Zac Whitehouse, our Rotary Short-Term Exchange Student this past summer, discussed his experiences during a cultural exchange in France, noting the laid-back attitude of the French and their receptiveness to his initiatives. He expressed his intention to minor in French in college and become fully fluent. Zac also shared his observations on cultural interactions, including the mutual respect between French and American cultures, and his plans to participate in a long-term outbound exchange to Switzerland in his senior year. Additionally, he described his experiences hosting a French student in the United States, highlighting the differences in eating habits and food shopping practices between the two cultures.

Nicolas Medina, our Long -Term Exchange Student this school year from Bolivia, shared his experiences living with his host family and making friends in the United States. He discussed the differences between his current school and his school in Bolivia, noting that American schools are easier but offer more class selection. Nicolas expressed his love for his host family, his friends, and his new life in the US, where he has improved his English and participated in activities like soccer. He also mentioned his future plans to study psychology and potentially attend college in the US.

On October 9, 2025, Morning Star Rotary welcomed Lena Barbieri, Chief Philanthropy Officer and VP Communications for Miller-Keystone Blood Center.  Lena presented an overview of the organization's mission and operations. She explained Miller-Keystone serves eastern Pennsylvania and western New Jersey, collecting blood for approximately 35 hospitals. Lena highlighted the organization's commitment to quality customer service, discussed the importance of blood donation, and the various ways blood components are used to save lives, emphasizing that blood cannot be manufactured and is perishable.

Lena explained the national blood shortage and Miller-Keystone Blood Center's efforts to address it. She highlighted the need for young people to become regular blood donors and shared stories of how blood donations have saved lives. Lena defined Miller Keystone's operations, including their partnership with hospitals, blood collection and distribution processes, and various programs like "Thank the Donor and Adopt-A-Donor".  She mentioned the organization's need for new bloodmobiles and other equipment to improve their services.

CLICK HERE to view her presentation.