Rotarian of the Year

          Ken Esten Cooke is the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg’s Rotarian of the Year for 2026.

 

          Ken was President of the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg in 2024-25.  He was one of  the organizers and chairs of the Club’s Craft Beer Festival organizing committee for the past five years, and devoted many hours to ensuring that the festival’s events were conducted successfully.  He has been a stalwart supporter of numerous Rotary Club of Fredericksburg local and international projects and activities. 

 

          Ken is a third-generation Rotarian.  His grandfather was a founding member of the Rockdale, TX Rotary Club.  He is also a fourth-generation newspaper editor and publisher.  From 2012 until earlier this year, Ken was editor and publisher of  Fredericksburg’s weekly newspaper, the Fredericksburg Standard/Radio Post. 

 

          At its June 29 installation banquet, the Rotary Club of Fredericksburg recognized and celebrated Ken Esten Cooke, our newest Rotarian of the Year.

 

          Pictured left to right below are Hattie Heiner, incoming Rotary Club of Fredericksburg President, Debbie Reeh and Debbie Sultemeier, who introduced Ken, Ken Esten Cooke, and Jim Franer, outgoing Rotary Club of Fredericksburg President.