The Rotary Academy
On Thursday, A 11th, RPS205 students, Advisors, parents, alumni and Y Staff will present “Our Rotary Academy Changes Lives” program. Club members are encouraged to bring guests. Members are also encouraged to get acquainted with Academy students at their lunch tables.
Hosted by Linda Johnson, long time chair of this signature project, this program will help new and long-time members learn about the the impact of student participation in the Academy during their 8th grade year. This year approximately 230 students from all 9 public middle schools are participating in this program which includes opportunities at Camp Winnebago, field trip to RVC, manners and etiquette training, Y led character building activities, and community service.
Past Rotary students have reported improved confidence, improved communication skills, and improved leadership skills developed through the variety of experiential learning opportunities of the program offered throughout the school year.
On Thursday Members will hear directly from students who will share the impact the program has had on them. Hannah Long from the YMCA will share her observations and survey results and a former Academy alum will share his Academy story.
As our Club’s Signature Project since 2002, the Academy joins our second Signature Project, Rockford Reads, also established in2002, as our second longest service projects in the history of our Club. The longest running project was Camp Rotary which served the Rockford community during the summers of 1936-1972.
Academy students have openly shared how important it is to them to be able to see and interact with Rotarians. They look forward to meeting members and guests. Please welcome them.