President Joyce Hunter rang the bell to begin the meeting and pianist Jody Tull d Salis accompanied the club as we sang “My Country ’Tis of Thee.” Dave Keren then strode to the podium to inspire our STRIVE students as well as all members in the room and via Zoom to celebrate hard work, determination and dreams, and urged us all to keep a sense of curiosity throughout one’s life. Joanne Pierson, accompanied by Tull deSalis, led the club in singing Graham Nash’s 1970 classic “Teach Your Children Well.”
Announcements
President Hunter welcomed guests. One of the guests was Josephine Nsubugan from Uganda who shared her Rotary Club’s flag with us, and President Hunter gave ours to her Club. Birthdays were announced including John Sepp, Stephen Postema, Phil Klintworth, Shirlee Kipp, and Matt Boylan.
President Joyce then thanked today’s set up and operational teams: Don Deatrick, Jim Egerdal Barbara Eichmuller, Mark Foster, Melissa Foster, Terry Foster, Larry Gray, Dave Keren, Joanne Marttila Pierson, Rob Shiff, Mary Steffek Blaske, and Jody Tull de Salis.
United Way of Southeast Michigan Update
Ashleigh Imerman and Bridget Herrmann, philanthropy and liaison leaders at the United Way of South East Michigan, reported that UWSEM’s recent $3,500 grant gave tremendous return: 60 volunteers (many from our club’s VITA volunteers) gave 496 hours processing 1,159 total returns (up 54% from last tax season), providing $2M in total value of state and Federal refunds claimed (up 26% from last tax season). They reported that the impact on Washtenaw County is significant in: 1) community investing ($1M in minigrants to Washtenaw County); 2) Advocating for Change (engaging with City and County Officials); 3) Promoting Prosperity (STEM ed programming with new monies from Deloitte); and 4) Community Engagement (intentional relationships).
Environmental Action Committee
Dennis Burke reported that the EAC is conducing a survey to set a baseline of our club’s carbon footprint. Please complete the questionnaire to help us in this project.
STRIVE Scholars 2025
Dave Keren came back to the podium to introduce the three STRIVE scholarship winners from Pathways to Success High School and their families:
- Killian Crow, and mother Kendra Crow
- Treyvon Knox, and mother Shaquana Leverett and father Tacoma Burbank
- Messiah Scott, and grandparents Frances and Tim Scott
Keren explained that the students have spent this academic year working with their mentors from our club to learn about educational opportunities beyond high school and have earned scholarships at Washtenaw Community College.
Shaenu Micou: Sharing his journey to Pathways
Shaenu Micou, Dean of Pathways to Success High School, gave a moving presentation sharing his heart-felt love and unequivocal support for each and every Pathways student. He shared his journey to Pathways from his Ann Arbor roots (and happy recognition of mentors Arthur Williams and Joyce Hunter) to his unshakable philosophy that the youngsters in his school are not in a box, that being ignorant doesn’t mean that you are unintelligent, and that each person is capable of doing great things. “You are brilliant. You are beautiful. You are intelligent. We value you.” Micou cited Corinthians, “And such were some of you,” in support of his belief in the kids and of his servant-leader role. He concluded with the call to action noting that all the properties of a mighty oak tree are in each of its seeds. With love, care and commitment, those saplings do grow into mighty oaks.
Messiah Scott was presented with a $2,000 scholarship for his GPA runner-up achievement.
Treyvon Knox was presented with the Lester Award for best overall GPA and a $2,400 scholarship.
Killian Crow was presented with the Meyers Award for most improved GPA and a $3,000 scholarship.
After standing ovation for the kids and their families – and much happy photographing by family members and today’s club photographer Don Deatrick – President Hunter asked the club and guests to recite the Rotary 4-Way Test:
- Is it the TRUTH?
- Is it FAIR to all concerned?
- Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
- Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
