Pledge: Nancy Morin
Prayer: Alan Schwarz
Four Way Test: Nancy Morin
Raffle: Bill M, Chip Adams, Cloe Datum (Student)
Happy Bucks: Most HBs were for our guests, students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Some were for the Rotary Club and some were for the three best high schools in the State.
Program: Student of the Month – Social Studies
Ms. Tara Winch, Principal of Westbrook High School, presented a brief history of the Award, explained the connection with Polio Plus, and introduced the students, teachers and administrators from each school.
Lyme/Old Lyme High School: Cloe Datum
Assistant Principal, Ms. Manfredi, and Teacher, Ms. Hylas, described Cloe as a student who “gives back to the community”. She is the student representative on the Board of Education. She led the Mock Trial Team to a State Championship and is responsible for producing the drama presentations at the high school. In the classroom, Cloe is always prepared, leads discussion groups, and has demonstrated an enthusiasm for political science. She has successfully completed several AP courses and is known for the only student in psychology to have “knitted a brain”. Cloe would like to eventually attend Law School.
Old Saybrook High School: Stephanie Rivera
Assistant Principal, Mr. Plotkin, and teacher, Ms. Torre-Reilly, described Stephanie as a student who exemplifies “Service Above Self”. In fact, her involvement in the school community has “made our school a better place”. She participated in the Model UN, is a member of the NHS and the INTERACT Club and still finds time to mentor younger students and has an internship at the First Selectman’s Office. Stephanie has taken every available social studies course and has demonstrated a great interest in global issues focusing on corruption in world governments. Her future plans include majoring in International Relations.
Westbrook High School: Lily Creeron
Principal, Ms. Winch and Teacher, Ms. Stopa, described Lily as a “bundle of positivity”. She is a member of the NHS, President of SADD, mentors younger student and is involved in every Drama and Musical production. In the classroom, Lily demonstrates a curiosity about the world. Ms. Stopa has had Lily for a student all four years of high school and is impressed with Lily’s insight and empathic approach to studying History. She has the ability to connect the past with the present while predicting the course of future events. Lily”s love of Social Studies has led to her decision to become a high school social teacher.
Announcements:
Torchlight Parade is 12/14. This is our 36th year of participating. If you are able to help, be at our tent on the Green at 5:00pm to serve hot chocolate and desserts.
The Holiday Lunch meeting will take place at the VFW at noon on 12/18. Sign up with Nancy is required. Spouses are welcome. A special program (JW) is being planned.
The first meeting in January will be at SPI at 7:00am on 1/8. Student of the Month. You guessed it - sign up with Nancy!
Shredding Event: John A reported that the date has been determined for our 5th annual shredding event. It will be held at OSHS, under sunny skies and warm temperatures, on April 19, 2025.
Outreach: Club approved to donate $690 to Wreaths Across America for 2025. Discussion was held concerning a donation to Warm the Children. Action to be taken at the next meeting.
A mobile Peace Pole will be purchased immediately. Three languages will be used: English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Joan W showed an example of the Holiday Card that we are sending to the sponsors of our major events: Wine Tasting, Shredding, and the Golf Outing. She also showed the newspaper articles and the plans for more publicity in the Saybrook Events Magazine. Due to Joan’s efforts, O.S. Rotary is no longer the “best kept secret in town”. Thank you Joan for your dedication to Rotary!!
Next Meeting: Special Holiday Lunch Meeting at the VFW at Noon on 12/18
