Tallahassee Honors Seniors at 23rd Silver Stars Gala

News Summary

The 23rd annual Silver Stars Gala in Tallahassee celebrated eight distinguished seniors for their impactful contributions to the community. Mayor John Dailey recognized the honorees, ages 60 and older, for their exceptional service and active lifestyles. The event, attended by over 350 people, aimed to highlight the importance of senior engagement and support for aging residents through city initiatives.

Tallahassee held its 23rd annual Silver Stars Gala on May 8 at the Dunlap Champions Club, honoring eight exceptional seniors for their significant contributions to the community. The event, which attracted over 350 attendees, celebrated individuals aged 60 and older who have exemplified an active lifestyle, a positive outlook, and a commitment to serving others.

The honorees were notably recognized by Mayor John Dailey, who praised their extraordinary impact as what he described as “exceptional servant leaders.” The recognition of these outstanding seniors aligns with the City of Tallahassee Senior Services’ mission to promote active aging and highlight the invaluable contributions seniors make to their communities.

Recognized Senior Achievements

This year’s Silver Star Award recipients exhibited remarkable achievements and dedication to their respective fields. Below are the awardees and some details of their notable contributions:

• The Honorable Augustus D. Aikens Jr. (75): A retired Leon County judge known for a 27-year tenure, Aikens inspired his legal career at the young age of 10 after watching “Perry Mason.” In 2024, the Leon County Courthouse was named in his honor.
• Dr. Ken Boutwell (86): Hailing from a dairy farm in Mississippi, Boutwell made significant contributions to education administration and was instrumental in founding Capital Health Plan. He has authored two books addressing themes of faith and compassion in the context of racism.
• Dr. Joel Dawson (86): As a lifelong educator, Dawson served as the first principal of SAIL High School, where he worked diligently to improve educational standards and continued his volunteer efforts after retirement.
• Margaret Lynn Duggar (80): Duggar was the first executive director of the Senior Society Planning Council and served as Florida’s State Director on Aging. She created a geriatric curriculum for FSU’s College of Medicine and runs her own business while emphasizing the importance of social engagement.
• Mary Randle Johnson (77): A dedicated volunteer at the Tallahassee Senior Center, Johnson has been instrumental in enhancing senior programming, beginning her community involvement with the Woodville Lunch & Learns.
• Gracie Leland (78): A lifelong resident of the Miccosukee Community, Leland is an advocate for her community, engaging in a variety of senior programs and focusing on innovation and learning from experiences.
• William “Bill” McKeown (87): After a career in a loving multigenerational household, McKeown took up art classes in retirement and has actively participated in art competitions, gaining recognition for his work.
• John Schmidt (88): A military veteran, Schmidt moved to Tallahassee to help raise his grandchild. He is involved in multiple activities at the Senior Center, highlighting the significance of building friendships.

Supporting Senior Services

The Silver Stars Gala is part of a broader initiative by the City of Tallahassee’s Senior Services, which is part of the Parks, Recreation, and Neighborhood Affairs Department. The organization offers award-winning programs catered to seniors and is currently in the process of constructing a second location aimed at further supporting aging residents.

The gala serves as not only a celebration of the honorees but also a platform for promoting the active aging movement. Participation in such community initiatives emphasizes the importance of recognizing the contributions of older adults within society.

For further stories and highlights from the event, additional information can be found on dedicated city resources that document the gala’s success and honor its participants. The event was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Tallahassee Senior Center & Foundation, along with sponsors such as Capital Health Plan.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee’s 8 Silver Stars Radiate Positivity, Wisdom, and Service
• Tallahassee Senior Center Celebrates 8 Super Citizens with Gala
• Tallahassee Senior Center to Honor Seniors at Silver Star Gala
• Wikipedia: Aging
• Positive Outlook Shapes Lives of Silver Stars
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Community

Author: HERE Tallahassee