(Elkhart Rotary Club Scholarship Committee Members Howard Edwards, Stephen Bowers, and President Andrew Harman present a scholarship check to Declan Millslagle and his parents)
This was a very special day at the Elkhart Rotary Club. We enjoyed three mini-programs that welcomed members of Rotary's Interact Club, RYLA, and awarded the Elkhart Rotary Club Scholarship to a deserving student. Thanks to all who attended to show their support for these high quality youth in our community and sharing the Rotary experience with a younger generation.
(Judge Stephen Bowers introduces scholarship recipient Declan Millslagle)
The mini programs began with the Elkhart Rotary Club Scholarship Committee and a welcome by John Hill, who introduced Judge Steven Bowers, formerly of the Elkhart Morning Rotary Club, who'd originally established the scholarship years ago. Several former members of the Elkhart Morning Club were in attendance to support the continuation of this award. The committee is now Chaired by member Tom Neat. Judge Bowers introduced this years winner, Declan Millslagle, who was joined by his parents. Declan shared a few minutes from the podium, describing his intentions to attend Purdue University in the fall to pursue an engineering degree. Best wishes to you, Declan, the Elkhart Rotary Club is proud to support your efforts through this scholarship.
To support and donate to the Elkhart Rotary Club Scholarship fund held in endowment at the Community Foundation of Elkhart County, visit: https://www.inspiringgood.org/give-online/ select the fund 'Elkhart Rotary Club Scholarship' to make your tax-deductible gift that will continue to serve our community—and beyond—for generations to come.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections. This year, the Elkhart Rotary Club sponsored one student, Ashley Davis, a Junior at Elkhart High School, to attend RYLA. Ashley joined us to share her experience.
The final mini program featured the Elkhart High School Interact Club. Elkhart Rotary Club's Interact Club Chair Paul Decker introduced Brandi Millslagle and Mary Kuehne, who are the Interact Club liaisons this year and Honorary Rotarians.
Brandi and Mary described the programs the students have participated in this year and introduced the group.Interact participants take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self.
What are the benefits?
- Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
- Take action to make a difference in your school and community
- Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
- Become a leader in your school and community
- Have fun and make new friends from around the world
What’s involved?
Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills. Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:
Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills. Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:
- World Interact Week
- Interact Video Awards
- Rotary Youth Day at the United Nations
- Global Youth Service Day
The Elkhart High School Interact Club presented their Annual Service Trip to Costa Rica in which they work at a local library, do service projects, and experience the culture of the area. Check out this video link the students put together about their trip
Each student introduced themself and shared a little about what they liked about their trip to Costa Rica. All of the trip participants were in attendance including:
- Amy Decker
- Ava Decker
- Lilly Ganczak
- Emily Holtz
- Madelyn Homo
- Declan Millslagle
- Diya Patel
Tony Warning reminded the club that the Costa Rica trip is subsidized by sales of the ads on our weekly table placemats. If you have not renewed your ad - - or want to place your ad - - contact Tony directly. These placemats help reduce the costs to students on the service trip and are a great way to get your brand noticed among our community through Club members and guests who see them each week!
President Andrew Harman concluded this very meaningful meeting of Rotary SERVICE ABOVE SELF making our community a better place in which to live, work, and play.
