Meeting Greeter: Tara Winch
Pledge: Nancy Morin
Four Way Test: Nancy Morin
Prayer: Chip Adams
Raffle: Marty D, Shane (guest), Mr. Novak (Dad)
Happy Bucks: Most were for the students, teachers, parents, and administrators. Chip was happy for the sunshine. Bill M. was happy to remind the Club that we have been recognizing the Students of the Month for 35 years. Happy Anniversary Rotary Club of Old Saybrook! Nancy was happy to have received a thank you letter from a Rotary District Governor in California. He expressed deep appreciation for our $3000 donation to help in the rebuilding process after the devastating wild fires.
Guests: Robert Friend, District Governor; Christopher Drezek, Superintendent of Old Saybrook Schools; Pete Zucco’s prospective new member, Shane.
L-R: Collette Marchant (Lyme-Old Lyme HS), Katherine DiPietro (Old Saybrook HS)
L-R: Max Novak (Lyme-Old Lyme HS), Ellie Pennington (Old Saybrook HS), Not pictured: Dayana Portillo (Westbrook HS)
Student of the Month Program: May and June; Business Ed & Physical Ed/Health Tara Winch, principal of Westbrook High School, explained the purpose and the history of the award and then introduced the students, teachers, and administrators from each school district.
Lyme/Old Lyme High School: Collette Marchant, Business Ed.
Assistant principal, Ms. Manfredi, and teacher, Ms. Traver, described Collette as an excellent role model who conducts the school Blood Drive and Spirit Week while serving as Co-President of the Student Government. She has recently been awarded the Red Cross Scholarship for her dedication and hard work. She has also been recognized for her leadership, work ethic, and spirit both in and out of the classroom. Collette will be attending Bentley University majoring in Business with an emphasis in Marketing.
Max Novak, PE/Health
Assistant principal, Ms. Manfredi, and teacher, Mr. Cohen, described Max as “the athlete with major heart”. He is kind, respectful, empathetic, and volunteers for everyone for everything. He is respected by his fellow students as well as the faculty. Max takes pride in his fitness and desires to make everyone around him better. He has overcome serious football injuries but has continued to help others even while on crutches. Next year you can find Max studying at Southern Connecticut University and playing fullback on the football team.
Old Saybrook High School: Katherine DiPietro, Business Ed.
Assistant principal, Mr. Plotkin, and teacher, Ms. Dailey, described Katherine as focused, hardworking, and kind. She serves as the “news anchor” for the school’s morning news broadcast. She also volunteers for the “Goodwin Buddies” as a tutor and mentor for the elementary students. Recently, in her Entrepreneurship Class, she was elected President of the Company and led them to a record-breaking year. According to Mr. Plotkin, Katherine is the type of student that makes the school a better place for everyone. Next year, she will be attending the University of New Haven majoring in Criminal Justice.
Ellie Pennington, PE/Health
Assistant principal, Mr. Plotkin, and teacher, Ms. Westner, described Ellie as “one of a kind”. She is a compassionate leader in and outside the classroom. She is a class officer, has conducted a recent Cancer Walk, is an active participant in the AIM Program, and aids classmates in selecting which UConn courses to take at the high school. Ellie is a three-sport athlete whose health and fitness is of the highest priority. Ellie has recently committed to the Coast Guard Academy. Upon graduation from the academy, she plans to make serving in the Coast Guard a career choice.
Agenda items:
Epic Day of Service: 20 volunteers and 8 Interact Club members participated in the Food Drive held on May 17th in Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and Old Lyme. Stop & Shop (OS) donated $600 of food and paper goods. Details to follow.
A new permanent Peace Pole will be installed in the town park at Saybrook Point soon.
Summer Concert Series on the Town Green: there is still time to sign up. See Nancy.
Reminder: Changing of the Guard on June 11th, 5:30 pm at Lyme Art Association.
Fundraising ideas will be discussed at the next meeting. Start thinking.
Dave P. and Jan P. presented Tara Winch and Jeanne Manfredi with floral bouquets in recognition of their upcoming retirement and their many years of dedication to the students in Westbrook, Old Saybrook, and Lyme/Old Lyme. Happy Retirement.
District Governor, Robert Friend, addressed the students and their families and presented each student with a “Magic of Rotary” pin.
Next Meeting: NOON at the VFW on May 28th. Speaker: Sheila Gavish
