The temperatures may not feel like it, but we are rapidly approaching Fall. Schools have started back, football games have begun, and I’m visiting our District Rotary clubs one-by-one. I want to thank the Rotary Clubs of the Atlanta Area, Jacksonville, Longview, Longview Greggton, Troup, Sulphur Springs, Gilmer, Overton, and Lindale for their warm reception and fellowship. My intention this year as I makethe rounds as District Governor is to CELEBRATE our clubs and their many and varied accomplishments. Rotary is Creating Hope in East Texas through these hard-working club members and their partners in their communities. Go, Team, go!
And since it is the beginning of the school year across the District, I want to bring to everyone’s attention the YOUTH PROGRAMS available. Deadlines are fast approaching for these worthy programs, yet many clubs may not be aware of who to contact for information. So, let me introduce you!
I want to thank our District Rotary International Programs Director Barbara Turner (Cedar Creek Lake) for leading this team, which includes our District Youth Exchange Chair Jacqueline “Jax” Meadows (Cedar Creek Lake), our District Interact Chair Rebecca Smith (Cedar Creek Lake), and our District RYLA Committee Chair Jeff Miller (Tyler Sunrise).
First—YOUTH EXCHANGE: We already have two wonderful INBOUND STUDENTS for the 2023-24 school year. Peter is from Germany and attending Mabank High School, and Artur is from Brazil and attending Athens High School. Our OUTBOUND STUDENT Kristian from Mabank is studying in Germany.
Jax Meadows is already working to recruit Outbound Students for 2024-25! Preparations take time, and YOU can help by contacting your local ISD for names of students willing to study abroad next year. During September and October, District 5830 Rotary Clubs need to present programs about Youth Exchange in the schools. Interested students are provided a PRELIMINARY Application Form. Completed forms are returned to the local Rotary Club.
Contact Jacqueline Meadows asap for more information regarding RECRUITING and/or HOSTING YOUTH EXCHANGE STUDENTS: grammyjaxcookiemix@gmail.com
Second—RYLA: Rotarians need to apply Now for STAFF POSITIONS. Mandatory Training is January 26-28; Session 1 is February 9-11; Session 2, February 23-25. Change a life through RYLA—maybe yours! Go to ryla5830.org for the application. Camper applications will be available soon.
And Third—INTERACT: If your club hasn’t already, contact your local High School and offer to sponsor an Interact Club. There are students begging for service projects to participate in, and no one does it better than Rotary’s Interact Clubs! Contact Rebecca Smith TODAY for more information. rrsmith@mabankisd.net
YOUTH PROGRAMS ARE THE FUTURE OF ROTARY! Let’s see that EVERY CLUB in District 5830 participates
in at least ONE!
Karen Maines DG 5830
