Thank you for your time, service, friendship, donations and most of all SUPPORT!
South Tyler kicked it into gear- we broke record after record. This was not me...this was YOU! I have been surrounded by the most awesome people over this past year. I truly believe in surrounding yourself with people who are better then you so you can grow and become a better person; I did just that!
To say that I am honored and privileged to be associated with and lead South Tyler Rotary is an honor and blessing! It was fun, not always easy, sometimes very stressful, but I have been able to learn and grow every step of the way. I am so proud of what this club stands for and what it has become!
I ask one thing...please give Jeff Johnston the same support that you gave me and we will continue to grow, make a difference and change not only our community, but the world! Continue to "Be the Inspiration!"
A heart felt thank you,
Amanda Folmar
2018-2019 Past President
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT Nicanor (Nick) Pesina, Jr.
Nick Pesina is a partner at Roberts & Roberts Law Firm in Tyler, Texas. He moved from Austin to Tyler in August 2012 to join the law firm, “I chose Tyler because it is a great place to live, work and raise a family.”
Nick was appointed to the City of Tyler Half Cent Sales Tax Board, previously served as President of the PATH Board, is on the Board for the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce and is active with different organizations in the areas of leadership, professional development, and access to education. Of his various community efforts, Nick is most passionate about expanding educational opportunities from “cradle to career.” Some highlights of his service this year include taking his stepsons to STR’s Bergfeld Park Cleanup for their first community service experience and handing out diplomas at a Pre-K graduation for a local non-profit where he serves as Chair.
A first-generation college student, Nick received both his Bachelor’s in Political Science/Spanish along with a Master’s in Public Administration from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. He received his Doctorate of Jurisprudence from The University of Texas School of Law, where he was inducted into its prestigious Order of the Barristers and was recognized with a Pro Bono Service Award in 2012.
Nick and his wife, Bianca, attend mass at The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. Their hobbies include traveling, cooking, and spending time with their two boys, Osiel (12) and Jonathan (10). Nick and Bianca look forward to planning their wedding with friends and family set for October 2020.
Nick's closing words, "With respect to things I want to do in the next year that I’ve never done…serve the City of Tyler in a more formal capacity (wink wink)."
COMMUNITY AWARDS
South Tyler Rotary gave Community Awards to the following recipients on June 24 at our End-of-the-Year Celebration:
Early Educator – Aerial Jones, W.D. Boshears Center for Exceptional Awards
Secondary Educator – Debbie Elrod, Robert E. Lee High School
First Responder – William “Bill” Steinmiller, Tyler Police Department
Community Care Giver – Grady Stewart, Hospice of East Texas
Service Above Self – Josh Hill, Smith County Sheriff’s Office
Congratulations also to the following award recipients:
South Tyler Rotarians of the Year – Diane Kavanaugh and Tom Seale
Officer Chuck Boyce is a Community Response Officer for the Tyler Police Department and works with the South Business District in Tyler, Texas. Officer Boyce communicates with all of the businesses, churches, hotels and schools in South Tyler. He teaches the CRASE (Civilian Response to an Active Shooter Event) class throughout the city to businesses, churches and schools. Since 2014, he has taught 200 plus classes throughout Tyler. Officer Boyce is an adjunct ALERRT Instructor, a PTO (Police Training Officer), TCOLE (Texas Commission on Law Enforcement) Instructor and a Recruiter. Officer Boyce has been a Police Officer since 2009 and holds a Master TCOLE certification.
Officer Boyce has been awarded a Certificate of Merit, two Certificates of Civic Achievement and was selected Officer of the Year in 2013. He is President of the East Texas Regional Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 51 in Tyler, Texas and President of the CISM (Critical Incident Stress Management Team). As President of the FOP, Officer Boyce communicates and works with city government to maintain and improve Officer benefits and pay. As President of the CISM team, Officer Boyce deploys First Responders (Fire, EMS, Police and Clinicians) out to traumatic events in the East Texas area involving other First Responders. CISM is First Responders helping First Responders. Officer Boyce also serves as Secretary for CERT (Chaplains Emergency Response Team).
