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Changing of Leadership

On behalf of the Shawnee Mission Rotary Club, we extend our deepest gratitude to Jim for his dedicated leadership, steady guidance, and tireless service as President over the past year. Jim, your commitment to Rotary values, your ability to lead with both heart and humor, and your unwavering support for our projects and members have made a lasting impact. You've helped us grow stronger, more connected, and more purposeful—and for that, we thank you.

As we look to the year ahead, we are excited to welcome Barb as our new Club President! Barb brings with her not only a deep passion for service, but also a spirit of collaboration, innovation, and joy that we know will inspire us all. Her vision for the future is bright, and we are confident that under her leadership, the Shawnee Mission Rotary Club will continue to thrive, make meaningful contributions to our community, and live out the Rotary motto: Service Above Self.

Please join us in both celebrating Jim’s incredible year of leadership and warmly welcoming Barb into her new role. Here’s to another great year of fellowship, service, and impact!

Say HI to Barb!

Award-Winning Journalist

Brett Akagi, Award-Winning Journalist, Multimedia Producer, Storyteller, Mentor, and Coach, was our Speaker on March 12th. Brett shared a touching video about his family’s journey from raising crops and four boys in Ulysses, KS, to instilling values that led each son to success.

Brett’s path led him to journalism, where he earned awards and recognition; however, his parents’ entrepreneurial spirit inspired him to start Akagi Media, where he continues to tell impactful stories. We took a moment to wish Wayne a Very Happy Birthday, too!

Check out Brett

Scholarship Funds for SMN Students

Thank you, George Sallas, for an insightful presentation on the Headed North Scholarship Foundation! This incredible organization helps K-12 students in the Shawnee Mission North attendance area by covering activity fees and uniform costs, ensuring every child has the opportunity to participate in after-school activities, regardless of financial barriers.

Want to learn more or support their mission?

Donate Today

🌟 Happy New Year from the Shawnee Mission Rotary Club! 🌟

As we step into 2025, we reflect on the incredible work of our community and look forward to another year of making a difference together. For over 78 years, our club has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of our neighbors, and we are excited to continue building a brighter future.

Through the Shawnee Mission Rotary Foundation—proudly rated four stars by Charity Navigator—we fund local nonprofits that impact our community.

In 2024, we were thrilled to award over $2,700 to:

✨ Mission Community Food Pantry, serving over 300 families each month since 2020.
✨ Tyler's House supports local teens and was recently recognized as Nonprofit of the Year by the NEJC Chamber.

As we begin this new year, we invite you to join us in serving our community. Whether you want to make connections or make a difference, the Shawnee Mission Rotary Club is here for you. Reach out to us at smksrotary@gmail.com to learn more.

Here’s to a year of growth, service, and community!

STAR Club awards

The Rotary Foundation's fundraising goal is for every Rotarian to donate $100 every year.

Join the Ranks of Excellence: Achieving STAR CLUB Status in Rotary

The Rotary STAR CLUB program has been an incredible success, fostering a spirit of generosity and commitment among Rotarians. Being part of a STAR CLUB is a source of pride for members and a testament to the club's dedication to supporting the Rotary Foundation.

Adding More Stars: An Incredible Sucess
Designation as a STAR CLUB sets the club apart as a leader in supporting the Rotary Foundation. But it doesn’t stop there! Clubs can continue to elevate their status by achieving consistent support year after year:

2 STAR CLUB: Achieved after two consecutive years of meeting the goal.
3 STAR CLUB: For three years of consistent contributions.
SUPER STAR CLUB: Earned after 10 years of unwavering dedication.

Why It Matters

Support for the Rotary Foundation fuels projects that transform communities, whether it's eradicating polio, providing clean water, or improving education. Achieving STAR CLUB status reflects a club’s leadership and dedication to the Rotary mission.

Rotary Foundation