GREENEVILLE, Tenn. – The Exchange Club of Greeneville presented its Book of Golden Deeds Award to longtime member and community volunteer Paige Mengel during the club’s final meeting on June 23, 2026.
The Book of Golden Deeds Award is the National Exchange Club’s longest-running project, first presented by the Huntington, Indiana, Exchange Club in 1919. The award recognizes dedicated volunteers who give countless hours of their time and talents to make their communities better places to live. The Greeneville Exchange Club presented its first Book of Golden Deeds Award in 1966.
“This award honors individuals who have given unselfishly for the betterment of their friends and neighbors without seeking acclaim or recognition,” said longtime Exchange member Bill Onkst.
A native of Greene County, Mengel has lived and worked in the community throughout her life. Her record of service spans decades and reflects a deep commitment to civic engagement, community improvement, and the arts.
Within Exchange, Mengel served as club president twice, district director for several years, and district president. She played a key role in numerous club projects, including the Healing Field, Field Day, Exchange Extravaganza, and the annual Field of Honor display at Veterans Memorial Park.
Beyond Exchange, Mengel has served as treasurer of the Greene County Makers, served on the boards of United Way of Greene County and Main Street: Greeneville, written columns for The Greeneville Sun, and established herself as a published author. She currently serves on the Greeneville Parking Authority and the Municipal Planning Commission.
Mengel is a graduate of Greeneville High School and Tusculum University and serves as the executive director of the Greeneville Theatre Guild.
The Greeneville Theatre Guild serves as Greeneville’s community theater organization, providing theatrical productions that entertain, educate, and enrich audiences throughout the region. Under Mengel’s leadership, the organization has contributed significantly to the cultural life of Greene County while creating opportunities for local performers and volunteers.
The Exchange Club of Greeneville expressed its gratitude for Mengel’s years of leadership and service, noting that her volunteer spirit embodies the ideals represented by the Book of Golden Deeds Award.
“Paige has consistently demonstrated the values of service, leadership, and community involvement that Exchange seeks to promote,” Onkst said. “Her dedication has made a lasting impact on Greeneville and Greene County.”
The award marks the culmination of decades of service to the community through civic engagement, volunteerism, the arts, and leadership. Through her work with Exchange, the Greeneville Theatre Guild, and numerous community organizations, Mengel has helped enrich the lives of countless residents and exemplifies the spirit of the Book of Golden Deeds Award.
