Tuesday, October 7, 2025

And the Kingsport Kiwanis "Spirit of Kingsport" Award Goes To.......

 

                                                 

KINGSPORT — The 2025 Kiwanis Spirit of Kingsport Award has been awarded to Johnnie Mae Swagerty. This annual award is given to a non-Kiwanian who is actively involved in enhancing the quality of life in the Kingsport community.

Swagerty is the co-founder of New Vision Youth, which teaches and mentors youth about life skills, job preparation skills, and volunteering in the community.

Swagerty has served on many community boards and volunteered with many organizations that strive to improve the quality of life and safety of all residents in the community.

Swagerty was presented the award by Donna Sade, past president of the Kiwanis Club of Kingsport.  The award carries the inscription: A special person who goes about making Kingsport the best place to live, work and raise a family.

Previous Spirit of Kingsport honorees include Liza Harmon, 2016 (Meals on Wheels); Bonnie Booher, 2017 (Girls, Inc.); Mary Steadman, 2018 (Friends of Warriors Path), Bob Schrader 2019 (Boys & Girls Club); and Jeanette Blazier, 2023 (former mayor).

The Kiwanis Club is a community service club. Its purpose is to serve the children and youth of Kingsport. For more information visit www.kingsportkiwanis.org