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Willow United
Methodist Church
36925 Willow Rd.
New Boston, MI 48164
Tuesday 6:30 PM
Voicemail: 734-753-9184
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President
Bill Wiley
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| Vice President
Walt Irodenko
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| Treasurer
Kathy Cerni
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| Secretary
David Kuykendall
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| 2010 Rotary Scholarship Winners Announced |
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Annually the Huron Township Rotary offers scholarships to students at Huron High School in New Boston. Over the last several years the contributions to the applicants have increased. Huron’s Rotarian believe in the value of education and support it in several ways over the year, including donations to the school libraries, to the reading programs, and enriching the lives of the children at Sunnyside Kindergarten Center, Miller and Brown Elementary, St. John Lutheran, St. Stephen Catholic and Summit Elementary within the boundaries of the township, during the holidays in December.
The graduating Huron seniors have an opportunity to apply, and this year there were twenty-six. A committee of three fielded through the applications and essays and invited ten students to present themselves at the dinner / interview meeting that was held on Tuesday, May 11, 2010. After the presentation, the students and additional guests were excused and the membership discussed the presentations as well as reviewed the areas that each candidate was best fit for a scholarship. Criteria included the field of study – there are particular scholarships for vocational, the arts, athletics, etc., and the family’s ability to support their student. Four Rotarians (Hopper, Kuykendall, Sautner and Wiley) recuse themselves, as they are or have been employed by the school district and do not want to influence the decisions made by the club..
The recipients this year include Brooke Backhaus and Roger Yeager, Jr., who were awarded the Virginia Bird Memorial Scholarship, each receiving $1000. Brooke will be attending Northern Michigan University to study pre-pharmacy. She graduated with a GPA of 4.125 and was ranked third in the class. She shared at the dinner that she has had a unique opportunity to work with Huron Valley Steelheaders, a group that teaches blind children to make lures and fish. In addition she was a member of the National Honor Society and played volleyball and softball for Huron..
Roger was the Valedictorian for the Class of 2010 and had a GPA of 4.26. He will be attending Michigan Technological University to study biochemistry. Roger is active in his church, the HHS band and was a powerlifting champion, where he earned a first place medal for being the best bench in his weight and class, as well as continued awards over the years.
The James “Hammer” Mason Vocational Scholarship for $1000 went to Rebecca Daniels. She will be attending Henry Ford Community College to study nursing. Rebecca was the president of the student council, an active member of SADD and the National Honor Society. Her grade point was 3.1. In her essay Rebecca said, “As I grow older, I realize that my future belongs to Huron. I want to grow up and still be an active resident in Huron Township. Since being a freshman I have always been involved in working with the Goodfellows. I am grateful to devote myself to help out with this organization, as it helps out many needed people.”
Marella Kampsen was awarded the Al Gessert Fine & Performing Arts Scholarship, valued at $1000. Marella was an active member of the Huron High School concert and marching bands playing clarinet and was also chosen to play in Albion College’s 2009 Honors Band. She was a member of the yearbook staff, student council, peer mediation, SADD and Bible study; in addition she was on the tennis team. Marella will be attending Eastern Michigan University or Grace Bible College and wants to major in education to become an elementary teacher or a teacher for students with special needs.
The recipient of the Stoner Scholarship for Athletics for $1000 in memory and honoring Mrs. Arte Stoner was Katherine O’Hotzke. She was both a standout athlete and an honor student at Huron, graduating with a GPA of 3.9928. Katie will be attending Siena Heights University majoring in education. She was a member of the National Honor Society and received the department awards for art and math and perfect attendance while at Huron. In athletics Katie was an All-District Softball Honorable Mention, Coach’s Award, Academic All-State Team Award, and the Team’s Most Valuable Player. In her senior year she received the First Team All-League Scholar Athlete recognition. In her application for this scholarship Katie wrote, “I believe that serving your community is a great way to build character and help others. Community service means a lot to me. I enjoy putting smiles on people’s faces. The community service I have been involved in includes Meals on Wheels, tutoring, coaching and volunteering at my church [St. Stephen Catholic, NB]. It has shaped my life in so many ways. It has taught me to be responsible, caring and helpful. The rewards the service has given me will stay with me throughout my life. And I know that they will help me shape my future in a successful and enjoyable way.”
