LAKEVILLE — The Lakeville Lions inducted their first female Club President late last month, marking a milestone for the 65-year-old organization.

Alanna Thompson, a Lakeville resident and Lakeville Lions member of five years, has become the first woman to hold the president position in the club’s history. The volunteer-run club organizes events and supports charities in their goals to strengthen and improve health in the community.

In 2018, the lions began admitting women in the club. Thompson joined the club in 2020, and was the second-ever female member, she said. Last month, she was inducted as the Club President, and is now in charge of organizing and leading the Lakeville Lions.

“I'm excited for this role. I think the club was built on a great group of guys, but in the past five years or so, more women have joined,” Thompson said. “I'm looking forward to continuing those traditions, especially when it comes to community service projects.”

“Also, we are going to keep an eye out for new members — other people who also want to serve their community,” she added.

After moving to Lakeville in 2019, Thompson said joining the club helped her feel a better sense of connection since many members are involved in local business and government.

The club, founded in 1959, works to fill gaps in need around topics like diabetes prevention, food insecurity and more. They offer CPR training classes, collect donations and host a variety of family-fun events for the community.

“Well, if we didn't do it and groups like ours didn't do it, then who would? There's definitely a need out there. This year, our club will reach a milestone where we've donated $100,000 to different charities,” Thompson said.

A new Club President is appointed every June, following a line of succession. Vice presidents are chosen by board members, and every year they move up a rung of vice-presidency until after their third year — they then become the president of the club.

“It's a milestone,” said Lakeville Lions Club board member and marketing chairperson Christopher Plonka, speaking on Thompson’s new role as president.

He said the achievements of the club are bolstered by the positive community feedback they receive from their work in Lakeville, and also, dedicated members like Thompson.

“The success of the club is primarily due to strong membership and community support. We're fortunate enough to have both those, and we worked hard to keep both of those,” Plonka said.