Mick Welding submitted the press releases and photos.
Morrison Rotary Learns about B.L.I.N.D. Program
Our Rotarians were treated to a presentation outlining the Morrison High School program “Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die” (B.L.I.N.D.) Our presenters were Melissa Landes, Student Council Leader, and Jennifer Stevenson, Librarian. What started at Sterling High School and Newman Central Catholic High School, in Sterling, IL, has now blossomed into four additional schools in Fulton, Morrison, Prophetstown, and Rock Falls. Juniors and Seniors in these schools apply to be leaders.
Once the leaders are chosen, a two-day training in August prepares these kids in leadership, team-building, community service skills, and training to help Freshmen transition into high school. In September, a retreat is held at Westwood with kids from every school. Last year just short of 500 kids participated!
They learned team-building skills while building spaghetti towers and playing blind Dodgeball. They learned and practiced the 40 developmental assets for teens.
Each year, the students write valentine cards for Nursing Home residents and send cards to military veterans on Veterans Day.
We are so fortunate in Morrison that 14 students served as leaders in 2022, to help Freshman acclimate to high school and find projects that make our community a better place!
Rotarian Dr. Brad Yaklich wanted each student to know that local Rotary clubs are looking for talented students to participate in college Rotary programs, such as Rotaract.
Thank you, Jennifer Stevenson, left, and Melissa Landes, for educating Rotarians on such a wonderful program.
Rotarian Prange Receives Paul Harris Award
John Prange, below left, receives a Paul Harris + 3 Award from Rotarian Dave Abele. Prange has contributed over $4000 to this valuable foundation. Congratulations, John!
Paul Harris founded one of the first Rotary Clubs in Chicago, IL, in 1905. His philanthropic efforts have helped fund a variety of projects:
Vocational training for Teachers, establishing an Early Childhood Education Center in South Africa.
Water filters, toilets, and hygiene training to prevent fluorosis, diarrhea, and other diseases in India.
A scholarship for a medical professional in Italy, to research treatments that minimize mortality rates among premature babies.
Peace-building seminars for 200 teachers and 1300 students in Uganda.
Funding treated mosquito nets and medical services that prevent malaria in Mali.
