The Andalusia Rotary Club on Tuesday honored

Cara Beste Russell with its 2017 Spirit of Andalusia winner, and named her a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow.

Rotary Foundation Board president David Darby said the selection committee tries each year to recognize someone who quietly serve the community.

“If you look around Andalusia at organizations that touch the lives of young people, you will likely find Cara,” he said. “And if you ask anyone who has worked with her, they will tell you she always goes to the Nth degree to make sure things are done correctly.”

At present, Russell serves as the treasurer for the Andalusia High School Band Boosters. She recently was appointed to the Andalusia High School Scholarship Foundation, and serves on its scholarship committee. She also serves on the advisory board of Sub Deb, and is a member of the Little Lambs Consignment Sale Council.

In the past, she has served in leadership roles for the Andalusia Middle School PTO; Andalusia Elementary PTO; LBW Community College Foundation; Andalusia Junior Woman’s Club; and Andalusia Health Services scholarship committee.

Cara is the corporate vice president and office manager of Walker Electric. She and her husband, Monty, are the parents of two children, Carter and Michaelyn.

The club also recognized outgoing President Ron Graham with a Paul Harris Fellow award.

Graham is the director of power supply at PowerSouth Energy Cooperative, where has worked since earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering 27 years ago.

Graham is a former college baseball player who has spent many hours coaching Little League and Babe Ruth teams. He also has served as president and vice president of the Andalusia Youth Football League.

He and his wife, Carolyn, have two children, Ross and Riley.