The Community of Lougouana in the Region of Koutiala - Sikasso (Republic of Mali) has 10,000 inhabitants scattered across its compound of7 villages and distant hamlets.
The community faces strong access issues to its health care facilities located in the Capital Village of Léléni as well as specialized health care services outside the community because of distance, bad road conditions and lack of medical vehicle.
The Rotary Clubs of Teton Valley (USA) and Bamako Koulouba (Mali) have joined their effort in a District Grant donation of a Motoambulance which will facilitate:
- affordable medical transport;
- better emergency transport handling like difficult pregnancies and birth deliveries;
- Patient transport from distant hamlets and villages to the community health care facilities;
- Patient transport from the community health care facilities to specialized ones: the clinic of Karangasso and the regional hospital of Koutiala.

With the motoambulance in the background, a photo showing from left to right: the community representatives team leader, the President of the Rotaract club Cheick CISSE, President Hélène Assa CAMARA, Assistant Governor Nafanga DEMBELE and future Interactor Matteo DEMBELE.

Interior of the motoambulance allowing for caregiver, patient, and supplies.

Teton Valley Rotarians introduced Armando Ortiz-Padilla, son of Blanca Gpe. Padilla Tovar and Armando Ortiz-Savcedo, as January Student of the Month at their January 21 meeting.  Armando was selected for his strong character, his willingness to serve others and his ability to keep his eye to the future.

Armando returned to Teton High School this year from Mexico where he had been living with his parents.  Having been born in the United States, Armando wanted to complete his secondary and post secondary education here.  He plans to major in engineering and/or architecture.  At Teton High School he is active in the Latino Club, enjoys playing football. His favorite class is math.

Rotary congratulates Armando, January Student of the Month.

The morning of July 5th featured the first “annual” Rotary Ducks in the Ditch race in the irrigation ditch ending in front of Kings.  Five hundred eager rubber duckys entered the ditch above the Broken Spur and crossed the finish line a little over 6 minutes later in front of King’s.  The race was fast and furious with spectators getting as excited as if it were the Kentucky Derby!  Separating from the pack to finish in first and second place were ducks sponsored by Jim Schulz (1st across) and Jenny Child (2nd across).  Closer to the pack were third and fourth place finishers sponsored by Taylor Watson and Debbie Hunt.  Prizes will be awarded at Wednesday’s Rotary meeting with first place receiving $500, 2nd place a rubber raft donated by King’s, and 3rd and 4th taking home Silverstar back packs.  The race was streamed live with energized narrative provided by John Erbou and can be viewed on the Rotary website:  www.tetonvalleyrotary.com.  Proceeds from the race will go toward building a fund for a community stage in front of the City Center. The spectators and Rotarians are already looking forward to a bigger, faster, and more exciting event next year.

Teton Valley Rotary focuses on service to the community and the world.  The Ducks in the Ditch project will be held annually to raise funds for civic projects while Tin Cup donations to Teton Valley Rotary Foundation will be directed to valley youth for scholarships, literacy and leadership.  Over $13,500 in scholarships were awarded to this year’s graduating seniors and college scholars. 

Rotary meets Wednesdays at noon at the Senior Center.  Interested community members and visiting Rotarians are invited to join a Wednesday meeting for a delicious lunch prepared by Chef Sue Cicero.

Your contribution to Teton Valley Rotary Foundation during the Tin Cup funding drive makes an impact on many students’ lives.  Please join us again this year in making a difference! ​ Click here to donate now!

Educational Opportunities Through Scholarships.  In May, 2014, Teton Valley Rotary was able to award 13 scholarships to students heading for their first year of college or continuing their education at an advanced institution.  Here’s what some had to say:

My freshman year of college was incredibly enlightening, exploratory, and fun. . I participated in the Honors Program at Westminster, applied for and was accepted as RA (resident advisor) on campus for 2014-15 school year, and participated with the slam poetry club as musical support, even being featured at one slam.  The Rotary scholarship made a huge impact on my freshman year of college! …Riley Hodgson

Daniela Olivas returned to speak to Rotarians about her research studies in Biochemistry at Boise State University where she was accepted as an intern to INBRE (IdeA Network Research of Biomedical Research Excellence).  Her Rotary Phyllis Morey scholarship allowed her to purchase expensive text books to accompany her science major and her leadership experience with Rotary’s Interact while at Teton High School prepared her for further on-campus organizations focused on helping others.

Utah State is a great school, and between exceptional professors, school pride in all athletic events, and meeting people from all over the place, I had a great freshman year!  Scholarships allow Teton students the financial advantage of attending school without taking out large loans which is an incredible blessing.  I’m looking forward to continuing meeting new people, learning more, and growing as a person. 

Funding Focused on Literacy.  

Teton Valley Rotary joined with other valley nonprofits, including the Education Association, in kicking off the school year with the annual “back pack” program supplying school supplies to underserved students. (Did you know that over 50% of our students qualify for the reduced lunch program offered by the federal government?)

AND…We initiated a new program to give every first grader a CHOICE in what they read by supplying vouchers to each student allowing them to attend their school’s book fair and select their own books.  This program was received enthusiastically by both students and teachers.

Leadership.   In 2013 we sent four THS freshmen to RYLA, Rotary’s Youth Leadership Development Program.  This year we’re sending five!  These students return to school in the fall energized and ready to lead their peers in service and accomplishment.

Spring Teacher Appreciation Luncheon at middle and high school – if only you had been there to see the smiles on their faces, you’d know how valuable this simple luncheon was.  Our teachers work so hard!

Your contribution to Teton Valley Rotary Foundation during the Tin Cup funding drive makes an impact on many students’ lives.  Please join us again this year in making a difference! Click here to donate now!

Dues for Teton Valley's Rotary Club are billed quarterly and include District 5440 dues and Rotary International dues. Members are also encouraged to make a voluntary contribution of $100 annually to the Rotary International Annual Programs Fund, making them a Sustaining Member. We have two different dues options, including a discounted option for non-profit organization leaders, retired individuals and spouses of Rotarians.

• Membership Dues Including All Lunches: $150/Quarter
• Discounted Membership Dues Including All Lunches: $125/Quarter
• Membership Dues with Pay As You Go Lunches: $100/Quarter
• Discounted Membership Dues with Pay As You Go Lunches: $50/Quarter

* Discounted memberships are available for non-profit organization leaders, retired individuals, and spouses of Rotarians. Weekly lunches are prepared by the Senior Center and are available for $10.

For more information on membership, click here. 

Former Teton High student, Daniela Olivas, spoke at Rotary Club of Teton Valley’s luncheon this week about her studies and a research project she worked on the past year. Olivas was a Rotary scholarship recipient and active member in the high school’s Interact club.

Each year Teton Valley’s local Rotary club hosts between 8-10 students throughout the school year, each presenting on their experience in high school, their successes, challenges, involvement in school as well as contribution to their community. Daniela was one of these students who was chosen as a final scholarship recipient. Olivas was a recipient of a $4000 Rotary Phyllis Morey scholarship, available to students of at least fifty percent Hispanic heritage. Rotary has donated over $40,000 in scholarships to Teton Valley senior students since the program began. Olivas is just one of these students, and based on her presentation - she shows a bright and promising future.