Students of the Month for May 2015

The East Lansing Rotary Club in conjunction with East Lansing High School are honored to announce May’s students of the month. Noelle Gauss (senior), and Chris Wallace (junior) have been selected as May’s Students of the Month based upon criteria that include involvement in school activities, community service and their Grade Point Average (GPA). The purpose of the Award is to highlight young people who exemplify the values held in esteem by all Rotarians.

If you happen to run into either Noelle or Chris in the next few weeks, thank them for their efforts and congratulate them both for being this month’s East Lansing Rotary’s Students of the Month.

Students of the Month for April 2015

The East Lansing Rotary Club in conjunction with East Lansing High School are honored to announce April’s Students of the Month. John Michael Adelman (senior) and Brianna Jacquel Hankins (sophomore) have been selected as Aprils Students of the Month based upon criteria that include involvement in school activities, community service and their grade point average (GPA). The purpose of the award is to highlight young people who exemplify the values held in esteem by all Rotarians.

JohnMichaelJohn Michael Adelman is a phenomenal student with an outstanding work ethic. Finishing up his senior year at East Lansing with an impressive 3.98 cumulative GPA, John has managed to stay extremely active throughout his time at ELHS. John is a school athlete, competing on both the cross country and track and field teams. On top of all this, John is a dedicated member to several organizations and clubs such as the Christian Student Union, Amnesty International, and the ELHS Ultimate Club. John is very rooted in his faith and plans to serve with NET Ministries for a year before attending college where he hopes to pursue a degree in Theology/Philosophy or Computer Science. He is a very well rounded person and serves as a great example to his fellow classmates.

BriannaBrianna Jacquel Hankins is very involved in both the Lansing community and at East Lansing High School. She is involved in several organizations including RAGE Student Ministries, ELHS Debate, Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN), Lansing Teen Court, and Young Women for Change. She has worked diligently in her schoolwork to maintain a 3.88 GPA and is determined to continue applying herself in her studies with the hopes of one day attending Harvard Law University and becoming a prosecuting attorney. In her spare time, you can most likely find Brianna curled up with a book or out in the community enjoying various theater productions. Brianna is an amazing role model to her peers and has a bright future ahead of her.

Both of these individuals were asked to identify a person who has made a positive impact in each of their lives. Brianna says her favorite person is her grandmother because “she is always there to talk to, without judging or trying to analyze emotions.” John shares that his favorite person is David Kogut because he has been a brother to him and has the greatest sense of humor alongside his other admirable qualities. Both of them greatly appreciate their teachers for their guidance and wisdom throughout their time in school and are thankful for the ways in which they have influenced their lives.

If you run into John or Brianna in the next couple of weeks, be sure to thank them for their constant dedication and involvement to bettering the community and the world around them!

Students of the Month for March 2015

The East Lansing Rotary Club in conjunction with East Lansing High School are honored to announce March’s students of the month. Erin Ruark (freshman), and Anthony Petroff (sophomore) have been selected as February Students of the Month based upon criteria that include involvement in school activities, community service and their Grade Point Average (GPA). The purpose of the Award is to highlight young people who exemplify the values held in esteem by all Rotarians.

ErinStudentoftheMonthErin Ruark was nominated by her Geometry Teacher. Erin is an excellent student both in and out of the classroom. She studies hard (aced her Geometry final – not many of us can say that!) – she loves to both read and write, is active in ISHALL, an accelerated English program offered through and at Michigan State University. Erin also plays the violin and can be heard singing in the chorus of East Lansing High School’s musical “The Wiz”. Erin has the opportunity to expand both her joy, and skill in writing through the writing club she is active in. When Erin isn’t busy, singing, writing, or reading you will find her active on a community project through dosomething.org.

