The meeting started precisely at 12:00 noon with President Arnold Oliver ringing the bell. David Hartman led the invocation with a very heartfelt and thankful prayer. Stacie Cook led the pledge and the song “You’re a Grand Old Flag” followed by the usual “Rotary” greeting.
We had two guests. Bill Miller introduced his son, Andy, and Sheldon Wang introduced Dr. Dalong Gao from the GM Manufacturing Research Center from Warren, MI. There were no birthdays for the week. On the Sunshine Report, John Deason mentioned that he would start his treatment on 3/24. Also, Noel Filer is with her father today at the United Regional Hospital.
On announcements, Benay Ayers gave an update on the Rotary Playground which now has the benches installed. Also, a check has been written for the new zip line to be installed in the next few months. Norris Martin and his wife Dee Ann will auction off a Southern Comfort Cake and a Chocolate Vodka Cake at the next meeting to raise money for the Club. Steve Priester mentioned that the new Flag Program Door Hangers are ready. Use the new hangers and discard the old ones which are out of date.
For the Brag Bucket, Shirley Craft acknowledged our special guest, Youth of the Year, and also noted that she is now cancer free. Cara Sauceda mentioned that the Groundbreaking Ceremony occurred last week for the Rosewood Center for the Boys and Girls Club and that the new Interact Club has started for the Dexter School. Benay Ayers noted that her son’s new store has opened “Cards & Culture”. Josh Phillips mentioned that his son, Gavin, was graduating from college in May and already has a job lined up. Carla Dowlen’s nephew recently came in first in 800 meter run and his basketball team came in 2nd in their tournament. Jim Hughes mentioned that our Past President, James Hughes, was married last Saturday.
Member spotlight was brought by new member Kenny Weeks, who is originally from Amarillo. He is married with two daughters. Kenny attended and graduated from Midwestern State University and decided to stay in Wichita Falls. He is a Partner and General Manager of My Staff.
A Blue badge was presented to Lance Spruiell by Andy Kocher. Lance was originally brought into the Club by Dr. Phil Stephenson. Congratulations to Lance.
Cara Sauceda introduced the program, Youth of the Year for 2023. Cara gave a brief presentation about the history of the Youth of the Year Program which originated in 1947. There were 4 competitors in our area this year with Nathaniel Dyches being selected. Nathaniel is a Senior at S.H. Rider High School and already has an athletic football scholarship to Thomas Moore University in Kentucky. Nathaniel is a very confident, well spoken, and well educated young man. He has been involved in the Boys and Girls Clubs for several years. He is involved in Theater, Principal of I.T, and Athletics at Rider with numerous accolades. Nathaniel has had to overcome many obstacles in his life including being raised in a single parent home, dealing with his mother’s cancer at an early age, and having to deal with dyslexia in his own life. He would like to continue to be a role model as a coach someday since as he has such a passion for sports. Nathaniel gave a practice speech in preparation for the competition which begins in about two weeks. Members of the club made suggestions to assist him in his presentation. Nathaniel is a fine young man and will do well in the competition but more importantly in life.
The speaker’s gift donated by the Club to Nathanial was a book to S.H. Rider High School. President Arnold the adjourned the meeting at 12:55 pm with the 4 Way Test and ringing of the bell.