The Cape Girardeau Rotary Club last week paid tribute to a longtime Cape Girardeau resident, John L. Blue, during a banquet named in his honor.

The John L. Blue Academic Excellence Banquet sponsored by the club honored the top 10 percent of the city's graduating high school students. Blue, a former president of the club, and his wife, Mary, are both Paul Harris Fellows, representing a significant dedication to Rotary International and its ideals.

He has been a member of the Rotary club for 50 years and started the academic banquet 40 years ago as a way to honor the city's young people who achieve academic excellence.

Blue worked for the Southeast Missourian for 40 years and was its editor for 19 before retiring in 1980.

He has contributed much to Rotary, the community and region. He certainly is deserving of praise for his efforts.