Northwind May 19, 2011

May 19, 2010

WHATCOM COUNTY NORTH ROTARY CLUB

NORTHWIND

MEETING TO ORDER:  President Marlene called the meeting to order at 12:33.  Gary T. gave the invocation.

GUESTS:  Numerous students, parents and other family members, and school staff.

VISITING ROTARIANS:  George Tsakumis.

BANNERS:  Two themes, Endangered Species Day and Armed Forces Day.  On one panel were banners depicting plants or animals which are rare, threatened or endangered.  On the other panel were banners of land, sea and air forces, with some poetic license on Stan’s part.

PROGRAM:  Today was the Youth Service Awards presentation, recognizing the contributions – to the community and the world - of a student from each of the county high schools.  Greg I. was our moderator, as chair of the YSA Committee.  Great job again, Greg, no easy task.  And also thanks to the rest of the committee.

The recipients were:

Blaine:  Clifford Chaning (“the Crews Ship”) Crews

Ferndale:  Steven Rauch

Lynden Christian:  Kristen Blok

Lynden:  Emily Kok

Meridian:  MacKenzie Erikson

Mt. Baker:  Emily Patz

Nooksack:  Sarah McCarrey

Windward:  Bethany Hasper

Things they all have in common:  A desire to serve without recognition; scholarship; leadership in their various pursuits; character; unflagging dedication; the admiration of their teachers, counselors and principals; faith; a nonjudgmental worldview; and good, loving parenting.  Given what usually passes for news, there is a tendency for some of us to forget that these wonderful examples of young people are out there, serving as examples to their peers and to us.  This is undoubtedly the highlight program of the year, inducing sustained goosebumps (and for some of us, an unfortunate occasion to rue the lost opportunities of our own high school years).  The future seems safe in the hands of young people like this.

And not to forget the kudos due to our banking co-sponsors of the scholarship funds:

Sterling Bank; Whidbey island Bank; Peoples Bank; Banner Bank; U.S. Bank; and Union Bank.  Take the opportunity to thank them when you have the chance.

DRAWING:  No big winner.

Scribe this week:  Tim Carpenter