As we step into May with graduation celebrations, spring sports and new beginnings, I am reminded that May is Youth Service Month when Rotary clubs focus on youth services, including: Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and Rotary Youth Exchange. 

 

It is also the time of year when many clubs are awarding scholarships to graduating seniors. It is great to celebrate our commitment to empowering young leaders who will be our future leaders to carry the Rotary torch forward. 

 

I would also like to highlight some of the achievements of our district. I was honored to attend the Lincoln South meeting this past month to present Rotary’s prestigious “Service Above Self” Award to Jenny Cardwell. This award is given to only 150 recipients annually worldwide to recognize members who fully embody our primary motto. Jenny, who served as club President in 2014-15 is so deserving of this award for her service to her club, the district and Rotary International. Way to go Jenny!

 

I am looking forward to attending some important events in the next month to recognize some milestone achievements of our clubs. I will be attending a banquet on May 2^nd to honor the Nebraska City Rotary Club who will be celebrating 100 years as a Rotary Club. Then on May 31^st, I will join the Seward Club as they celebrate their 100^th year anniversary as well. A huge congratulations to these clubs for achieving these milestones and the impact that they have had on their communities.

 

I am looking forward to our Annual Meeting on May 8^th where we will present next year’s district budget, elect new board members and ratify our district leadership team for the next three years. Thank you to the delegates who will attend for representing your clubs.