ONE of Taunton Rotary Club’s most dedicated members has been surprised with a top award.

Wellington-born Tracey Khodabandehloo was presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship, in recognition of many years of voluntary public service during the charity’s March business meeting.

Daughter of well-known local couple Graham and Pat Sprague, Tracey was the headteacher of Queen’s College Junior School, Pre-Prep and Nursery in Taunton for over ten years.

Before that, her first headship was at Trull CofE School, which she joined in 1995 and then Bishop Henderson CofE School in Taunton where she had been head since 2003.

Following early retirement from the school in 2020, Tracey has continued to give generously of her time, skills and leadership to the sector.

Her voluntary service has embraced school governorships and chairing the Bath and Wells Diocesan Education Board.

Tracey’s cheerful approach to the care of older people in her community has been greatly appreciated by those she has accompanied through periods of serious illness, offering practical support during times of crisis, and continued through bereavement and beyond.

In parallel with these extensive commitments, Tracey has made an outstanding contribution to the Rotary movement.

Adrian Prior-Sankey, club president, said: “The Paul Harris Fellowship is only given for exceptional service given over many years. Tracey’s sustained, selfless service to education, the community and Rotary make her a most deserving recipient of a Paul Harris Fellowship.”

A member of Taunton Rotary Club since 2011, she has served in several senior roles and, most recently, has guided the Club with sensitivity and determination through one of the most challenging periods in its 103-year history.

She is innovative in her approach, represents the club with diligence and integrity, provides valued pastoral support to fellow Rotarians, embraces responsibility for Rotary’s charitable funding, and takes a particular interest in youth initiatives.