State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) received a surprise at lunch Thursday when she attended a regular Deerfield Rotary meeting.

As Garrett approaches retirement in January after serving 14 years in the Illinois General Assembly, Rotary surprised the Deerfield native by naming her a Paul Harris Fellow, one of the highest honors the organization can bestow, according to Rotarian Bob Rosenbacher.

“A world of peace and good will comes closer to reality today as Susan Garrett becomes a Paul Harris Fellow,” Rotarian and Deerfield Village Trustee Barbara Struthers said presenting the award.

Harris was one of the founders of Rotary and the Rotary Foundation. He helped instill the values of selflessness into the organization. Struthers explained Garrett has lived those values during her time in Springfield.

“You have dedicated yourself to service above self for many years and you exemplify the values of Rotary,” Struthers said.

Garrett, who often talks to the group to offer a legislative update, did not expect the award. “I was really surprised to be a Paul Harris Fellow,” she said. “I will continue to appreciate all the good things Deerfield Rotary does for so many people.”