This is our third year for the Sheila Williams Interact Scholarship for $1000. Steven L. Peets is the recipient of the award this year. Graduating with a 3.773 grade point average, Steven was a very active Huron Chief. He was president of Interact, Quiz Bowl, the National Honor Society, band, ecology club, Spanish club and a member of the auditorium technical crew. A strong supporter when it came to contributing time for community service, Steven worked at the township safety village, a soup kitchen in Monroe, tutoring, participating in Meals on Wheels, and with the Goodfellows program. In his application essay he wrote, “I pride myself in being in Huron’s ecology club. I was one of the original members of the group, having joined when I was still in junior high. As the years have gone by, our group has recycled ton after ton of paper, and we are hoping to soon expand our reaches to plastic too.” He will attend the University of Michigan, Dearborn, to earn a degree in mechanical engineering.
In addition, four Honorary Scholarships in the amount of $500 each were awarded to Joseph Filek, who will attend University of Michigan to study pre-med. Joe wrote the following: “My life-long dream is to attend the University of Michigan and become a pediatrician. I have a passion for helping others and can see myself getting involved in the campus community by reaching out and offering assistance in academic tutoring. I would also like to get involved in academic clubs and organizations that unite students from different backgrounds. After I become a pediatrician it is important to me to give back to the community. One of my personal life goals is to volunteer my medical services to children whose families do not have healthcare. Pursuing these goals will help me to seek self-accomplishment and hopefully inspire others to do the same. Filek also played soccer and received department awards in math and science, and earned a perfect attendance award.
Shelby Otters is planning on going to Michigan State University for nursing. In her application essay she wrote, “Aiding others through community service and other programs has helped me prepare for both college and my future job because it aligns with that philosophy of using your talents to give back to others.”
Sarah Katona is registered to go to Eastern Michigan University to study education. She was the secretary of SADD, in marching band, the editor of the high school newspaper and a member of Outdoor Challenge.
Shana Dodge is also planning on going to Michigan State University for biology / medicine. Dodge received multiple academic awards, a member of the French club and SADD, as well as both marching and jazz band. In her essay Shana wrote, “Since kindergarten my mother taught me that hard work pays off. She was right. Thanks to all of my hard work and her support, I have accomplished so many things and made a positive impact on so many lives. And I am proud not only of myself, but also of the people my life has impacted.”
All of those who received Honorary Scholarships were members of the National Honor Society.
The students received their awards at Huron High School’s Awards and Recognitions Night, May 18, 2010. The awardees names will appear on plaques in the Rotary cabinet located near the gym in the high school.
We congratulate each of them and their families on this fine achievement.
| | Rotary International Scholarship Winner Travels to Spain |
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Sarah Stockert
is a Rotary International Scholarship winner traveling to Spain to learn
about their language and culture.
Wanna read what Sarah is doing? Check out her blog.
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| Win this 2010 Harley-Davidson motorcycle |
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Starting Oct. 5, 2009 Huron Township Rotary kicked off our 17th Annual Motorcycle Raffle. This year we are offering a 2010 Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited motorcycle with a custom trailer. This years raffle will conclude on Oct. 3, 2010 at Huron Township’s Applefest in New Boston, Mi. The tickets are $5.00 each or 5 tickets for $20.00. They will be on-sale at many motorcycle events, street fairs and other events throughout the year. You can also buy the tickets by sending check or money order with a self addressed stamped envelope to Huron Township Rotary, PO Box 289, New Boston, Mi. 48164.
Check out our raffle page or our calendar to see where the bike will be next.
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| The 2009 Winners Are... |
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1st prize 2009 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic w/custom trailer
Anita Rushlow
Plymouth, MI
Ticket # 012956
Displaying her winning ticket, Anita Rushlow stands between Jerry Burke and Bill Wiley, behind the poster of the 2009 bike.
2nd prize $2,000.00
Dave Rudicil Jr.
Woodhaven, MI
Ticket # 005393
Second place winner Dave Rudicil accepts a check in the amount of $2000.
3rd prize $1,000.00
Jason German
Taylor, MI
Ticket # 005233
The third place winner was Jason German, who came with his son Damien, and received his $1000 check.
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| New President and Members |
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 Bill Wiley has beome the new President of Huron Rotary. Bill is no stranger to Rotary, he served as Vice President last term.
The newest inductees to the club are Terri Riopelle, Linda Burke,Daniel Burke, Rick Naughton, and Brian Smith. Dave Carpenter inducted the members.
| | Honoring the Scholars |
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 The Huron Township Rotary awarded $9500 in scholarships to high school seniors as part of the Huron High School Academic Awards Program held May 20th. R.P. Lilly, a township board member and Rotarian, opened by stating that “selecting the scholarship recipients from the applications is never an easy task, and it gets more difficult every year. Scholastic achievement, community service, and financial need are some of the factors considered in the selection process.”
