Tom Hatch introduced a delegation of Fulbright scholars currently attending the Teaching Excellence and Achievement program at Kent State University. They are as follows: Irina Grudeva, Bulgaria Daniel Simeonov, Bulgaria Vladimira Teneva, Bulgaria Anna Vasjutina, Estonia Edina Finta, Hungary Aigul Yeleussiz, Kazakhstan Giedre Akramiene, Lithuania Merita Redjepi, North Macedonia Katerina Susinova, North Macedonia Adina Ionescu, Romania Natalija Budinski, Serbia Nada Filipovich, Serbia Gulnoz Aknazarbekova, Tajikistan Laylo Rahimova, Tajikistan Merve Gok Saik, Turkey Muhammed Salih Tasdemir, Turkey Liudmyla Sokolova, Ukraine Shavkat Kholdoshovisch Geldieiv, Uzbekistan Other visitors included Emily McKeen, daughter of David McKeen, Gail Pavlika, Pam Harr, and the mother and brother of Jacob Jividen, one of the speech contestants from Kent Roosevelt. Birthdays: Jeff Roeger announced the Rotarian March birthdays. The Rotarians are Bill Russell, Dave Myers, Dennis Love, Rachel Kerns, Debbie Krutz, Randy Smith, David Patterson, George Joseph. No one present or on-line won the drawing. Brad Ehrhart is celebrating a 10 year anniversary with Rotary. Announcements: President Kathy announced the May 6th auction for the club. The auction committee will be meeting weekly. We need additional volunteers for the A/V work of virtual meetings. The District Conference is April 22-23, 2022. We need to have a good number of attendees to support our District Governor. Todd Kamenash noted that next week is the last week for bracket busters. Funds support our literacy work. Carol Crimi told us that the Foundation will meet on April 12th to consider proposals for funding. The deadline for proposals is March 31st. Dave Myers asked for additional financial support for the blanket project. A basket was passed around for donations. Program: Four Way Speech contest Brian Bialik introduced Pam Harr from Kent Roosevelt High School. She serves as the academic advisor for the speech contestants. Pam then introduced the three contestants as follows: Elizabeth “Liz” Cline, Jacob “Jake” Jividen, and Maren Seaholts. Liz Cline gave her speech on inclusivity for transgender people. Jake Jividen said his speech was inspired by his mother and brother Michael. He talked about the anti-vax movement and the needless deaths that occur due to not taking advantage of vaccines. Maren Seaholts told us about migraines and how costly this condition can be in terms of suffering and other negative consequences. Rotary judges for the speeches were Nancy Whitehead, Carol Crimi, Mark Pennell. Will Underwood told us about the District Speech Contest that will be held on April 9th here in Kent. We still need additional volunteers to serve as judges. Brian Bialik thanked the contestants for their inspiring speeches. After the judges deliberated, Elizabeth Cline was selected as the winner. She will represent Kent Rotary at the District contest. All contestants received checks from Rotary. Response: David McKeen thanked the students for their speeches and indicated that it is difficult to select a winner. Respectfully submitted, Sue Hetrick
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