SEARCY — The Searcy Lions Club named Henry North Lion of the Year in June.
North, who is an assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences at Harding University and president of the Searcy Lions Club, said the award is an outstanding honor.
“I have enjoyed being a member since I joined the Searcy Lions Club in 2013. The benefits of being a member include sharing in the wisdom of several current and former professors, including Clifton Ganus, the third president of Harding University; Cheri Pierson-Yecke, a former assistant provost; and Julie Hixson-Wallace, current assistant provost and a former dean of the College of Pharmacy,” he said.
North said Lindsay Elliott, a former professor at Harding University, initially brought the club to his attention.
“[She] discussed with me the benefits of working on projects designed to prevent blindness, restore eyesight and improve eye health and eye care for people in central Arkansas. I learned a lot from her leadership as vice president, then president,” he said.
The Searcy Lions Club has been providing eye care and vision screenings to Searcy and surrounding areas since 1947, he said.
The club also takes part in omelet suppers, auctions and other community fundraising efforts throughout the year, North added.
“Recently, I was able to crack 90 dozen eggs with Lion Alan Edwards and his wife to prepare for our omelet supper, and keep up with Bob Simpson during the event,” North said.
He said Lions Clubs International is celebrating 100 years of service, and the Searcy club is celebrating by continuing to assist members of the community.
The club will work to provide eye care at Unity Health’s 21st annual A Day of Caring on Saturday, he said.
The club will also host the 57th annual Searcy Lions Club Auction on Aug. 21-25.
“All money raised goes toward eye care for those who otherwise can’t afford it,” North said. “Last year, we provided approximately $8,000 in eye exams and glasses, helping more than 100 people in the Searcy area.”
North said the main mission of the club is “to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions Clubs.”
Ganus and Letain DeVore are two club members North said he admires.
“Both are amazing leaders in Searcy and can tell amazing stories about life and leadership,” North said.
North said he admires Ganus for his long-term commitment to the club.
“He joined the Searcy Lions Club shortly after it was founded,” North said. “Ganus is an amazing leader with a positive attitude and can keep the audience intrigued when telling a story.”
DeVore is admirable for her leadership and business skills, North said.
Julie Hixson-Wallace, a former dean of the College of Pharmacy at Harding University, described North as humble.
“He is a quiet individual who leads by example. He doesn’t say much, but his dedication to community service is very clear in his actions,” she said.
Hixson-Wallace is currently vice provost for Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness at Harding University, as well as the treasurer of the Searcy Lions Club.
She was president of the club from 2013 to 2014.
“[Henry] doesn’t feel the need to toot his own horn,” she said. “Rather, he asks questions, seeks solutions and gets things done, all without much ado.”
North stepped up and took over for the 2016-17 president, who unexpectedly stepped down, Hixson-Wallace said.
She said North never complained or hesitated to jump at the opportunity.
He quietly acquiesced and took up the work, she said.
“Henry always steps up to the plate, often behind the scenes, and gets the job done. There is no drama or fanfare, just calm service and leadership,” she said.
Staff writer Kayla Baugh can be reached at (501) 244-4307 or kbaugh@arkansasonline.com.