The Zachary Rotary Club named Laura Steen as the Zachary Citizen of the Year for 2012.

Steen, who is married to Will Steen, was overcome with disbelief and emotion last Thursday, Oct. 4, as Zachary Rotary Club President Mark Marionneaux surprised her with the announcment at the Bank of Zachary, where both are employed.

Steen will be honored Thursday, Oct. 18, at the Zachary Chamber of Commerce Banquet and Business Awards ceremony where she will receive her award.

The Zachary Rotary Club has named a Zachary Citizen of the Year for the past 27 years.

Nominees should be a resident or citizen of the Zachary community who exhibits several characteristics.

They must be a:

•Citizen whose life is consistent with the philosophy of Rotary: Service above Self

•Citizen who volunteers and is active in the community and with civic organizations

•Citizen who as contributed to the community on a consistent basis

•Citizen who has touched the lives of other residents

•Citizen who may have represented Zachary or the interests of Zachary on a state or national level

•Citizen who has made contributions to the community above and beyond the scope of his or her job or position

•Citizen who displays traits of leadership, compassion, strong moral character and a desire to make Zachary a better place to live

Last year's co-recipients of the Zachary Citizen of the Year Award were Ed Canning and Harry Morris, both of whom are Zachary Rotarians.