Small Community, Big Accomplishments: Barren Springs Ruritan Club Earns Five Gold Awards

Club celebrates outstanding achievements at New River District Convention as founder and president is named District Ruritan of the Year

BARREN SPRINGS, VA — What began as a vision to bring neighbors together and make a difference has grown into an award-winning community service organization.

The Barren Springs Community Ruritan Club proudly celebrated a remarkable achievement on November 7, 2026, when it received five Gold Honor Awards from Ruritan National during the New River District Convention held in White Gate, Virginia.

Chartered on April 4, 2024, the club has spent just over two and a half years building relationships, supporting local families, organizing community activities, and demonstrating what can happen when people work together for a common purpose.

The club received Gold Honor Awards in all five community service categories:

• Environment
• Community Engagement
• Citizenship & Patriotism
• Public Service
• Social Development

These awards recognize outstanding and meritorious community service and represent a significant milestone for the growing organization.

A Vision Built on Community Service

The Barren Springs Community Ruritan Club was founded by Dreama Johnston, who believed that her community deserved an organization dedicated to bringing people together, supporting those in need, and creating opportunities for neighbors to help neighbors.

Since its beginning, the club has worked to turn that vision into action.

Through community meals, holiday celebrations, school supply collections, charitable projects, a community Blessing Box, and the establishment of its first scholarship, the club has continued finding ways to give back.

While these activities may seem small individually, together they represent something much greater: a community that cares about its people.

“From the very beginning, I believed in what this club could become,” Johnston said. “I knew we had people in our community who cared and wanted to make a difference. We didn’t start this club to win awards. We started it because our community matters.”

Leadership Recognized at District Convention

The celebration became even more memorable when Johnston, the club’s founder and president, was named New River District Ruritan of the Year in recognition of her leadership, dedication, and service.

Johnston was also sworn in as the incoming Governor of New River District #34. She will officially assume her responsibilities in January 2027.

For Johnston, these honors carry a special meaning, but she remains focused on the people and communities she serves.

“Being recognized is an incredible honor, and I am truly grateful. But I have always believed that leadership is not about a title or an award. It is about showing up, keeping your promises, helping others, and being willing to do the work.”

Giving Credit Where It Belongs

Johnston emphasized that the club’s achievements would not have been possible without the members, volunteers, local churches, businesses, and community supporters who have contributed their time, resources, and encouragement.

“These five Gold Awards belong to our club and our community. Every volunteer hour, every donation, every meal served, and every act of kindness has helped us reach this milestone. I am so proud of what we have accomplished together.”

She also acknowledged that maintaining an active community service organization takes dedication, especially as volunteers balance work, family responsibilities, and personal challenges.

“Not everyone can do everything, but everyone has something they can contribute. Sometimes all it takes is one person willing to step forward and make a difference.”

Looking Toward the Future

Although the club has received significant recognition, its leadership has no intention of slowing down.

Plans for the future include expanding membership, encouraging younger generations to become involved, continuing charitable projects, and strengthening the club’s presence throughout the Barren Springs community.

Johnston hopes the club’s achievements will inspire others to discover the rewards of volunteering.

“We have accomplished a lot in a short time, but there is still so much more we want to do. I want to see this club continue growing and serving our community for generations to come.”

The Barren Springs Community Ruritan Club meets on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. and welcomes individuals interested in community service, fellowship, and making a positive difference.

A Community Worth Celebrating

Five Gold Awards, district-level recognition, and a new chapter of leadership are certainly reasons to celebrate.

But beyond the certificates and honors is a much more important story: ordinary people coming together to accomplish extraordinary things.

For the Barren Springs Community Ruritan Club, the mission remains simple.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors.

And as Johnston proudly reminds her fellow members:

“We may be a small club in a small community, but together, we can make a mighty big difference.”