Scholarships Awarded

This week the Rotary Club of Sharpstown awarded five Ed & Laura Webster Vocational Scholarships to students of ITT Technical Institute. Two of the five were able to join us for the meeting: Nelson Yaxon and Richard Valencia. The other three were unable to attend: Genesis Robinson, Reginald Kiser and Nancy Gerrero.

The scholarships are funded through the weekly "Sunshine News" donations made by club members and through the "Birthday Funds" that President Bola initiated this year asking member to support the birthday celebrant with donation "gifts" as well as the special Club Assembly auctions held throughout the year.

Nelson Yaxon with Ken Marsh	Richard Valencia with Ken Marsh

Also joining the club for this special event were ITT staff members: Cathy Clark, Campus Director, Mariana Canas, Director Financial Aid, and Tracy Smith, Director Career Services.

Education of youth in the Sharpstown area is a major area of emphasis for the Rotary Club of Sharpstown. Along with the vocational scholarship program the club members also mentor at-risk students at Lee High School and participate in the Success At Work Program at area middle schools. We have worked at establishing an Interact Club at Sharpstown High School (but have been unsuccessful to date) and are in discussions with ITT Tech about establishing a Rotaract Club at their Gessner Campus.

Guests, Visitors and Other Good News

Ralph Head, pastor of a Sharpstown area church, joined us for the second week! Y' all treat Ralph right...he's also interested in supporting Ed White Elementary just like we are!

We were delighted to have Richard Valncia's mother join is for the presentation of his ITT Scholarship! It is an honor to have parents join the club for this very special event.

President Bola recognized contributions to the club by three members who had not been able to make the Installation Dinner: Ken Marsh, Rory Olsen, JohnPaul Jourard and Chuni Vyas. Ken, for his dedication to youth and education; Chuni, for her assistance in targeting our International Service Projects; and Rory, for his ability to take a $10 auction item donation and turn it into a $20 auction item contribution; and JohnPaul for his campaign that convinced Bola to accept the Presidency and then supporting her throughout the year. Way to go team!

At the close of the meeting Jon King and John Paul Jourard stepped forward to say a few words about Bola's tenure as President (all favorable). The members gathered than gave Bola a standing ovation in appreciation for her service.

Coming Up At Rotary