What a joy. What an honor. Youth, energy, and creativity. Tonight, our club welcomed the Boothbay Region High School seniors for dinner. Always a fun time, so much youthful enthusiasm. Four of the seniors wrote essays and were chosen by the Rotary Scholarship Committee to receive a "Service Above Self" scholarship of $2,000 and one senior won the “Vocational” award for $2,000. The “Service Above Self” awards went to: Gryffin Kristan, Grace Campbell, Ryan Clark and Rachel Barter. The “Vocational” award went to Dylan Plummer.

We're so proud of each of them and really all the seniors. They are an inspiration and an antidote to any negative news about the future. Being around these accomplished, caring young people always fills us with hope. During the president’s remarks, Bruce Harris, recalled the Walt Whitman poem, “When the lilacs last bloomed….” written one year after President Lincoln was assassinated and guides us to realize even these difficult times, we have survived the worst times. We have survived a country fighting and at war with itself. But making it through the worst of times means caring for the community. When we focus on caring for those around us, we are led to heal.

During our meeting time the seniors joined us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance as well as four core beliefs of Rotary. Then as is our tradition we offer “Happy Dollar” donations to share in a recent happy or sad occurrence. The seniors shared so many “Happy Dollars” about their sadness at leaving each other but their happiness at facing new futures in schools or careers. Their compassion for each other as well as their passion for their future was heartwarming. As this author gave a five dollar “Happy Dollar” for each of the five points on the star we truly believe and honor each of these seniors as our “Stars”!

This Thursday we welcome Nancy van Dyke talking about "Bridging the Gap," a program of our local American Legion Post 36. Veteran volunteers visit other veterans to help with any needs and enjoy fellowship. We are all so grateful for the service and sacrifices of our veterans. Come hear about this wonderful program and how we might help support it.

The Rotary Barn is open every Saturday from 8:30 to 11 a.m. We are accepting donations of gently used furniture, household goods, tools, boats, collectibles, you name it. Just text Deb at 207-380-3550 for pick up or drop off.

If you're interested in the fun and work of Rotary join us every Thursday at 6 p.m. at our Clubhouse, 66 Montgomery Road.