November 28, 2023 - Two exemplary students from York County School of Technology stole the spotlight at the local York East Rotary Club breakfast meeting. The occasion marked the monthly recognition ceremony for Students of the Month, where these exceptional individuals were honored to be the students of the month. The Rotary Club, known for its commitment to community service and education, hosted the event to acknowledge the outstanding achievements of students who have demonstrated exceptional academic performance, leadership, and community involvement. This month, the spotlight fell on Jonathan Hernandez, senior and Esmeralda Yanez, junior who impressed the audience with their insightful presentations. Jonathan delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of community engagement and volunteerism while excelling in science and leadership.  He is Student Council President, National Honor Society President, a student ambassador and attended Rotary Youth Leadership Academy.  Esmeralda’s presentation was on her desire to go into the medical field specializing in nursing. Members of the Rotary Club commended the students for their exceptional dedication and encouraged them to continue their outstanding work. We have no doubt that they will continue to excel and contribute meaningfully to society. In recognizing and supporting these exceptional students, the Rotary Club reinforced its commitment to fostering education, leadership, and community engagement among the youth, ensuring that the future of the community remains in capable and compassionate hands.

 

November 7, 2023 - In a tale that spans continents and cultures, Cody Shoemaker and Eliana Shoemaker have not only built a life together but also a thriving business. Married for a decade, the couple is the proud owner of The Popcorn Loft, a popcorn haven that has become a local favorite. Cody, a Dover native, and Eliana, who grew up in the vibrant city of Sao Paulo, may have come from different corners of the world, but their paths converged while Cody was on a mission in Brazil. Married for a decade, the Shoemakers have faced both triumphs and challenges. Alongside the joys of raising a family with four young children - two boys and two girls - Cody and Eliana have encountered health issues with their kids that tested the strength of their faith. The couple's success story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and those facing challenges in their personal lives. Their journey from Dover to Sao Paulo and back to York showcases the power of determination, love, and a shared dream. As The Popcorn Loft continues to thrive, Cody Shoemaker and Eliana remain grateful for the support of their community and look forward to many more years of creating delicious moments and overcoming obstacles together.

November 14, 2023 – At the York East Rotary breakfast meeting Shelly Gilgore, President of the Emily Shoemaker Memorial Fund, shared her tragic story.  Emily, a Dover High School student, lost her life in a drug-related incident in York City. She participated and provided a ride to two young men to buy marijuana.  The boys in her car squabbled with the dealer and a fight ensued.  The dealer ran back to the supplier and they took it upon themselves to hunt down Emily's car. They openly fired upon it.  She was shot several times.  This occurred on the street of the Mayor's house in a very populated area in the city of York, Pa.  It was on Dec. 12, 2019.  It was 5:00 p.m. on a busy Thursday evening.  Her car had 9-12 gunshot holes in it.  She died within the next hour. The incident has left friends and family devastated and has ignited a call to action within the local community. The Emily Shoemaker Memorial Fund is committed to turning this tragedy into an opportunity for change," said Shelley Gilgore. Their mission is to inspire young people to find their passions and talents. We need entrepreneurs, dreamers and enterprising young minds with talent and drive. Every child has all of this within them. Their futures matters. However they may need assistance and resources to develop those talents. They help direct them to programs within their interest. Often young people may not have the means to pay for that program or the necessary items to attend it. M.A.D.S Enterprises program will help to match the individual and offer assistance, guidance and support to insure their success. As the community mourned the loss of Shelley Gilgore, the Emily Shoemaker Memorial Fund was founded to serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring positive change and united action in the ongoing battle against the devastating effects of addiction in York, PA.

The York East Rotary Club and Victory Athlete Association Club joined forces to on October 23^rd to raise $7,000 for the "Pints for Polio" campaign. This joint venture marked a significant milestone in the ongoing global effort to eradicate polio, showcasing how local organizations can make a meaningful impact on a global health issue. The Rotary Club has been a champion in the fight against polio. Since launching its PolioPlus program in 1985, the organization has been at the forefront of the battle to eliminate the disease. The funds raised will be directed towards vaccination programs, public awareness campaigns, and other initiatives aimed at eradicating polio globally. With only a handful of countries still reporting cases of polio, the contributions from the Rotary Club and Victory Club will play a crucial role in achieving the ultimate goal of a polio-free world.