As a teenager in Rochelle, Nicole Stuckert had a keen interest in accounting -- and helping to ensure that women have an opportunity to develop their careers in the field.  She wound up in charge of business affairs for the Sycamore School District, with a budding family life and a bright future.

 

Nicole attended Kishwaukee College after graduation, and then married Michael Stuckert...just two weeks before he deployed overseas with his Army unit.  With him in-country for at least a year, she decided to go on to Northern Illinois University to finish her studies; but when her then-employer gave her the difficult choice of leaving, or staying in her current job without any hope of advancement, she reluctantly chose the former. 

 

She eventually discovered the opening at the Sycamore School District; the pending retirement of former Sycamore Rotarian Luke Glowiak left her with an opportunity to take on the daunting task of managing the district's funds -- something she has proven to be capable of, having served in the post for over three years.

 

Nicole is now a member of the Illinois Association of School Business Officers, and chairs their Fox Valley Region; she and Mike have a four-year-old son, and are expecting their second child in March.

 

Sycamore High School senior Angelina Ye is best known for her participation on the Spartan girl's tennis team...but she has excelled in the classroom as well, to the point that she had to delay her appearance before the Sycamore Rotary Club in order to meet with recruiting officials -- from Harvard.

 

Angelina has a 4.63 GPA, has been on the High Honor Roll for four straight year and has been a member of the National Honors Society for the past two years.  She is President of the Student Council, and has served as a student advisor since sophomore year; she is also a member of the school math and WYSE teams.

 

She is a member of a school tennis team which has just qualified all six of its members for the state finals; she has also worked as a tennis coach, as well as volunteering as a referee for YMCA swimming and as a National Honor Society tutor.

 

Aside from Harvard, she is looking at MIT and Navy; she hopes to major in math.

 

In recognition of her achievements, the Sycamore Rotary Club has presented her with $100 for donation to the charity of her choice; she has selected the Bliujus family, which was displaced after a fire this past weekend and needs help replacing their possessions.

 

The DeKalb Rotary Club is inviting all area Rotarians, and anyone interested in Rotary, to a Happy Hour at Fatty's Pub and Grille.

 

It will be on Friday, November 13th from 4:30 to 6:30 in Fatty's back room; all are welcome to attend for an informal gathering of Rotarians.

 

The Sycamore Rotary Club was saddened to learn of the sudden passing of Robert I. Smith on Tuesday, October 13th; he died in hospice care after a brief illness.

 

R.I. Smith was one of the longest-serving members of the Sycamore Rotary Club, and a pillar of the community in a number of areas; he was a Past District Governor for Rotary District 6420, and participated in a number of local and regional Rotary efforts until the very end.

 

The Sycamore Rotary Club extends its condolences to the family of R.I. Smith.  The family is asking for any photographs of Bob in action with Rotary; anyone with photos should send them to Barry Schrader, who will relay them to the family.

 

For a complete obituary, go to this link

 

Sycamore Rotarians can start making their holiday travel plans, as the schedule is set for our meetings in November and December:

 

Wednesday, November 25th -- Thanksgiving Make-Up Session, 11:45 - 1:00 at Blumen Gardens.  This will be for make-ups only; attendance is optional, and no business will be discussed

 

Wednesday, December 23rd -- No Meeting.  Goodfellows will be setting up at Blumen Gardens for their gift distribution the next day

 

Wednesday, December 30th -- Holiday Make-Up Session, 11:45 - 1:00 at Blumen Gardens.  This will be for make-ups only; attendance is optional, and no business will be discussed