AnthonyStudentoftheMonthAnthony Petroff is also a math whiz. Taking Algebra 2 as a sophomore puts Anthony ahead of the curve in his math curriculum. He is an all-around outstanding student with a 3.89 GPA. Anthony is a quiet leader. He knows when to work, he knows when to make suggestions, and he knows when and how to step up and help others. An example of this is his ability to take a tough subject like Math, and using “texting” lingo help his peers remember difficult logarithms. By placing difficult ideas and concepts into “lingo” that his peers can understand he is helping them improve their understanding of Algebra 2. In addition to applying himself to his studies, Anthony is a member of Christian Student Union (CSU) and a member of the East Lansing Football team.

Both young adults were asked who their favorite person was and they had a common answer. Both mentioned parents as that person(s) they looked up to most and appreciated them for the positive role they play in their respective lives. Anthony likes the idea of being a doctor or working in a medically related field, while Erin has her sights set on studying abroad, learning multiple languages, and helping this experience to shape what her future might hold.

If you happen to run into either Erin or Anthony in the next few weeks, thank them for their efforts and congratulate them both for being March’s East Lansing Rotary’s Students of the month.

Weekend Survival Kits Program

Weekend Survival Kits Program

The East Lansing Rotary Club is proud to be a supporter of the Weekend Survival Kits program. Now in its’ fifth year of operation, the Weekend Survival Kits program helps feed needy children in our area (most of whom receive free, or reduced-price meals at school) by providing them with a two-gallon bag filled with nutritional food every other Friday during the school year. A typical Weekend Survival Kit includes: pre-portioned crackers, soup, 100% fruit juice, pudding cups, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, pasta with protein, peanut butter, granola bars, fruit cups in plastic containers, single serve cereal boxes, fruit chews and oatmeal packets. Each “kit” is packed with enough food for up to 7 meals and 2 snacks to help feed a hungry child.

Participating Schools in Weekend Survival Kits Program

Last year (2013-14 school year), 26 different schools in nine different school districts, plus two other locations (Edgewood Village Network Center and the Parkwood YMCA) participated in the program. Overall 1,883 students were served by the WSK program, up from 1,181 the previous year and nearly 400 more students than the 1,500 student goal set for the 2013-14 school year.

Our goal this year is to reach 2,500 students. Currently, 11 school districts and 33 schools are participating, including: Dansville, Haslett, Holt (Hope), Okemos (Central, Hiawatha, Bennett, Cornell), Lansing (Attwood, Post Oak, REO, Riddle, Willow, North, Gardner, Gier Park), Ingham ISD (Heartwood), DeWitt (Herbison Woods, Schavey Road, Scott), Mason (Alaiedon, Steele, North Aurelius), Waverly, East Lansing (Donley, Pinecrest, Glencairn, Marble) and Williamston (Discovery, Middle School, High School, Explorer, Lil’ Hornets). Other participants include the after-school tutoring program at the Edgewood Village Network Center and the Parkwood YMCA Summer Program.

Community Partners also Supporting Weekend Survival Kits

Started by the Haslett-Okemos Rotary Club, the Weekend Survival Kits program continues to grow. Community partners currently include: Rotary Clubs in East Lansing, Haslett-Okemos and Delta-Waverly; Kiwanis Clubs in East Lansing, Okemos and Williamston; Mason Optimist Club; Jackson National Life, Kohl’s, East Lansing Masonic Lodge #480; Okemos Community Church; St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in Haslett, the Joe D. Pentecost Foundation, and the R.E. Olds Foundation.

Many Hands logo for the organization that coordinates the Weekend Survival Kits program

In 2013, the Many Hands Foundation  became the fiduciary agent for the Weekend Survival Kits program and now coordinates the program’s food ordering, packing sessions and food kit deliveries.

Help close the food insecurity gap in our communities by voting in
the U Club’s “Big Bang-Quet Community Charity Challenge.”

Cast your $5 votes for the Weekend Survival Kits program
online between February 9 and March 24 at:
www.universityclubofmsu.org/theclubwithaheart

New Member Talk From David McNeilly

IMAG0534David McNeilly recently introduced himself to the club in a new member talk.  He spoke about his Father, who was a strong influence in his life, his wife who has supported him and the announcement that a new McNeilly is on the way!  David is a Financial Adviser with Northwestern Mutual Insurance.