President Kelli Thode rang the bell at 12:01pm, calling to order meeting #5621 of the Rotary Club of Everett, and meeting #21 of her presidency.

 

Walt Greenwood presented the Thought of the Day, “Stop trying to be happy. Start trying to make other people happy”.

 

Anna Marie Laurence introduced Peter Scott with Everett Public Schools.

 

Janice Ellis introduced our exchange student, Hakumi.

 

President Kelli discussed the Rotary Coffee Hour and Rotary After Hours at Wick-Ed Cellars last week, hosted by PP Rose Goulet. Members of South Everet/Mukilteo and Port Gardner Rotary clubs also attended.

 

President Kelli invited members to join in a four-hour strategic planning session, where the club will plan out the next five years. 

 

Ryan Willis discussed the district membership session, where membership growth and the Rotary Foundation were the focus.

 

Ashley Bolden mentioned music and crafts at the Carl Gipson Senior Center on December 13^th. She also mentioned the Recovery Cafe fundraiser and that she is collecting coats for those in need.

 

Kelly Shepherd had $100 for the Everett High School girls’ volleyball team.

 

Ashley Bolden had $7 for her oldest daughter turning 7 years old.

 

President Kelli was happy that her grandson was doing well after surgery. She also ran the South Everett/Mukilteo Rotary meeting on November 7^th.

 

Ashley Bolden ran today’s raffle. Winners were:

Exchange student Hakumi presented a banner from his home Rotary club in Japan.

 

Cassidy Spencer introduced today’s student of the month program.

 

Cascade High School - Cindy Kuntz introduced Cascade High School student of the month, Sophia Thigpen. Sophia has a 4.0 GPA and a love for learning. She is a varsity team captain. She is involved in band and several clubs. She plans to pursue a career in anesthesiology. Sophia thanked the club for the wonderful opportunity and was grateful for everyone in the community.

 

Sequoia High School - Tricia Schultz introduced Sequoia High School student of the month, Sydney Baker. Sydney is a motivated student and is the current ASB president. She is dependable and easy to talk to. She takes an active role in leadership and is a positive leader. She plans to pursue science and engineering. Sydney thanked the club for the opportunity.

 

Everett High School - Jen Selders introduced Everett High School student of the month, Kalekidan Banti. Kalekidan has a 3.9 GPA. She excels through character and leadership. She is an outstanding and inclusive leader. Kalekidan thanked Rotary, her friends and parents. She plans to study biology, psychology, and pre-med. 

 

President Kelli thanked Cassidy Spencer for working with Student of the Month program.

 

Ian Saltzman thanked today’s Students of the Month. He then introduced Peter Scott of the Everett School District, who discussed the upcoming school levy and bond measure. He showed the club a video about them. The Everett School District has over 20,000 students and 2,600 staff in 27 schools. The district has a 96.3% graduation rate.

 

The bond measure is for funding capital projects, such as buildings, while the levy is for curriculum an learning. The bond measure needs 60% voter approval to pass. While the levy only needs 50% voter approval to pass.

 

Cathy Woods took the podium to discuss the bond measure. The bond measure is Proposition 1 on the ballot. Funding will address current issues of limited space, aging buildings, and safety. The planning committee included 29 community members and 4 high school students. Planned projects include:

The total amount raised by the bond measure would be $396.8 million.

 

Peter Scott then showed a video about the levy. The levy replaces the current expiring levy. He reminded everyone to vote on February 10^th, 2026.

 

Fliers are circulating. Scan the QR code for more information.  

 

President Kelli thanked the presenters, the Students of the Month, and today’s bell ringers.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

Photography Submitted by.