Author Carolyn Stiver
Friday, October 8, 2021
Get Up & Go
Student of the Month!
After a bit of a snafu with the microphone Nancy Storm began our SOTM program! She introduced our dignitaries and principals and attempted to play the Rotary video. Sadly, technology was not on its best behavior today.
First up was Davis School of Independent Study principal Rob Kinder who asked to go first because he had some sick babies to care for. Teacher Christine Easton was with us to introduce her SOTM student Tyler Abbanat. He received this nomination from numerous teachers at DSIS and has shown remarkable improvement over the years according to Ms. Easton.
Next was King school introduced by Christina Buss. Theo Buckindorf is the teacher who nominated his student, Eliza Allen. She is a remarkable all-around student who is positive, productive and patient. Wonderful qualities!
Davis High principal (and Rotarian) Tom McHale introduced Davis High and the first teacher, Karen Gardias who is honoring Pratheeka Budamagunta. She began as a very quiet student as a sophomore and now is one of the leaders who helps the newer students to achieve their goals. She has participated in Davis High Idol and Ms. Gardias points out that just like Pratheeka’s most recent piece, “You raise me up”, she tends to raise up the other choral students.
Kurt McCormick from DHS was next to present Alaina Hagen as his choice for Student of the Month. She impressed Mr. McCormick when she opened up about some challenges she is having coping with student load during this strange time and the awkward times we are in. Alaina thanked Mr. McCormick for always being available to her with any questions or difficulties she might have.
Tracy Stapleton nominated Carol but unfortunately neither one could attend today. Carol has a curious mind and is a wonderful student to have in his class.
Charlotte Booth is the next student to be honored and is nominated by Pamela Trokanski. Charlotte collaborates very well with other students and helps to create a “happy consensus” amongst her peers and shows “mental flexibility” as well as physical flexibility in her dance class. Charlotte thanks Ms. Trokanski for her support during these challenging times!
Tom Kurtz nominated Joseph Herrera as his SOTM. He has been the student that Mr. Kurtz could count on to respond to questions and put himself “out there” which helps morale in the classroom. Joseph thanked Mr. Kurtz and expressed how much fun US History has been so far this year.
Adam Russ nominates Tiffany Tran as his student of the month. Tiffany has been an amazing scholar and Mr. Russ has nearly been able to take her test answers and use for a key for the rest of the students. Tiffany expresses her thanks for Mr. Russ helping her confidence and for all his support.
DaVinci High school brought Scott Bell who is celebrating his 16th year at DaVinci and introduced Evan Reem who is nominating Reid Galles who has been the “nicest and most helpful student on campus”.
Mr. Bell is honoring Adrian Van Dyke. Through many challenges Adrian has remained undaunted and taken on the mantle of leadership. Adrian is the type of student who builds strong teams. Adrian recognizes the difficulty of being a teacher in the best of times, and feels that Mr. Bell is one of the best overall teachers he has ever seen.
Sergeants
We had some visitors but due to sound issues I wasn’t able to get all their names. Sorry, and….Welcome!
Joe Trotter is a visiting Rotarian from Winters who brought a new Rotarian Mentee,
Bob Rennie who needed to visit another club meeting to get his “blue badge”.
Ken Firestein sent two postcards noting he is on his way to Greece.
World Polio Day is coming up,
Brodie Hamilton has an announcement about Oktoberfest TOMORROW! Volunteers will get a note from Tim to remind them where and when they need to be. There are NO extra meals so if you didn’t order ahead of time there won’t be any for you. We sold just short of 300 meals, 35% of the club actually bought meals so the rest of the club will be writing good sized checks to the club which is very welcome!
Dan Carson is still hawking raffle tickets which are still available. Justina has helped line up some wonderful prizes such as gourmet food and some golf play. So, buy some raffle tickets today!!!
John Youmans gave John Geisler his new badge….finally.
Our Who Am I speaker is David Murphy. He is married to his wife for 32 years with 4 daughters ages 25 - 42. He is all about persistence with fun. He is a consultant for educational improvement and a CASA/educational rights advocate for foster youth and he and his wife have hosted international grad students from about 18 different countries and he is grateful for a healthy body, healthy body and attributes his success to that. He has had a wonderful and long career in education, most details of which were lost as he was speeding up to make sure he didn’t go overtime.
Rick Stromberg was our sergeant and had a gift for David Copp which was a water bottle for philosophers.
I think Keith Watenpaugh had a birthday but as the sound was breaking up it was a little challenging to hear. There was a smattering of singing so…probably. Happy Day, Keith!
Manny Carbahal was apparently crying for about a week and a half because he didn’t get invited to the 25 plus 2 anniversary party for our club. Apparently, Nancy has re-issued an invitation so Manny feels redeemed. If you DIDN’T get an invite, please call Gretchen or Nancy.
Happy Bucks is postponed until next week due to time constraints!
Draw of the Day: $461 in the kitty this week! John Geisler won Free Breakfast!!!
That’s it for this reporter.
Good Night, and Good Luck.