Club Meeting – May 15th, 2014
Today we had a full program agenda. The Club presented our Service Above Self Award, met the Salem High School (SHS) students attending the World Affairs Seminar and inducted our newest Club member Hank McHale.
Carl Hart Vice-Chair of Service Above Self Committee introduced Dr. Randy Jennings, Director of Special Education, who nominated Ms. Mcdonald and Committee Member Dr. Alan Seibert Superintendent of City of Salem schools.
The 2014 Service Above Self Award was presented to Patricia “Pat” Macdonald who continuously works to advocate for students with disabilities and their families.
A part-time employee who serves as the Parent Resource Coordinator for Salem City Schools, Pat has had a significant impact on services for children and families throughout the Roanoke Valley. Pat has worked to improve parent involvement within the schools and coordinates a Parent Fair for families each year. When not working part-time, Pat volunteers all nearly the time! Pat serves on the Board for Blue Ridge Behavioral Healthcare and is a member of the Project SEARCH Advisory Team. She was formerly honored by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys as “Volunteer of the Year” for her work with the Project SEARCH, an innovative work experience opportunities for high school graduates with disabilities. She was previously a member of Carilion Clinic’s Diversity Task Force and served as president of the Down Syndrome Associate of Roanoke for 8 years (2001-2012).
Pat is a wife and proud mother of three wonderful children. She also serves as a substitute Sunday School Aide for elementary school students with special needs at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Salem. The City of Salem is blessed to have such an impactful citizen focused on serving children and families.
Another excellent selection made by one of our Club’s community and vocational service award selection committees.
We then met the Salem High School students sponsored by our Club to last and this year’s World Affairs Seminar held on the campus of Carroll University in Wisconsin. The World Affairs Seminar focuses on a different topic of international significance each year. This year’s topic is World Health: Issues and Responsibilities.
M. Hunter Routt, SHS Assistant Principal, spoke of the positive experiences of last year’s attendees Charlotte DeForest and Juan Hernandez and introduced the 2014 participants to this summer’s conference Nicole Quinn and Seth Greer. Our June Hall-Long initiated this Club program with the City of Salem schools some years ago.
Our program closed with the induction of Hank McHale, who was sponsored by Lenora Shively Downing. As with all new members Hank’s first committee assignment will be with the Sergeant-at-Arms Committee. Hank is already matriculating through the Red Badge orientation program. Welcome aboard Hank!
