It was a very satisfying meeting today because we got to meet the scholarship recipients. There were 23 people in attendance, including the scholarship recipients. After a few minutes of casual conversation, our President Sue Klock rang the bell at 12 noon and led us in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance. After that, Peter gave the invocation:For friends, food, fun and the fellowship of Rotary we give our thanks today.
As we bless this meal (which we are not eating), let us always be mindful of the amazing gifts that
life has given each of us. Let these thoughts (of Mark Twain) guide our lives today:
Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Live like its heaven on earth.
Mark Twain
Sue then proceeded to tell the students about the history of the 4-way test. She then recited the test:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair for all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Caring moments:
We were happy to see Diedre back today. We wish the best for her and her family. Also, it was mentioned that there are $2500 in contributions to the scholarship fund in honor of Bob Wood.
Announcements:
- Thanks to Anwar and his team for once again sorting fresh fruit from not-so-fresh fruit at Foodshare’s warehouse in Bloomfield. We processed 2100 pounds of peaches and saved 800 pounds of them.
- There will be a gathering of volunteers interested in helping with the MLK mural project on the front lawn of Town Hall in East Hartford on Friday, August 27.
- There will be the ribbon cutting for the East Hartford Senior Center on Wednesday, September 15. Attendees are limited due to Covid. President-elect Alex will represent our club at this event.
We then got to the focus of our meeting, which is meeting the scholarship recipients. Special thanks to all the members of the scholarship committee, which includes Connor, Laura, Ruth, Anwar, and Peter. Connor then introduced the students who received the scholarships. The students told us about themselves.
Barbara Agbotey is from East Hartford and went to East Hartford High School. She was born in Ghana. She will attend Penn. She wants to major in architecture and minor in electrical engineering.
Christine Buah is also from East Hartford and attended East Catholic. She too will study at Penn. She plans to study psychology and attend law school.
Michel Martin is from East Hartford. He moved to East Hartford from Jamaica in 2017. He graduated from Pathways Technology and Design. He will attend Central Connecticut State University. He is active in the community.
Augusta Nukator is an East Hartford resident and a graduate from East Hartford High School. Like Barbara, she is originally from Ghana. Augusta is attending Arizona State University. She studies flight and wants to be a pilot.
Avi Thompson is from Cromwell and attended Pathways Technology and Design. She will attend WPI. She has been involved in theater for 7 years, and she volunteers at local events.
Madisyn Vera is an East Hartford resident and graduated from East Hartford High School. She will attend Bay Path University, where she will study education. She plans to return to East Hartford after graduation and coach a softball team.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to meet Michelle Zheng today. She is a 2020 scholarship recipient. She will attend Yale University.
Many members spoke to the students. Marc and Alex spoke to them and congratulated them. Sue told them to keep in touch with the club and that she hopes all of them will reach their dreams. Peter advised the students to keep in touch with the club because the club may give scholarships to sophomores next year. Anwar congratulated the students and commented on the diversity of the students and how this is the story of America. Neal congratulated all of them as well. Sue told the students how we went to university on a scholarship and that the students shouldn’t be embarrassed about receiving the scholarship. George then mentioned how he went to university on a 4-year scholarship from Rotary.
Sue then proceeded to ring the bell and close the meeting at approximately 12:28.
Weekly message from District Governor Joanne Alfieri:
WHAT IS A ROTARY FOUNDATION SUSTAINING MEMBER?
A Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member is an individual who personally contributes US$100 or more each Rotary Year to the Annual Fund. These contributions also count toward Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, EREY, Major Donor, and club recognition.
Use the Club Foundation Banner Report to see your club’s Rotary Foundation Sustaining Members. This report also shows TRF Giving, Every Rotarian Every Year, Paul Harris Society Eligible and Rotary Direct Members.
For $10 a month, you too can be a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member and help provide life-changing opportunities for those in need on a yearly basis!
That is all for this week. I am still in mourning after the Yankees swept the Red Sox. Let’s hope the Sox bounce back. See you all next week. Have a great weekend!
Jason Primus