ICTC HOSTS ROTARY DISTRICT GOVERNOR

(May 2, 2008) . . .The Interact Clubs of The Indiana County Technology Center, under the direction of advisor, Ms. Cathy Marsh, hosted the eighth Annual District Governor's Luncheon on Friday, April 18, 2008. More than 42 people attended the luncheon that was organized by 10 th, 11 th, and 12 th grade afternoon Interact members. Attendees included 22 Interact members, 20 Rotarians from Indiana Rotary--sponsor of the Interact Clubs, and members of Rotary District 7330.

Among the Rotarians attending the luncheon were: Ms. Gwen Ridgley, current District Governor, and her husband, Lewis; and Ms. Mary Berge, District Governor-elect, and her husband, Evar. Attending as guests of ICTC’s Interact club were Indiana County school superintendents Dr. Kathy Wunder, United Area School District, and ICTC Superintendent of Record; Dr. Debbie Clawson, Indiana Area School District; and Dr. Vincent Delconte, Homer-Center School District.

Sarah DeValerio, afternoon club president, provided a welcome statement to the guests. Interact members Matt Mano and Megan Sandolfini kicked off the event with an ice breaker activity designed as a fun way to meet everyone and a chance to learn something new. Everyone enjoyed this activity and it was successful in helping the Rotarians and Interact members get to know each other. The luncheon is a great way to develop those friendships.

Carmella Franco, afternoon Interact treasurer, delivered the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance before lunch was served buffet style by the ICTC Culinary Arts students, who also prepared the meal. At this time Mrs. Carol Fry, ICTC Director, welcomed guests to the school and invited them to remain after the luncheon for a tour of the school.

While enjoying lunch, Interact members were able to discuss the year’s Interact projects and network with the Rotarians. This opportunity helped the Interact members build social skills in a professional setting while building new friendships that will help their future endeavors.

At the end of the meal, Interact member, Tiffany Bozo, introduced the keynote speaker, Ms. Gwen Ridgley, District Governor of Rotary District 7330, who shared a few words regarding the youth programs of Rotary. Her concluding remarks included a presentation to several ICTC Interact students to attend a leadership conference for young leaders this summer. The Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) is a conference that emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth. Award recipients are selected based on their leadership potential and involvement in community service. The ICTC students who will attend RYLA are Jennifer Harvey, Dorothy Esposti, Carmella Franco, Jared Cramer, and Gretchen Nisbet.

“I am excited to go to the leadership conference,” declared Carmella Franco. “I wasn’t expecting to get this award and I am looking forward to attending this summer.”

The luncheon concluded with a grateful thank you presented by the morning Interact president, Jessica Brown, to Ms. Ridgley for her special message, and to the guests for attending the luncheon.

The significance of the luncheon lies in that it exemplifies one of the primary purposes of Rotary, and Rotarians’ support of Interact Clubs. The District Governor’s Luncheon provides an excellent opportunity for Indiana Rotarians to meet and develop friendships with the Interact members they sponsor. Friendships that will encourage Rotarians to take a more active role with Interact members in future activities, and friendships that inspire Interact members to continue striving for top grades, perfect attendance and to maintain their focus on future goals.

In times past, a favorite uncle or family friend provided support and encouragement to students. Times have changed. For most families attempting to support the needs of today’s teens requires two incomes. The days of frequent back yard picnics with lots of old friends (mentors and role models) seem to have disappeared. That is why interaction between Interact members and Rotarians through events such as the District Governor’s Luncheon is so important.

Ms. Marsh, Interact advisor, enthusiastically supports the ICTC Interact Club and advocates the positive influences Interact Clubs have on the membership. “ A privilege that has been most inspiring and without a doubt, has provided me with the energy to seek new, fun, meaningful and different community service and international projects. Projects that when supported by Rotarians, develop a new sense of caring, respect, trustworthiness, fairness and responsibility in the Interact members. As club advisor, I’m privileged in being able to talk openly with Interact members and guide them as they grow into professional adults,” Ms. Marsh proclaimed.

The ICTC Interact club has been actively involved in numerous charitable events throughout the past year. These activities include: Salvation Army Red Kettle collections, Toys for Tots, Relay for Life, the Multi-Phasic Blood Analysis Program (AMBA), and a special effort through the Rotary Foundation to purchase water filters for four families in underdeveloped countries.

For more infomration about the Interact Club, please click here. For more information on the ICTC, click here.

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