Lancaster-Sherman Rotary Names Founding Member, Jerry Stebelton, Rotarian of the Year
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 26, 2026
Lancaster-Sherman Rotary Names Founding Member, Jerry Stebelton, Rotarian of the Year
[Lancaster, Ohio] –The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Sherman today announced Rotarian of the Year, Gerald L. (Jerry) Stebelton, for the 2025-2026 rotary year. A founding member of the club in 1986, Jerry has remained an instrumental leader within the service organization and across the community in many civic, congressional, and education related disciplines.
Graduating from Lancaster High School in 1957, Jerry was inducted into the alumni hall of fame for exemplary service within Fairfield County and during his four-year term in the Ohio House of Representatives, District 77. With a merited interest in advancing educational policies, Jerry devoted his time to the House Education Committee where he instituted the passage of HB 96, classifying dyslexia as a learning disability, and assisted with the passage of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, which extends literacy development and intervention for students between kindergarten and third grade.
Jerry remained active in legislative affairs, serving on Lancaster City Council and as vice chairman on the Fairfield County Republican Executive Committee. As a graduate from The Ohio State University and earning his Juris Doctor degree from Capital University Law School, Jerry established Stebelton, Acton & Co. LPA in 1978. Located in downtown Lancaster, the firm remains active nearly 50 years after its founding.
His involvement spanned several committees, organizations, boards, and local initiatives over his lifetime, contributing to a distinguished legacy. Receiving awards from both the Fairfield County and Ohio State Bar Associations, he earned membership into Primerus, a highly selective international society of lawyers. Jerry is also an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Lancaster, previously serving as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and lending his expertise to stewardship campaigns.
Lancaster-Sherman co-presidents Christa Moody and Devon Naim, along with several members of the club, presented the award to Jerry for his outstanding achievements.
“Jerry is a remarkable leader, friend, and community advocate who is truly deserving of this recognition,” said Christa Moody and Devon Naim. “His countless accomplishments are all in service to others, which embodies the core meaning of a rotarian. We are honored to celebrate his legacy in Fairfield County with this award.”
The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Sherman is part of Rotary International, the world’s first service club organization, with a mission to promote Service Above Self. With a global network of 1.4 million members and more than 45,000 clubs, Rotary International tackles critical issues from global challenges to local needs. The Rotary Club of Lancaster-Sherman advances Lancaster through community improvement projects, as well as partnering with local organizations such as The Lighthouse, Big Brothers/Big Sisters,
Destination Downtown Lancaster, and more.
Pictured: Gerald L. (Jerry) Stebelton
