The Suffolk Rotary Club will present the annual First Citizen award to Del. S. Chris Jones on April 30 at the Suffolk Center for Cultural Arts.

The First Citizen award goes each year to a person who has gone above and beyond the call of duty to give back to the city of Suffolk. Former winners include Betsy Brothers, Ross Boone, Whitney Saunders and Curtis Milteer.

Jones represents the 76th district in the Virginia House of Delegates, and was mayor for the city of Suffolk from 1992 to 1996. He also is a pharmacist at Bennett’s Creek Pharmacy in North Suffolk. Jones should consider himself amongst some of Suffolk’s finest after receiving the news that he was the Suffolk’s Rotary Club’s choice for the First Citizen Award.

The award acknowledges one citizen in the community each year for their past involvements towards the betterment of Suffolk. The award doesn’t recognize people based on their earnings, prestige or heritage. Rather the distinction is based on their investment in the community they love so dearly.

Jones fits the mold for the honor when one considers what he has done to help Suffolk flourish while simultaneously boasting its proud history. Congratulations to Jones for earning the prestigious award of First Citizen. Suffolk is a better place because he has been part of it.