The accumulation of four years of study, partnered with lots of community service, including tutoring, delivering Meals on Wheels, worked at clothing drives, school supplies drives and soup kitchens, active participation in the Goodfellows’ programs in our community, the recipients of this year’s scholarships and awards also were on the Principal’s Honor roll, received Varsity letters in athletics, members of the National Honor Society, Peer Mediation, Police Explorers, CERT, SADD, student government, as class officers, started both the Ecology Club and Interact. And overall, many have been active supporters of Huron Township Rotary.
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| Joining to Serve |
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The basis for a great club is its members, and it has been the goal of the Huron Township Rotary to increase our membership by at least six members this year. At present we have welcomed five with three more considering joining.
  At the induction on March 17th for the two most recent members, Ed Vogel and Ron Ashcroft, President Greg Graham reminded the membership as to how special all our members are. We have made a noble choice to come to a group where our talents and services are special. Each member is an individual who has unique abilities to help those in our community, and have learned the motto Service Above Self.
 Several weeks earlier Jane Sautner joined. Jane has a long history of personal commitment and service to others in the community, and she brings these talents to our club.
The membership of the HT Rotary is now twenty-six strong. We are a co-ed club and also include college students. Our membership such a small fraction of those men and women in the township who are eligible to join, and with so few we make such a major difference in the lives of all who are in need. As we recognize students with scholarships, community athletics, reading programs in the elementary schools, and our annual Goodfellows program all year long, and especially during the holidays, we are brought together with one common cause.
A recent project is the construction and installation of a handicap ramp at a home in Huron Township. The work was a combined project of Rotarians and the wood shop instructor and two students from Huron High School.
We welcome anyone to attend three of our dinner meetings as our guest, allowing them the opportunity to find out what we are all about.
Our meetings are held at the Willow United Methodist Church, 36925 Willow Road, New Boston, on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM. For additional information, contact 734-753-9184.
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| Annual Goodfellows Drive |
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It can’t be said that the Huron Township sits back and watches. Under the guidance of Rotary wives Linda Burke and Helena Lilly, the club successfully launched and led the annual Goodfellows drive following the theme “No Child Without A Christmas.”
The initiative continued with the sale of the Goodfellow papers on the Saturday following the Thanksgiving holiday. An overwhelming response in giving provided a basis for the gifts that over 162 families, with 323 children, received this year. In addition, the personal donations from others helped this cause. The Huron School District stepped right up to the cause. Brown Elementary offered a mitten and hat tree, Miller Elementary sent just under 3000 cans of food, Renton Junior High sold items in their special pre-Christmas sale that the students had created and donated an overwhelming amount of money. The high school students joined in with the Toys for Tots initiative. But the district did not stop there: the Huron Service Employees, Teamsters 214 solicited their members for support and they began on the day of the Goodfellow paper sale by driving from corner to corner in the mini bus and giving the corner workers a chance to warm up! The mini bus carried the cans from Miller to the high school when the sorting and packing began too.
There are so many people to thank for their efforts and the 173 volunteers on Sunday alone (over the two days of sorting, there were 220 volunteers), ranging from both boy and girl scout troops, Outdoor Challenge, public and fire safety, members of the Honor Society at the high school and the Junior Honor Society at Renton, the Superintendent of Schools, team members from the custodial and maintenance crews, and the donations from Garden City Hospital employees, Apple Charlie’s Orchards, and many more who just heard about the effort and stopped by to give of their time.
But the effort does not stop here. The Huron Township Rotary represents the Goodfellows all year round. And their collection for the following year began in the post-Christmas sales and will stretch through the coming months.
For more information, contact Linda Burke at 734 / 753-9184, or Helena Lilly, 734 / 753-4320.
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| Huron Township Rotary Celebrates the Year |
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 With the Applefest behind, the 2008 Harley-Davidson motorcycle awarded, the membership gathered at the Pinnacle Race Course in Huron Township for their annual awards dinner.
Following the dinner, it was a night of awarding five Paul Harris Awards, as well as welcoming in two new members. Those awarded the Paul Harris included Mike Feldt, Kathy Cerni, Rev. Mark Zender, and Al Riopelle. Welcomed into membership, Albion College student Cody Bailey, and township planning commission member Gary Conley.
   
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| Previous News |
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| FOUR WAY TEST |
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Is it the Truth?
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Is it fair to all concerned?
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Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
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Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
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