David Hayford greeted guests, pinch hitting for Jack Klein, who had a last-minute conflict.
David greets Mary Jones
President John Fuller led the Club in a reflection and the Pledge of Allegiance.
David Hayford also introduced the day's guests, in Deb Wirtz's absence. Guests included: Craig Burnett (Assistant District Governor), John Hobbins (president of Southwest Rotary), Zahra Musavi, and Bethany Lerch. Also visiting was Lisa McLaughlin and the winners of the South Park Essay contest and members of their families.
Bethany Lerch and John Hobbins
Christy Marquardt reported the raffle kitty stands at $60, with the drawing to be held next week. There will be no meeting on Monday, May 28, as that is Memorial Day.
RYE student Michel enjoyed visiting his host dad's parents on Mother's Day and especially riding on the jet ski. He is running a marathon in Green Bay next weekend.
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Michel
President John next invited Cathy Zimmerman and Zahra Musavi to come forward. Cathy presented Zahra with a check for $500 in celebration of her graduation from UW-Oshkosh with a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy. She will be returning home to Afghanistan and hopes to get a job in the Department of Education to work toward changes in educating women. Cathy congratulated Zahra on her courage and determination.
President John offered these words to Zahra, quoting Rotary Founder Paul Harris: 
"Rotary is not about building monuments of brick and stone. If we work upon marble, it will perish; if we work on brass, time will efface it; if we rear temples, they will crumble into dust; but if we work upon immortal minds…we are engraving on those tablets something that will brighten all eternity.
John then quoted an Afghan proverb -- "The first day we meet, we are friends. The next day we meet, we are brothers and sisters."
John also offered a quote from Rotarian Arch Klumph, "Reflecting on a tree planting, one of many during the trip, he noted that he thought of Rotary programs as a symbol of good will, and hoped that the ideas and generosities we have planted at home and abroad would stand for generations."
John then quoted another Aghan proverb, "Flourish like a flower, but may your life be longer." He concluded the presentation to Zahra by saying, "Know that the Rotary Club of Downtown Oshkosh is always with you in mind, spirit, and soul."
Zahra, center, with Cathy Zimmerman and President John Fuller