Kiwanis International is a global service organization dedicated to improving the world one child and on community at a time. It’s a network of clubs and members who volunteer their time and resources to support children and communities in need, focusing on areas like health, education, and youth leadership.
Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures (www.capitolcommissionlouisiana.org). Michael is engaged in relational outreach and discipleship, teaching, coaching, writing and speaking. He serves as a “non-political” friend to people in the halls of leadership. He loves to help people get to know the Jesus of the Scriptures.
Mike Cooper is a life-long resident of St. Tammany Parish. Upon graduating from St. Paul’s School, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in City and Regional Planning from the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette. Following in his father’s footsteps who served as Mayor of Covington for 24 years, Mike was elected Mayor of the City of Covington in 2011. He takes great pride in the work he did to benefit and serve the citizens of Covington. He served two terms before being elected to his current post as St. Tammany Parish President.
John Botsford represents the Councilman At Large seat on the Covington City Council and serves as it’s Vice President. He works in downtown Covington as Deputy Director of the Maritime Pilots Institute, a membership-based organization that offers world-class training, education and services to the professional maritime pilotage community. After serving in the Navy from 1985 until 1993, John attended Mesa Community College in San Diego, California while earning a Journeyman Carpenter Degree from Associated General Contractors. Today, he continues to be a dedicated volunteer in the Covington Community and advocate for Hope House.
Michael G. Beer is currently the Scout Executive for the Istrouma Area Boy Scout Council (Louisiana). Mike began his Scouting career in 2002 as a District Executive at the Central Florida Council in Orlando, FL. He moved on to become the Assistant Scout Executive at the Flint River Council in Griffin, GA, and Scout Executive at the Calcasieu Area Council in Lake Charles, LA.
Mike is an Eagle Scout and brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow, who enjoys Golf, Sporting Clays, and time with his family. Mike and his wife, Terri Lynn, have four children. Trinity is an Eagle Scout and Vigil Member, Jonathan and Mikey are both Life Scouts finishing up their projects, and Cassidy is a Star Scout.
Joey Loves The Y: “The Y provided opportunity and guidance in my early years. Now, I love helping, supporting, and guiding others.” Joey is willing to be the change he wishes to see in this world. The YMCA has provided me a stage that brings about positive action for the benefits of our youth, our neighbors, and our community. My goal is to utilize every facet of the Y to bring happiness, hope, and honor to those who deserve it, as well as those that need it.
Troy Duhon is the founder of Premier Automotive Group and co-founder of Giving Hope New Orleans. His success in the automotive industry isn’t just about selling cars—it’s about making an impact. Duhon has built a legacy that extends far beyond the dealership lot. Duhon owns thirty-nine dealerships, and every car sold contributes to Giving Hope, his foundation that operates food banks in multiple cities, including New Orleans, Kansas City, and Monterey, California. The organization feeds approximately 10,000 people daily and has expanded its efforts to build orphanages worldwide, with financial backing from industry partners like Capital One, Petro Oil, and Cox Automotive.
Kiwanis’s core mission is to serve children and improve their lives, addressing issues like poverty, health disparities, and lack of opportunities.
Kiwanis International has clubs in over 80 nations and geographic areas, with millions of members worldwide.
Kiwanis clubs are active in their communities, organizing service projects, fundraising, and other initiatives that benefit children and families.
Kiwanis also supports various service leadership programs for youth, including K-Kids (elementary), Builders Clubs (middle school), Key Clubs (high school), and Circle K (college).
