Rodney Utley - 2023 Lion of the Year

### Rodney Utley: Driving Innovation and Community Spirit at the Corn Festival

Since joining the Morganfield Lions Club in 2018, **Rodney Utley** has been a dedicated volunteer, contributing countless hours to the success of major Corn Festival projects. His passion for community service and his drive for innovation have made a lasting impact on both the festival and the region.

In 2023, Rodney played a pivotal role in introducing the popular **Half-Pot Raffle**, a new festival feature that generated thousands of dollars for the club and community. By leveraging his relationships with state gaming officials and navigating complex regulations, he helped turn this idea into a huge success.

Looking ahead, Rodney continues to shape the future of the Corn Festival. In 2024, he proposed two exciting new additions that promise to benefit the event for years to come. Thanks to his persistent advocacy, the Lions Club invested in a custom-designed **24-foot trailer** wrapped with the Morganfield Lions Club logo, proudly promoting the club's motto, **"We Serve."**

But Rodney didn’t stop there. He also secured partnerships to donate time and resources toward purchasing two new **Go Carts**. These Go Carts will feature a custom-built corn shell body, crafted by **Kentucky Customs and Upfitting**, adding a fresh, fun element to the festival’s beloved parade. The **"CornMobile Go Carts"** are sure to capture the crowd’s imagination and bring added excitement to the festivities.

Rodney's vision and dedication are ensuring the Corn Festival remains a cherished event for generations to come. ---

Civic Organizations, Businesses and Individuals

Rodney Utley and the Morganfield Lions Club appreciates and commends the contributions of Jim McElroy, a local farm owner, the Kentucky Corn Growers Association and Kentucky Customs and Upfitting that donated time and other resources to the constrution of two custom designed CornMobiles.

Jim McElroy - Local member of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association

Jim put Rodney in touch with Laura Kroft at their national office in Louisville. Laura assisted in getting the Kentucky Corn Growers Association to cover the cost of purchasing the Go Carts.

Kentucky Corn Growers Association

The Kentucky Corn Growers Association donated the two CornMobile Go Carts to the Morganfield Lions Club.

Kentucky Kustoms

Kentucky Kustoms is located in Whispering Meadows. Ronnie and Linda Cornwell donated time to the design and construction of the Go Cart bodies for the CornMobiles for use by the Morganfield Lions Club in their fund raising efforts.

Sign Design

Sign Design

Sign Design specializes in vehicle graphics and wraps, as well as a full line of signage options. Rodney worked with them on the design and production of the wraps you see on the Morganfield Lions Club Trailer and the CornMobile Go Carts.

Distinguished Young Women

HOSA - Future Health Professionals

Joanna House

Kiera Holmes
Teagan Howard
Eva Powell
Alyrial Harris
Brialy Jackson
Mariah Derrington
Lily Jenkins
Jacelyn Smith
Saidee Vos

Tri-County Special Olympics

Angie Lovell

3-4 Volunteers

Jeremy May

Jeremy May

11-12 Volunteers