Conroe Noon Lions: Club wraps up 2025-26 year with gratitude, celebration and reflection

As we close the chapter on another Lions year, I’m reminded that our greatest accomplishments aren’t measured by the events we held or the funds we raised — they’re measured by the lives we touched and the friendships we strengthened along the way.

This week’s meeting was one of gratitude, celebration, and reflection as we looked back on another successful Lions year. Lion Tracey Irvine took the podium one final time as the 2025–2026 President of ‘the Greatest Lions Club’, warmly welcoming our Community Partners, members, and guests to our annual Community Partner Appreciation Day. The gathering provided an opportunity to recognize the organizations and individuals whose support and collaboration have helped make our service to the community possible throughout the year.

First Vice President Sharene Carr recognized each of our valued Community Partners, expressing the club’s appreciation for their continued support and commitment to serving others. Next, Second Vice President Andrew Perry highlighted the incredible impact these partnerships have made possible.

Andrew shared, “Here at Conroe Noon, we are a local club with an international impact, supporting all eight of Lions International’s global causes: Vision, Childhood Cancer, Disaster Relief, Environment, Humanitarian Relief, Hunger, Diabetes, and Youth — plus a ninth because that is especially important to our club: Mental Health.” Thanks to the dedication of our members and the generosity of our Community Partners, the Conroe Noon Lions Club was able to make a difference both locally and around the world this past year, working together to leave our communities better than we found them.

One of the most heartfelt moments of the afternoon was presenting the parents of our Hometown Military Hero, Kailyn Harrison, with a custom-made flag in honor of her service and sacrifice. We were also deeply touched by a special video message from Kailyn, who is currently serving overseas. To the Harrison family, thank you for your unwavering support and sacrifice for our country. We eagerly look forward to welcoming Kailyn to a future meeting when she returns home safely.

We were then honored to hear from Russell Ybarra, CEO and Founder of Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen, whose inspiring message centered on the importance of serving others, giving back to the community, and embracing failure as one of life’s greatest teachers. When Lion Warner Phelps asked, “What do you want to be remembered for?” His heartfelt response was simple yet powerful: “For having the opportunity to live and change lives for the better.”

As I looked around the room filled with community leaders, business owners, Community Partners, and fellow Lions, I found myself reflecting once again on my “why.” Why am I a Lion? The answer is simple. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without those who invested in me, believed in me, and made a difference in my life. Being a Lion gives me the opportunity to pay that kindness forward—serving others, strengthen my community, and leaving it better than I found it. To me, that’s what being a Lion is all about.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, we invite you to learn more about the Conroe Noon Lions Club. Reach out to our club office or join us at one of our Wednesday meetings to experience firsthand what we’re all about. We’d love the opportunity to welcome you and show you how, together, we can make a difference.

The Conroe Noon Lions Club meets on Wednesdays, at noon, at the Lone Star Convention Center.  For more information about the Conroe Noon Lions Club, please visit our website, www.conroenoonlions.org, or call the club office at 936-760-1666.