by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

“Beginning in 1908, the Sewanee Civic Association’s primary purpose was to raise money for municipal improvements,” said Sewanee Civic Association President Kiki Beavers welcoming members and guests to the May 4 annual awards ceremony. “The town could not raise money with taxes because it was unincorporated. The SCA is a testimony to what happens when you work together.” Most recently, the community has the SCA to thank for the Sewanee Welcome Center at the old depot site. Current headwind projects include the Stock the Pantry Supply Drive in conjunction with Community Action Committee and the School Supply Drive to ensure children at Sewanee Elementary School have what they need for a rich and rewarding school experience. Among projects worthy of tradition status, the SCA sponsors Sewanee Classifieds, an email based subscription service for sharing news and needs; the Community Chest fund drive which supports a vast array of programs ranging from aid to senior citizens to childcare to animal welfare; and the tradition giving rise to the evening’s gathering, the annual awards ceremony celebrating behind the scenes movers and shakers who do without being asked and then do more.

Kathryn Bruce and Bentley Cook shared the honor of the 43rd annual Community Service Award for their outstanding contributions to the community. Awardees are selected by community nomination. The SCA board selects Summa Cum Laude award recipients. This year Patrick Dean and William Shealy shared the honor.

Bruce, Sewanee Elementary School librarian, rose to the challenge of coordinating the birthday celebration of SES which turns 100-years-old this year. Through guiding student research, collecting oral histories, and showcasing photos and memorabilia, Bruce brought to life the story of a school built by the community and rooted in the belief of education for all, regardless of race, social class, or economic standing. The official birthday party takes place Friday, May 8, at SES from 5-7 p.m. Said Bruce in receiving the award, “It’s an honor to be a part of a school who has such a rich history, to work with kids and to help them realize this place really cares about what happens at the little school across the street. To help tell its story has been fun.”

In delivering the award to Bentley Cook, member-at-large David Michaels summed up Cook’s contributions to the community in 10 words: “He’s the first one to raise his hand to help.” Cook has volunteered as Sewanee Classifieds Administrator for a decade and for the past four years as treasurer. He led the rewrite of the SCA bylaws and authored many of the association’s policies. Cook also serves as treasurer of Housing Sewanee, is a member of the Sewanee Volunteer Fire Department, and coordinates the July 4 Sewanee Dog Show.

The SCA honored Dean and Shealy for their invaluable contributions to the Sewanee Welcome Center project. Dean, Mountain Goat Trail Alliance executive director, and Shealy, University Director of Economic Development, took a lead role in sharing and communicating the project’s story and historical significance to the community and grant partners. They also worked to coordinate the MOU with the University and offered advice on outdoor amenities and finishing touches such as paint, lighting, flooring, and counters. In receiving the award, Dean deflected honor to the SCA. “It was the SCA who stood up and took a stand and agreed to be the people in charge of the Welcome Center project,” Dean stressed. He also thanked the SCA Community Chest for the generous funding given to the Mountain Goat Trail Alliance, pointing to the e-bikes the Sewanee Police recently began to use to patrol the trail.

The 2025-2026 Community Chest surpassed the $118,500 goal by $35. The expenses are $2,873, making the total to be raised at $121,408. This year’s fund drive is short by $2,838. Donations may be sent to Sewanee Community Chest, PO Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375, or via PayPal Giving <https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/119597>. In the last decade, the Community Chest brought in over $1.7 million for projects enhancing the quality of life in the Sewanee community.

The SCA budget increased next year’s operating expenses, which are slightly above anticipated revenue due to the addition of $1,600 to the 2026-2027 budget for Welcome Center supplies, incidental items such as toilet paper and cleaning products.

The membership approved the slate of officers for 2026-2027: Ben Trahan, president; Will Reynolds, vice president; Sarah Edmonds, secretary; Ben Austin, treasurer; Kate Reed and Laura Sonderman, members-at-large. Justin Closs will serve as Classifieds Administrator. Beavers will continue to serve as Sewanee Community Chest Administrator.