July 9, 2026
President Greg rang the bell and club meeting started straight up at 12:00. The Blessing was given by David Hartman. The Pledge and song, Do Re Me, were led by Cara Sauceda.
Club members were asked to check in with Andy at the back table to ensure accurate attendance.
Monica Jones was a guest of Greg Brownfield and Matt Deason brought 2 guests, David Domy & Scott Callaway.
David Spencer announced vacancies for notetaking on the Bulletin Committee and within seconds, our calendar was complete. Thank you Lisa Stephens-Musick, Casra Sauceda and David Adams.
A request for New Club Member Sponsors has been made as well as contributions to purchase a Shelter Box for disaster victims in Venezuela. Our Polio Plus contribution goal of $1000 has already been reached.
Cara then introduced our guest speaker, John Shearer with Academy 4. John has worked with several organizations that were aimed at child safety and development. He currently is the director of Academy 4, a mentoring program serving 4th grade students in 60 elementary schools, two in Wichita Falls.
Not all parents can devote enough quality time for their children’s social development. 19% of Texas and 33% of Dallas 4th graders live in poverty causing higher rates of physical and emotional abuse as well as poorer social and economic outcomes. Academy 4 was designed to bridge the “child upbringing gap” through relationships with caring adult mentors and 4th grade kids had been shown to get more benefit than other aged kids because they are beginning to understand abstract thought, ethics and morals. The program uses a 90 minute child /mentor meeting one Friday afternoon each month.
The 4 Families Program and Spark Clubs also add to this child development. John indicated the program has 6,000 adult mentors for 4,000 4th graders in 60 elementary schools. In Wichita Falls, Academy 4 has a goal of adding 2 more schools for service. Our state Governor has awarded Academy 4 with a state recognized volunteer award.