Notes from the Rotary Meeting 12.30pm Thursday, March 7, 2024
President Jackie chaired the meeting.
Club Business
Toonie Quest West
There was no winner this week in the Toonie Quest West draw.
Guest Speaker
Program-chair Kathleen introduced the three level 3 students from Corner Brook Regional High School who were speaking at the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship Speak-off. The winner would attend the Rotary Adventures in Citizenship program in Ottawa from May 26 – 29 2024. The three speakers were, Lucas Upward, Gordon Staples and Gavin Staples. They spoke on what it means to be a Canadian.
The winner’s travel expenses are covered by the Corner Brook Club as is the registration fee to the Rotary Club of Ottawa. Ottawa club welcomes around 150 students to the program and covers expenses of transportation to events, meals, and accommodation in a University of Ottawa residence. The aim of this annual event is to provide a unique opportunity for a select group of young Canadians to come together and gain a better understanding of our country. Through meetings with political leaders, senior officials, and others, they learn a great deal about the workings of our democratic institutions. Through meeting one another and having discussions among themselves, they learn to appreciate the diversity of Canada and privileges and responsibilities of citizenship.
There were three Rotarian judges were Adam, Lorraine, and Olaf. Before the meeting, the judges interviewed each of the students.
Guests Paula Grudich, teacher sponsor for this speak-off, and two parents, Bernie Staples and Laenora Ryba and were welcomed to the meeting. Thanks go to Paula for her help in encouraging students to participate in this speak-off and the support she gives the students.
The three students gave excellent talks, and each gave a different perspective on what being a Canadian means. The judges met after the speeches and made the decision that Gavin Staples was the winner and would go to Ottawa for the Adventures in Citizenship program. Judge Adam noted that it had been a very difficult decision to make as all three speeches were extremely good.
While the judges were deciding the winner, Jackie shared her good news that she had been awarded the prestigious 2024 Cruise Vision Award in recognition of her exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador,
The meeting adjourned at 1.30pm.