President Michael Kvistad started the 28^th meeting of the year and the 5,578^th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett with the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Ryan Willis gave the thought of the day. “Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.”

 

We had guests with the student of the month. We did not catch these individuals’ names.

 

President Michael showed a video and talked about the polio challenge since the war in Gaza.

 

Brian Hollingshead reminded the members about this month’s Rotary Happy Hour. The event is Thursday, January 23^rd at the Obsidian Brew Hall starting at 5:00. The address is: 1420 Hewett. Bring a friend.

 

Kelli Thode reminded us about the Recovery Cafe’ coffee hour. The event is Friday, January 31 at Noon.

 

Kelli Thode announced several meet ups in the month of February.

Jim Staniford is selling tickets for the annual Dawson Place Fundraiser held at the Silvertips game February 2. Tickets are reported to be $10 each. Jim provides great raffle prizes.

 

Ed Peterson spoked about the extreme poverty rate in 1950 was 55% and in 2024, it was 9.3%. Literacy rate in 1900 was 20% and in 2024 it was 90%.

 

Anna Marie Laurence talked about the “It’s your America” Jackson Fellow’s project. Jillian Youngblood, ED of Civic Genius, came to speak to our Rotary Club last fall.  She is a Henry M Jackson Fellow.  Part of being a Fellow is doing a project.  Her project is a program called “It’s Your America.”  It is a workshop where you learn how to build common ground and make a difference on issues that matter to you.

 

There are flyers on the table on how to register.  If you have any troubles, please contact me.  The workshop is next Tuesday the 28^th from 6-8pm at WSU Everett campus.  I hope to see you there. here is the link to register: https://www.ourcivicgenius.org/events/

 

The following Rotarians had happy dollars and birthday bucks.

 

There was a reminder to donate more prizes to the Raffle Committee.

 

Cindy Kuntz introduced Lucas Bicket, Cascade High School. Lucas excels academically and continues to challenge himself with college level classes through Running Start. He took a leading role in the food drive, dedicating his time to canning and motivating classmates to boost the number of cans they collected. A dedicated DECA student, he shows his skills and commitment by qualifying for the state level business competition. For four years Lucas has participated in band classes. He is a proficient musician who enjoys playing, writing, and improvising music.

 

Tricia Schultz introduced Kalia Mulima, Sequoia High School.  Kalie is driven, successful in school, an incredible leader and a fashion queen. She is ASB president, and one of her most favorite times at Sequoia was campaigning. Her competitors all helped each other with their campaigns instead of allowing the competition to divide them. Her leadership teacher said “Kalie has contributed immensely to the culture of the entire campus. She attends PTSA meetings and communicates with all programs on campus to include all students and feel a sense of belonging.”

 

Jen Selders introduced Mia Granados, Everett High. Busy everywhere, Mia is a member of the Future Health Professionals Club HOSA, president of the Cosplay club, vice-president and a founding member of the Knowledge Bowl team, co-president of the Gay-Straight Alliance, secretary of the writing club, a member of Latinos Unidos, and a member of the choir and tennis team. With a 3.78 GPA, she excels at numerous AP classes. Most importantly, her commitment to creating an inclusive environment will certainly be a significant part of the mark she will leave on Everett High.

 

President Michael thanked the students, advisors, and parents. He thanked the bell ringers – Mark, Janice, and Julie. He adjourned the meeting.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photography Submitted,