At the Latta Rotary Club regular meeting recently, Richard Maxie Gardner was honored as the Latta Rotary Club Citizen of the Year.
The award is presented annually to a person or organization who demonstrates exemplary service to the Latta community; most notably as Boy Scout Master where 14 of his boy scouts have attained Eagle Scout awards.

Gardner is well-known for his help with the Boys Scouts in Latta.
He started first helping with the cub scouts and in 2002, he became the Boy Scout leader for Troop 777. During his service, 14 boys received their Eagle Scout awards.
He has been a deacon at Catfish Creek Baptist Church. He also has been involved in the Old Timers Games to help raise money for the Alex Johnson and Lou and Seba Stoudenmire scholarships.