This Thursday morning we are indeed fortunate to have presentations from two special science students from our partner school Glendowie College. Aspiring astrophysicist Arbel Tenembaum will present about her participation at the week-long “Hands-On at Otago” experience in physics during January. Alvaro Nola-Dodd joined 160+ students at the Rotary National Science & Technology Forum over 2 weeks in Auckland where he was awarded the prestigious AUT Roy Geddes Science Education Award for travel to London. Both Arbel and Alvaro received sponsorship funding from our Trust to assist with their science activity costs.
And be sure to read the article below about last week's speaker, one of our younger members Sang Cho,whose achievements defy his age!
What a buddying entrepreneur this 15 year old, Year 11 Baradene student is! Molly wanted to make a change to NZ kids’ lives and help the community by “making sure that every child in her area have a warm, well-made pair of shoes to attend school in”.
She noticed that many kids in Glen Innes were walking to school barefoot, or in unsuitable and uncomfortable footwear. So, she set up ‘Second Step', a non-profit organization. The mission: to provide good quality, second hand shoes to children in need. Molly was aware of the fact the kids’ feet grow very quickly and for many families, providing comfortable and 'correct uniform' shoes is unaffordable. So, the concept of donating pre-loved shoes (sourced from students and families who could afford them) was born.
Well, what hasn’t Sang done? Sang took us on a global, whirlwind and humourous journey: NZ, USA, Korea, back to NZ. But let’s first back up the truck…Sang arrived in NZ from Korea as a 7 year old who spoke absolutely no English. His Mum had come here to study horticulture. Sang’s vivid first impression was how green the country was and he cheekily shared with us his early love of roundabouts where with Mum as driver and him as navigator, he ensured he made his mum drive around and around as many as possible when navigating her from point A to B. (According to Sang, his mum remains a shocking driver). About 20 years ago his family bought Annabel’s Bistro in St Heliers. Sang was sent to Kings College as a Boarder and he advised he didn’t really understand why (living so close) he couldn’t attend as a day pupil, but confessed this was probably his Mum's "roundabout" revenge!
Following College, he headed to Auckland University to study property but in reality the first semester was a disaster due to having too much of good time, so second year in, he decided to knuckle down. While "knuckling down" a former school mate by the name of Ryan Fox caught his attention. Feeling he was as good at golf as Foxie, Sang decided he could also strive to be a "pro golfer" so he quit university and hit the golf course, giving himself a year to try and pick up a golf scholarship in the USA. Right toward the end of his year, he played in a US golf tournament in Miami and came third! Scholarship scouts saw him and made a number of interesting offers. Missouri won out, and he attended University of Missouri on a golf scholarship for 4 years.
Rotary Club of Somerville hosted a 'Women in Rotary High Tea' on Saturday, with a Hats and Handbags theme. A glass of bubbles at the door set the tone (served by the only men at the event) as women arrived decked out in a huge variety of hats.
A delightful celebration of women’s involvement in Rotary unfolded, with inspiring role models current DG (Malini), DG Elect (Ingrid), and past DG (Jennie) all present. The request for attendees to bring a donation of good used hand bags and health and beauty items for ‘women in need’ was a great success, with a large pile of items amassed for Somerville to pass on.
Pictured: Robyn, Ruth (whose hat won a prize) and Michelle.
The highlight was Nanogirl Dr Michelle Dickinson (MNZM). She has a high profile in NZ encouraging and advocating for girls (and minorities) to consider careers in Engineering and Science and for her crusade to bring the fun of science into primary schools and homes. She is totally engaging as a speaker and her personal story is surprising and moving. It was a privilege to celebrate the work of women in the community with such a motivated role model.
Our Club is looking for nominations for this remarkable programme. As a club, we have all thoroughly enjoyed hearing back from our RYLA graduates and unfailingly hear how this programme enriches the participants in profound ways.
If a nomination is successful, our Club pays the fee!
Rotary family members and friends are welcome to apply
2018 Dates: Saturday 30 June – Saturday 7 July
RYLA is an experiential live-in programme designed to help young people develop their team work and communication skills and fulfill their potential as leaders. (Age range: 20–28 years, aApplicants must be of reasonable fitness.)
If you know of anyone in this age group who could be a potential nominee/candidate, please direct them to complete the online Registration form (adding St John’s as the sponsoring club) via this link: http://www.ryla.co.nz/pdf-registration-form/
If you would like to know more about the programme and nomination process, please contact Tom Street for additional information. Email: poms@ihug.co.nz
Three information evenings are coming up for students and families to find out more about Rotary Youth Exchange - an awesome programme! If you have family or friends in this age group - come along to an info evening and find out about this well-respected; world-respected Youth Exchange Scheme.
Ideal for Secondary Students aged 16-18 years in 2019 (current Y10-13s).
Did you join Rotary to do good things in the community?
You can help or join in all projects (whatever the committee), just contact the committee director and/or project team leader. In most cases, you can include family and friends.
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Well, what hasn’t Sang done? Sang took us on a global, whirlwind and humourous journey: NZ, USA, Korea, back to NZ. But let’s first back up the truck…Sang arrived in NZ from Korea as a 7 year old who spoke absolutely no English. His Mum had come here to study horticulture. Sang’s vivid first impression was how green the country was and he cheekily shared with us his early love of roundabouts where with Mum as driver and him as navigator, he ensured he made his mum drive around and around as many as possible when navigating her from point A to B. (According to Sang, his mum remains a shocking driver). About 20 years ago his family bought Annabel’s Bistro in St Heliers. Sang was sent to Kings College as a Boarder and he advised he didn’t really understand why (living so close) he couldn’t attend as a day pupil, but confessed this was probably his Mum's "roundabout" revenge!
Our Club is looking for nominations for this remarkable programme. As a club, we have all thoroughly enjoyed hearing back from our RYLA graduates and unfailingly hear how this programme enriches the participants in profound ways.
