Club Meeting – April 21st, 2016 – New Generations Update
New Generations refers to the youngest generation in the family of Rotary. Many are participants in Rotary’s youth and young adult programs: Interact, Rotaract, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), and Rotary Youth Exchange. The Rotary Club of Salem has over the years become more and more engaged in fostering the development of our country’s future leaders. Today we met several New Generations groups our Club supports and from a not so young gentleman who shared how a Rotary youth scholarship program in 1976 impacted his life.
Interact Club lead off the program with Trent Cheyney, who introduced members of the Salem High School Interact Club attending this weeks meeting. Tori Clinevell and Samantha “Sam” Kennedy spoke about the Interact Clubs activities. They meet monthly and have participated in various community projects including Christmas for Kids.
Our Club supported four participants in this years Rotary Youth Leadership Assembly (RYLA). The topic dealt with digital technology and its impact on the work place. Two of this years attendees Emma Studtmann and J.W. Wallace were present to receive their RYLA conference certificates.
World Affairs Seminar students were introduced by Scott Habeeb Principal of Salem High School. In his comments Principal Habeeb noted how Rotary’s International perspective has helped to round out his students education. The 2016 World Affairs Seminar attendees Ashlyn Pugh and Alex Anama were introduced to the Club prior to comments from last years participants Cole Chisom and Kemper Wills.
Last years topic was “Global Energy: Who has the Power”. The SHS seniors meet young people from all over the United States and the world as well as seminar speakers that expanded their perspective on how to view global issues.
RI International President Elect John F. Germ will address the 2016 World Affairs Seminar (WAS) at Carroll University the afternoon of June 26. This year’s theme is “Water: Global Resource to Share and Protect.” Water is one of the key areas of interest of Rotary International. Providing a safe water supply has been key to Rotary’s efforts to eliminate Polio around the world. It is also a strong fit with “Rotary Serving Humanity,” the theme of Mr. Germ’s term as RI President.
Mary Keely introduces the newly certified Roanoke College Rotaract Club incoming President Madelyn Sefcik and members in attendance. Ms. Sefcik spoke of being very excited for the upcoming year and building a relationship with our Club.
Our program closed with comments from Rex Mook, a member of the older generation, on how Rotary contributed to his education and maturation as a person.
Rex Mook – “My Rotary Journey in 1976”
“The Rotary Graduate Fellowship I received for the 1975-76 academic year enabled me to earn a Diploma in Agricultural Economics at the University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales, Australia. In addition to continuing my education, I had the opportunity to travel extensively around Australia, speak to Rotary clubs about life in the United States, and meet many wonderful people. It also allowed me to see our country from the outside and recognize that the world is much broader than our own borders. When I returned to the United States I spoke to Rotary clubs about my year in Australia and the value the Graduate Fellowship brought to my life. I would encourage students here in the US to explore the scholarship and exchange opportunities available from Rotary and would also encourage Rotarians to spread the news about what is available. One of the best ways to foster international understanding, and the peace that comes with understanding, is to live and study abroad. I will always be grateful to Rotary for making that possible for me.”
Our Club youth programs and scholarships are perhaps our most important efforts
to better our community and the world.
