Francelle “Fran” Calkins, 77, had only 17 words to say as she accepted the Auburn Area Chamber of Commerce’s Citizen of the Year award during its annual banquet Thursday night at the Muckleshoot Casino.

“I am a crybaby, so it is hard for me to talk, but I really appreciate this,” said Calkins.

If she won’t say the words, it is still worthwhile recounting all Calkins has done in the Auburn community during the last 62 years, the lives she has touched, as a teacher, volunteer and friend.

Calkins was born in Mount Vernon, S.D., one of six sisters, five of whom became teachers. In 1944, she married Floyd “Tucker” Calkins, a highly decorated Air Force pilot during World War II. Two years later the couple moved to the city of Auburn, population 5,000. Floyd and Fran adopted two sons, John and Paul.

Calkins began teaching first grade and kindergarten in the original Washington Elementary School building in 1949. At that time, the city had one high school, one junior high school and two elementary schools, Washington and Terminal Park. She was the 100th teacher in the district.

Teaching was Calkins profession, but children and community service were her calling, her joy and her passion, Auburn City Councilwoman Lynn Norman said as she presented the award.

“Fran loves kids, loves people and loves Auburn. She has an appreciation of other cultures, and has spent her life supporting and advocating and becoming the American mom for visiting students,” Norman said.

Calkins started her service to the community decades ago by volunteering as a Brownie Troop leader and teaching Sunday school. She has served on the board of ACAP for five years and on the Chamber Awards Committee for several years. Calkins also has volunteered at the White River Valley Museum for more than 10 years and volunteers at the community supper at First United Methodist Church every Monday night.

Calkins’ work for Children’s Orthopedic Hospital and Medical Center always has been close to her heart. A long time member of the Dr. Frank D. Merritt Children’s Hospital Guild of Auburn, she was this past April named recipient of the Anna Clise award. In 1907, Clise founded the hospital after inviting 23 of her friends to join her in contributing $20 each to ensure that all kids would receive quality health care, regardless of a family’s resources. The Clise award is, therefore, presented to individual guild members who exemplify the highest standards in volunteerism, leadership, community involvement and commitment to the mission of Children’s Hospital.

“In the same spirit of Anna Clise, Fran proves the difference one individual can make,” Norman said. “How lucky we are to have Fran in our community, teaching children, helping people in need, and being a friend to us all. It is impossible to estimate how many lives she has touched.”

Also awarded Thursday: ambassador of the year, Dawn Heilbrun; Chamber member of the year; and business member of the year, Utility Vault.