rotarians have announced the 2021 winners of the club’s annual Batesville Rotary Community Awards.
Autumn and Steve Raviscioni were chosen as recipients of the “Making a Difference Award.” The couple expanded their ministry called “Our Father’s Table” and are serving over 10,000 meals a year to those in our community who need that helping hand.
In the category Doctor/Nurse/Care Worker of the Year, the winner is Julie Dozier, who has worked as a nurse at Batesville Family Practice for many years. Dozier is known “…for her unwavering care and compassion for her patients, giving them a sense of receiving the best care available, and making each patient feel at ease,” the Rotary Club said in a release.
The Outstanding Community Service Award went to Dr. Mark Williams, who has been a staple of our community in veterinary care for many years. He has given years of dedication and help to the Boy Scouts, farmers, ranchers, and the ordinary citizen who loves and cares for an animal. Dr. Williams’s impact on the community has been huge, and his love in caring for our animals unwavering, the club said.
Deborah Frazier was named the Educator of the Year. Frazier has been a longtime Rotarian and educator. She recently retired after dedicating a large part of her career to the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville She has led with dignity and provided countless opportunities for students throughout north central Arkansas, the release noted.
Brandon Dayberry has been selected as the Role Model of the Year. Dayberry has given countless hours to the Independence County Sheriffs Department’s Deserve Program, the Rotary Club said.
According to the release, Dayberry gives many hours of his time to training other reserve officers, and as a member of the elite sniper team. He donates countless hours at many events throughout the year, serving as security and providing safety to thousands each year. After all that, he still works full-time for the Southside School District.
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