Mrs. Kate Parker, the newest Member of the Santa Barbara School Board, was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow Award by the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North.
Mrs. Parker has been active in Santa Barbara Education for over 7 years, initially with the Adams Elementary School PTA, then President of the PTA, and Member of the Adams Site Counsel; prior to her election to the School Board in 2006. Mrs. Parker has been a strong advocate for the Schools, and the Students. Mrs. Parker has three children in the Santa Barbara School System.
The Paul Harris Fellow Award is the highest award from Rotary, and is given to individuals who make a difference in their communities. Mrs. Joan Young President of the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North stated “Our strong support for the Schools, and Education began in 1989, with our Partnership with Adams Elementary School, it has involved our Member support to the school, as well as over $50,000.00 in various donations; this has been one of the longest programs of our Club.”
The Presentation was made at the January 30, meeting of the Rotary Club, also present for the presentation were Ms. Robin Sawaske, Asst. Superintendent of Elementary Education for the District, Ms. Marge Variano Principal of Adams Elementary School, and Mrs. Kathy Escobar 3rd Grade Teacher and Adams Partner Facilitator. Dennis Waid of the Rotary Club Presented the Award
The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North has completed a Matching Grant process to fund $14,500.00 for Playground equipment for Adams Elementary School. In July of 2005, all of the Playground equipment at Adams School was removed in order to comply with new State of California safety regulations.
Because the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North has had a longstanding relationship with Adams Elementary School, the Club went into action with The Rotary International Foundation, and three Rotary Clubs in Mexico to replace the playground equipment. During these two years , representatives from Rotary Clubs in Mexico toured Adams School- we are pleased to announce support from:
· The Rotary Club of Puerto Penasco, Mexico
· The Rotary Club of Celaya, Mexico
· The Rotary Club of Camerino, Mexico
· Rotary District 4160
This is truly an international project – benefiting children in our community. Installation and dedication of the new playground is scheduled for the fall of 2007.
Ms. Marge Variano Principal of Adams School stated “ This type of community involvement helps greatly with the district education process, and provides equipment and service not available through the District, due to funding limitations.”
Joan Young, Rotary Club President stated “ Adams School is one of our longest community programs, going on 19 years, and we are pleased we could help the school with this important project”
Contact: Joan Young President Rotary Club of SB North 569-9905
Marge Variano Principal Adams 563-2515
The check was presented by Joan Young Rotary Club of SB North President, and accepted by Kathy Escobar, Third Grade Teacher, and Partner in Education Facilitator at Adams School.
Photo is courtesy of Terry Straeley.
Photo Left to Right, Luz Maria Ortiz, Rotary District 5240; Dennis Waid Rotary Club SB North; Joan Young Pres. Rotary Club; Kathy Escobar, Third Grade Teacher, Partner in Education Facilitator Adams School; Kate Parker, Member of the Santa Barbara School Board; and Dr. Sarvis Supt. Of Schools City of Santa Barbara.
The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara North is assisting in funding the transportation of Medical Supplies for Burma (Myanmar). For the past several years the Rotary Club has been funding the transportation costs to supply approximately $70,000 or yearly medical supplies for Burma, which are hand-carried to non-state supported tribes in the Karen State, Burmese Rotarians assist the distribution of supplies.
The Medications are supplied by Direct Relief International and consist of Antibiotics, Tylanol, Vitamins, Neosporin, and Malaria medications, and are transported in Duffel Bags as checked baggage on the trip, to insure they arrive where needed. Mr. Cole hand carries the supplies.
Joan Young Rotary Club President stated “ This is one of our many International Programs to assist more needy countries, we are happy to be able to help with this project.”
For More Information Contact:
Mr. Steve Rehage, Rotary Club (805) 681-1161
Mr. Richard Cole : freeasia@hotmail.com
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