Visiting Rotarians and Guests:

We had two visiting Rotarians, Rich Cole, from the Port-Summit club and Heather Rainone of the Ravenna club.  There were three guests introduced by Anthony Horton, including Lily Robb, student of the month, and her parents Beth and Greg Robb.

Announcements:

Bill Childers announced the NCAA Tournament Watch Party Fundraiser to be held at Ray’s Place on March 16th from noon to 6pm.  Funds will benefit United Way of Portage County.

Amanda Senn reminded us that the Rotary Happy Hour will be held from 4 to 6pm at the United Way watch party at Ray’s.  She asked that folks register for the event by notifying United Way.

Heather Rainone announced that Ravenna Rotary will hold a reverse raffle and auction on March 16th at 6pm.  Heather brought tickets to sell.

Jennifer Lennox reminded us that Rotary is selling brackets for men’s and women’s basketball tournaments as a benefit for our Club’s literacy programs.  Next week is the last time to purchase brackets.  She also told us that she brought Davey calendars to this meeting.

Carol Crimi told us that the basketball game outing sponsored by Rotary netted over $700 for the Foundation.  She also reported on changes in officers for the Foundation.  Nancy Whitehaed has been elected to serve as the new Rotary Foundation chair.  Carol will still handle the funds for the capital campaign and assist with transition work.  March 28th is the deadline for applications to the Foundation.

Dave Myeres happily reported that our club raised about $1000 in relief funds for Turkey and Syria.  Our donation should pay for a shelter box.

Our club will hold our big fundraiser for the Foundation on Friday, May 5th.  He urged participation by all Rotarians.

Happy Bucks:

The following individuals contributed happy bucks:  Christie Anderson, Laing Kennedy, Rachel Kerns, Todd Kamenash, Rich Cole, Denise Baba, Ralph Kletzien, Anne Moneypenney, and Dave Myers.

Student of the Month:

Anthony Horton, principal of Stanton Middle School, introduced Lily Robb, an eighth grade student on the Endeavor Team at Stanton.  Lily is a top-notch student carrying a GPA of 4.0 or higher. She is involved in sports, music, and drama. She is taking advanced math at the high school level.  Outside of school Lily plays sports and is active in her church.  She does volunteer work and loves to foster animals.  She credits her mom with her desire for service.  She plans on attending college and would like to major in a field that works with animals.  Lily’s parents Beth and Greg Robb attended today’s luncheon to see Lily receive her award.

Program: Four Way Speech Contest

President Dave asked Will Underwood to tell us about the speech contest program for today.  Will noted that we have been sponsoring speech contests for many years.  The winner of the local contest goes on to represent our club at the district level.  Will introduced Pam Harr from Kent Roosevelt High School.  She serves as the academic advisor for the speech contestants.  Pam introduced the three contestants Mary Kline, Alex Wagner, and Yulan Wang.  Mary’s speech made a plea for not arming teachers with guns at school.  Alex Wagner told us that out of state tuition was unfair and should be banned.  Yulan Wang taught us the tiny interactions with strangers can better our social well- being.  All three speakers were articulate and convincing.  Rotary judges including Tom Hatch, Laing Kennedy and Rachel Oldham had a difficult task.  Tom Hatch reported for the judges saying that the speakers were exceptional.  After due deliberation Mary Kline was declared the winner.  All the contestants received monetary awards.  Mary will represent Kent Rotary at the District speech contest on April 22nd.  The Port-Summit Rotary Club will host the district speech contest this year.

Response:

Anne Moneypenney thanked Mrs. Harr and all three speakers.  Anne said that all speakers did a good job and that our future in in good hands.

The meeting ended with the reciting of the four way test.