The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. 

Assistant District Governor 5450 David Willman presented five members of the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary club of Parker with Paul Harris Awards. Walter Borfitz, Don Wilson, and Karen Eden have earned four Paul Harris Fellows. Cherry Creek Valley of Parker Rotary President- Eric Dyer.has earned an addition Paul Harris. Lea Wilson,first time recipient, accepts the three emblems of appreciation given to a Paul Harris Fellow – certificate, medallion and pin. We congratulate all of you and we thank you for your commitment to the programs of The Rotary Foundation. It is because of gifts like yours that The Rotary Foundation is able to carry out an array of programs that achieve beneficial changes to our world: improved living conditions, increased food production, better education, wider availability of treatment and rehabilitation for sick and disabled, new channels for the flow of international understanding, and brighter hopes for peace.

In becoming a Paul Harris Fellows, these club members join a remarkable company of persons throughout the world. All identified for their devotion to the ideal of goodwill, peace and understanding. It is the goal of Rotarians the world over.

Brayden Jacob, 13, a student at Cimarron Middle School, along with seven of his classmates, joined more than 200 people at Parker's PACE Center April 11 for the Cherry Creek Valley Rotary Club of Parker's Third Annual Achievement Luncheon.

Jacob was one of 39 nominees being honored by the Rotary Club for taking the initiative to do something that helps others. “Service Above Self” is the motto of the service organization, and Jacob was nominated because he approached his principal, Chris Zimmerman, and asked about starting a club at the school called Interact, which serves as a young Rotarian club and encourages students to help others.

“I learned about the Rotary while I was at a leadership camp and thought nowadays people aren't always nice to each other,” said Jacob. “I thought I could inspire kids at school to do the right thing.”

Rotarian Cheryl O'Brien, who helped organize the event, said it's actions like Jacob's that make a difference in the world.

“The purpose of the celebration is to recognize salt-of-the-earth people who perform little acts of service, that may not seem like much to them, but make a big difference to other people,” said O'Brien.

The event was kicked off with an invocation by Pastor Gary McCusker, and a proclamation from Parker Mayor Mike Waid praising the efforts of all nominees. Author Tommy Spaulding was the keynote speaker,and encouraged attendees to continue their acts of service. Spaulding founded Leaders Challlenge, one of the largest high school civic and leadership programs in Colorado.

Nominees came from throughout Douglas County, and Light 'n' Heart awards were given in a dozen categories, including Young Person of Achievement, Achievement in Leadership, Local Service and International Service, as well as Unsung Heroine/Hero.

Jacob received the Achievement as a Young Man Award Light 'n' Heart award, and also received a copy of Spaulding's book "The Heart-Led Leader."

Ralph Martin joined the Rotary Club in 2002, and said he looks forward to the annual luncheon each year.

Students Jenna Barrus, Genevieve Hier, Paul Bowers, Julia Huck, Tatus Bristow, Lindsay Mullen, Paige Dickman, Anna Schulhoff, Cici Ehmann and Megan Yu received scholarship awards.

“It's wonderful to see so many good people, and young people. I look forward to it every year,” said Martin. “I couldn't imagine my life without the Rotary.”