Meeting opened at 6 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a thoughtful reflection.  Guests included:  Amanda Downing, Principal of Inter-Lakes Middle-High School; Fitz and perspective member Jordan Murray.

 

Announcements by President Heidi:

Lakes Region Holiday Concert – Sunday, December 3 at 3 PM at ILHS Community Auditorium – Tickets available

Open House at Re-Max Bayside – Monday, December 4 – 4-6 PM… Bring a toy to benefit TOYS FOR TOTS

 

Thank you notes:  The Inter-Lakes Christmas Fund acknowledged our recent donation.  We also heard from Rotary’s Rwanda Education Foundation.  Our recent donation funded solar panels bringing electricity to almost a dozen homes for the first time.

 

Update on the Senior Christmas Dinner:  Betsey reported that we have reservations for 347.  The unexpected overage will mean NO meals will be available for Rotary volunteers.  Everything else is a “go”!  Teresa will send out a reminder for volunteers on Friday.

 

Dan Whitney introduced our evening speaker, Amanda Downing, Principal of Inter-Lakes Middle-Senior High School.  She spoke about the formation of a Spirit Council at the school….  Now in her second year as principal, she related how early last year “the school community became aware of the creation of social media accounts that contained racial slurs, anti-Semitic language and other hateful and inappropriate content”.  This was immediately reported to local authorities including the Meredith Police who were most helpful.  Parents of the students involved received the strongest of letters from administration urging them to take action and telling them that such behaviors will NOT be tolerated at Inter-Lakes Middle-High School. A dialogue was begun involving students, parents and staff. 

 

Knowing that more had to be done, in May of 2022 the administration, several dedicated students and educators began to work with the Department of Justice to implement their SPIRIT Program at the school.  These students were asked to identify those issues within the school community that needed to be addressed.  Issues brought forth included:  Disrespect of human beings, inappropriate language and actions and the need for serious discussions around suicide and homophobia.  Students were tasked to work with teachers and administration on ways to combat these issues.  If the culture at the school is going to change, the students will need to change it!

 

Thanks to the Rotary Club’s support and generosity the school was able to host a renowned motivational speaker, Scott Chesney.  His message was profoundly positive and his words “impactful”.  He presented to the high school and middle school students in separate assemblies speaking to them at their level to make the greatest impact.  He challenged the students to “Choose to Thrive”.  He emphasized that “One of the most effective ways we can help our students reduce hateful words and actions, is to provide self-esteem building activities and provide them with opportunities to hear how important the choices they make really are”.  THANK YOU ROTARY and the entire INTER-LAKES COMMUNITY!

 

Happy Dollars:  Ron reported that Tom Fairbrother is making slow but recovery.  Fitz for efforts being made throughout the state on behalf of Make-A-Wish.  (A motion was made on the spot to donate $500 in support of Fitz’s efforts.);  Erin Kaik was happy for her grandchild’s hockey team victory; Jim MacFarlin for Thanksgiving dinner with two sons, new granddaughter and three dogs at the table; and Kevin for turkey with five adults and seven grandkids!

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:10.