Cruising into service: Pilot Club of Gonzales installs 2025–2026 officers

The Pilot Club of Gonzales hosted its annual officer installation on Monday, June 23, at Come and Crepe It, with members and guests gathering to celebrate a new year of leadership, service, and tradition. The club extends its sincere appreciation to Come and Crepe It for their generosity in hosting the event.

Special guest Julie Fallin, incoming governor of the Texas District of Pilot International, served as installing officer and led the ceremony with enthusiasm and warmth as the new officers and coordinators were formally installed for the 2025–2026 club year.

Lorrell Wright was installed as President, joined by Cheryl Atkinson as President-Elect and Anchor Club Coordinator, Jan Wurz as Secretary, Kulah Grant as Treasurer, and Directors Megan Perkins, Martha Jimenez, and Nancy Logan. Linda Vaclavik will serve as Fundraising Coordinator, Karen Phillips as Projects Coordinator, and Scottie Beth Baker as Membership Coordinator.

This year holds special meaning as Lorrell Wright brings a legacy of Pilot service spanning four generations. She follows in the footsteps of her great-grandmother Hazel Wright and grandmother Sheila Wright, both charter members of the Pilot Club of Gonzales. Sheila also served as a past president, as did Lorrell’s mother, Melanie Wright, and aunt, Megan Perkins.

“It means more to me than I can put into words to serve as President for the 2025–2026 club year,” Wright shared. “I grew up hearing and seeing the legacy of the Pilots who came before me. I worked my first fundraiser at 11 months old in the drink booth at Come and Take It on my mom’s hip. I’ve been going to projects, fall councils, and conventions ever since.”

She reflected on watching her mother serve as club president in 2004–2005, often sitting quietly in meeting rooms, pretending to do homework while absorbing every word. “Meeting Pilots from across the state and country and seeing the difference they make inspired me. I’ve always tried to live by our motto — Do More, Care More, Be More — and lead through the Pilot principles of friendship and service.”

Wright’s theme for the year, “Back to Basics,” emphasizes reconnecting with Pilot’s core mission — serving the community through meaningful projects and intentional leadership. The club’s focus will remain on strengthening local impact while upholding the values of Pilot International.

The next fundraiser for the club will be a Bunco event on Sunday, July 13 at 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge. Tickets are still available, and the community is invited to attend for an afternoon of games, prizes, and fellowship, all benefiting the club’s service efforts.

The Pilot Club of Gonzales is part of Pilot International, a global organization founded in 1921, focused on preparing youth for service, encouraging brain safety and health, and supporting those who care for others.

For more information or to get involved, follow the Pilot Club of Gonzales on social media or reach out to them at gonzalespilot@gmail.com.