President Elect Kelli Thode opened the 36^th meeting of the year and the 5,586^th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett with the Pledge of Allegiance. 

 

Kari Quaas quoted Dolly Parton as the Thought of the Day.

 

“I’ve always tried to never step on anybody to get where I am. I’ve had to walk around a few people, jump over a few of ‘em now and then, but I think you’re a true success when you’ve seen your dreams come true and you can take pride in how you did it, and take pride in and respect and appreciate the people that helped you get there.” - Dolly Parton

 

Two visiting Rotarians from the Port Gardner Club. Peggy Ray, President Elect-Port Gardner Rotary Club, and Mary Schoenfeldt, Assistant Governor – Area K.

 

Asst Governor Mary announced several joint projects including a Greater Everett Chamber membership for Rotary and signage for the service clubs in Everett. She mentioned that the District Conference is May 3-5 at the Tulalip Resort Casino. Please consider attending the conference.

 

Mark Valentine, PP, introduced his wife, Michelle Valentine. She is his driver for awhile.

 

President Elect Kelli Thode stated there was a good turnout at the Rotary Coffee fellowship on March 12^th at Sobar. Remember that the Rotary Coffee fellowship is the second Wednesday of the month. The announcement on the next location will be announced soon.

 

Brian Hollinghead announced the Rotary After Hours is March 27^th, 5 pm – 5:30 pm at the Courtyard by Marriott Everett.

 

Betsy Baker-Bold is happy to be back from Mexico. She has a deep gratitude about clean water. Water Appreciation Day is March 22^nd.

 

 

Mark Valentine, PP, had surgery to fix his wrist and he left his nametag in the other car.

 

Steve Miller, PP, had a bell ringer as he started a new business and water ski this morning.

 

Tammy Dunn is happy that her travel “whirlwind” is over for a little while.

 

Neill Angst, PP, announced the raffle winners.

Kelli Thode gave an update on the Annual Fundraiser. She talked about the Youth Scholarships which are funded by the annual fundraiser. The club hs the Student of the Month. The Rotary Youth Foundation has two types of scholarships: Endowed Scholarships and Partners in Excellence. Partners in Excellence scholarships are businesses participating by giving dollars for scholarships and the club matches the dollar amount. We also give $31,000 in AVID scholarships.

 

Anna Marie Laurence announced that the Youth Scholarship interviews will be April 26^th. The Scholarship Awards Night is May 20^th.

 

Please donate at least $350 to the Annual Fundraiser. Consider donating more to the fundraiser.

 

Cassidy Spencer introduced the high school advisors who then introduced the students of the month for the respective high schools.

 

Cindy Kuntz introduced London Bugarin, Cascade High School student and her mother Maria. Academically, she is top of her class in high school and through the college Running Start program. Her AVID teacher described her as “one of the most amazing students” she’s ever had, highlighting her academic success, her kindness and her ability to master whatever she sets her mind to. London has been a member of Cascade’s Art Honor Society and Math Team and volunteered at a local nursing home. She is lead guitarist in a teen rock band and an artist who enjoys painting, drawing, and creating charcoal pieces.

 

Jen Selders introduced Nevaeh Henriquez, Everett High School student, and her father Marismo. With a 3.85 GPA, participation on the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board and her softball team’s amazing 4^th place run at state last year, Nevaeh is kind, responsible, committed and driven to always do the right thing. Her advisor calls her “quiet but strong”. She doesn’t dominate a group, but she is a force of good. She is the first to arrive and the last to leave. Wherever she helps, it’s never about her, or the spotlight. Her goal is always to use her time, energy and efforts to help others succeed and shine the light on them. 

 

Tricia Schultz introduced Alison Vargas-Maciel, Sequoia High School Student, her mother and sister. A standout quality of Alison is her creativity. In an academic or leadership class, she can take the given task and add her own spin. Her creativity and strong work ethic has made her a valuable team player. She took Introduction to Data Science, a College in the High School class, and passed with flying colors. Wearing her quinceañera dress during National Hispanic Heritage Month allowed her to celebrate her cultural heritage with pride. Alison is excited to attend college and pursue a medical degree, driven by a deep desire to help others.

 

President Elect Kelli adjourned the meeting at 12:43 pm.

 

Respectfully Submitted,

 

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