Dr. Dan B. Cotner of Cape Girardeau has received the Service Above Self Award presented by Rotary International. The award is the highest honor provided to a Rotarian by the international service organization.

Cotner, a dentist and a 30-year member of the Cape Girardeau Rotary Club, is one of 144 Rotarians worldwide to receive the award, which recognizes individuals who embody, through their volunteer work, the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self."

A maximum of 150 awards are given annually among the more than 1.2 million Rotarians in 153 countries and 34 geographical regions.

Cotner is "Mr. Music" in Rotary District 6090. He has been counted on to play the piano at every district function for many years and is a member of the Fellowship of Rotary Musicians.

Cotner's musical talents haven't been limited to Rotary functions. He has been the accompanist for many high school musicals and civic affairs and is organist for his church. Through the years he has served as coordinator of the riverfront concert visits of the American Wind Symphony.

As a dentist in Cape Girardeau, Cotner has performed many volunteer services. He also participated in a number of church missions and Rotary visits.

He has served as a volunteer dentist in Guatemala, Mexico, the Philippines, Ecuador, Brazil, Pakistan and Hong Kong. Trips range from one to four weeks.