Scholarship Lunch Meeting at Del Paso Country Club
President Matt Ross Presiding
Welcome to the 2026
Scholarship Lunch Meeting
at Del Paso Country Club
President Ross rang the bell and welcomed everyone to the
Best Gosh Darn Rotary Club in Arden arcade.
Pledge - Bruce Stimson
President Ross asked Bruce Stimson to lead the club in the Pledge to our nation's flag.
He then asked Mike Grace to provide the blessing.
Both members did as requested.
Invocation - Mike Grace
The Prez announced that this meeting has a special format crafted to give maximum time for the students to share their year's highlights. This means the will not be any bell ringers, happy bucks, or fines.
Guests
The Prez introduced our only guest not associated with the schools or students in attendance, Allison Suznovich. Allison is a licensed mental therapist and is checking out our club to see if it is the right place for her.
Rotary International Students
Ellie Zanin and Michelle Pakula were introduced as our current RYE students. Ellie is from Italy and Michelle is from Denmark. They are both attending local high schools.
The Prez shared a few announcements for the club members reminding them that:
- The district conference is scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
- Our next meeting is on May 5th at Piatti's with guest speaker Supervisor Rich Desmond for Cinco de Mayo. Turner Investigations is sponsoring the bar (non-alcoholic apple cider?) for the event.
- Announcement of the new Rotary van partnership for community use including after-school programs.
- Call for volunteers to assist with vehicle maintenance demonstrations for kids.
- Final Fireside Chat scheduled at Linda Bigler's house at 6 PM on Thursday.
- Panda Express fundraiser at Marconi and Eastern, 20% proceeds go to end polio via Rio Americano Interact Club.
Rotary Scholarship Program
John Gabriel, former principal at Arcade Middle School (1983-1998), oversees the scholarship program which aims to showcase positive student achievements to Rotarians. This program recognizes outstanding students from three schools: Arden, Arcade, and St. Ignatius. The students are selected in 8th grade and are followed through high school with scholarships awarded each year. The monetary awards are $250 for 8th-11th grade, $500 as seniors. Our seniors will be receiving a check today for $1,500.
Senior Class, 2026
Chance Murdock (El Camino High School)
- Student government member, MC for school rallies.
- Most spirited in class.
- 40+ community service hours, 3.7 unweighted GPA.
- Athlete: undefeated wrestling season (cut short), varsity baseball interim captain.
- First chair trumpet in jazz band.
- Completed AP research on drones in emergency management.
- Shared personal challenges with social pressures but maintains confidence.
- Plans to attend Shasta College firefighting program, then pursue political science to eventually serve in Congress.
Emery Meinzer, online student.
- Maintained 4.0 GPA, graduated early in January.
- Traveled to Uganda, volunteered at Hands for an African Child orphanage.
- Led art lessons and engaged with children.
- Values real-life experiences and plans future college education in fire service.
- Expressed gratitude to Rotary Club and John Gabriel.
Danielle Payant (St. Francis Catholic High School)
- Attended USAF Academy seminar and California's Girls and Boys State.
- Took challenging AP courses.
- Head coach of JV volleyball team, won PAL championship.
- President of business club, involved in stock market challenge.
- Will attend University of Wisconsin Madison, majoring in Political Science pre-law.
Junior Class, 2026
Owen Hartono (Jesuit High School)
- President of Asian Pacific Islander Club.
- CEO of Echelon Catapult, a STEM nonprofit.
- Conducted research on healthcare access among underserved populations.
- Volunteered at Mercy General Hospital.
- Focused on leadership, service, STEM, and healthcare.
Jett Doell (Miraloma to El Camino)
- Transferred from Miraloma to El Camino for better fit.
- Participated in water polo, golf, and AP courses.
- Active in community service (Safetyville, wellness bags, tree planting).
- Organized fundraisers.
- Participated in Link Crew, AVID, and college prep programs.
- Played soccer and water polo.
- Maintained 4.0 weighted GPA.
- Pursues photography and published work.
- Qualified for Junior Achievement National competition.
- Emphasized self-care and confidence.
Sophomore Class, 2026
Riley Wood (St. Francis High School)
- 4.7 GPA.
- Leadership Council member, peer tutor.
- Graphic designer for school newspaper.
- Involved in Red Cross Club and mental health advocacy.
- Swimmer with awards.
- Volunteer at children’s receiving home.
- Certified lifeguard with summer employment.
Isai Cornejo (El Camino High School)
- Participates in Eagle Polytechnic Institute (engineering, manufacturing, technology).
- Hands-on projects such as building mailbox and bridge.
- Medical Careers class with clinical skills.
- Field trips to Sacramento State, California Maritime Academy, and Trades Day.
- Volunteers at After School Bridges program.
- Emphasizes growth through action and consistency.
Nora Seevers (El Camino High School)
- 4.3 GPA.
- Class president, rally leader, spring dance coordinator.
- Active in sports (MVP in two sports).
- Developed confidence and leadership skills.
- Plans to continue leadership roles.
Freshman Class, 2026
Madeline Clough (Rio Americano High School)
- Rotary Scholarship recipient.
- Volunteer at women’s shelter, American River Parkway foundation, and Mary House.
- Captain of cheer team.
- JV golf and swim team member.
- 4.55 GPA.
Rachel Woolsey (Miraloma High School)
- Violin student and performer.
- Cross country runner.
- Creative writing club member.
- Volunteer at Carmichael Food Closet.
Hannah Holladay (Rio Americano High School)
- Athlete in water polo, basketball (team captain), and track.
- Maintains 4.16 weighted GPA.
- Musician: piano and clarinet.
- Co-founder of Justice Club for monthly service projects.
- Active in community service including church youth group and Arcade Heart.
Eighth Grade Class, 2026
Josh Velilla
St. Ignatius
Samantha Corona
Arden Middle School
Kai Love
Arcade Middle School
Paula Romo
Principal
St. Ignatius
Teresa Cummings
Principal
Arden Middle School
Mark Uhler
Principal
Arcade Middle School
2026 Rotary Scholarship Students
The Prez thanked everyone for coming and adjourned the meeting at 1:00 PM, give or take a few minutes.
Dad Joke of the Day
Dedicated to PDG Steve Turner
Two windmills were sitting on a hill. One asks the other,
"Do you have a favorite song?"
The other replies, "Well... all my life I have been a heavy metal fan."
Respectfully (more or less) submitted by,
Mike Grace
Reporter, Photographer, and Editor.
Hellen Weight
Ombudsman and Content Supervisor
DISCLAIMER - Some of the information provided in some of the articles and possibly included in some of the "quotes" from club members, may have been a fabrication of a demented mind. It is up to you to determine fact from fiction. Individuals objecting to all or any parts herein, are encouraged to go to Hellen Weight to lodge a formal complaint.
Club Information
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Piatti
571 Pavilions Lane
Arden-Arcade, CA 95825
United States of America
