A special perk of an awards banquet is the element of surprise.
And none was caught more off guard Friday night than former Iola Mayor John McRae who was honored with a Lifetime Service Award at Thrive Allen Countys annual banquet.
McRaes duties as mayor for 12 years, president of Rotary, Iolas Chamber of Commerce, Iola Industries, chairman of Tri-Valley Development Services, trustee of the former Iola Bank and Trust, and a founding member of Thrive have all contributed to leading the county in a positive direction and making it a hub of commerce and industry, according to Allie Utley, an Iola High School student with the responsibility of introducing McRae.
