Volume XI, Issue 35: April 6, 2012

 In and Out – We Hear From Noëmi and Colin

Our Rotary Exchange Student from Switzerland Noëmi Schönenberger played on the line in the recent Powderpuff Football game at Arcata High School. She enjoyed the “awesome” experience, but she did come away with bruised hands.

 
Our Club is sponsoring Colin Swenson as our Outbound Exchange Student for the next school/Rotary year. Last week, Colin told us that he will be headed for Trieste, Italy this summer. He is already in contact with his first host family. He has a 12-year old host brother, but he won’t see much of his host sister – she will be in Tampa, Florida on a Rotary Exchange of her own!
Rotarian of the Month
President Scott selected Karen Burgesser as the Rotarian of the Month for March. Karen does a lot of behind-the-scenes work for our club. She has served as our Club Secretary, and this year, she is co-chair of the Membership Committee, which has been bringing in new members at an amazing rate.
Announcements
President Scott wants us all to remember that this year’s District Conference is “in our own back yard” – well, it’s a short drive to Fortuna, anyway. The event will take place Thursday, June 14 through Sunday, June 17th. It’s always an inspirational, engaging, and fun event. 
Bob Johnson’s Recognitions
Brother Bob returned to the Recognitions Podium briefly last week. He tipped his hat to Orrin “O.P.” Plocher for serving as Interim Chief Recognizer in Bob’s absence (and presence). Bob put in a plug for the MS Walk that will take place this Saturday. Many merchants in Henderson Center are sponsoring the event, and if you’re interested in contributing, let Bob know.
History Day
Our Club has always been involved in Humboldt County’s History Day contest. Bill Tanner, the late husband of Charter Member Fran Tanner, started the event in 1981 as an alternative to the then-annual Rotary Speech Contest. Although she is no longer a member of our Club, Fran was on hand to welcome the students.
“The Miracle”
 
The first presentation was by Taylor Schroeder, Amanda Guffie, and Taylor Combs of Orick Elementary School. They were one of two groups awarded prizes in the Junior Division Group Performance category. Their presentation was “The Miracle of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan”.
“Humboldt 8”
 
 
Three students from Blue Lake Elementary School made up the other winning Junior Division Group Performance team. Dakota Small, Nollan Rohn, and Wyatt Rohn presented their performance, “Humboldt 8”.
“Altruism”
Kaelee Steiner-Olson of Arcata High School was a Senior Division Individual Exhibit winner for her presentation of “Obedience to Authority”. Anna Nordquist and Kaitlin Tucker, also from Arcata High School, were Senior Division Group Exhibit winners for their three-sided exhibit, “Altruism: Humanity’s Redeeming Quality”.

“Obedience to Authority”