Members and guests were welcomed by President Lynn King.
Kevin Courtney offered the prayer and led the pledge to the flag.
Announcements:
Membership Chair Jon Eggert welcomed guests Joyce Westgate and Chandler Vilchek
Oyster bagging was a great time. See separate article for picture and future opportunity to do an "on the water" service project to help bring the oyster shells to their future home.
Sad announcement that Francis Farrene, wife of member Otto Farrene passed away. Otto was the first President of our club and a founding member. Otto and Francis started the "Rotary Reader" program. Greg Wynn told the membership about Francis, describing her as a sweetheart and a friend to all. Many members who knew her gave tributes, sharing what a wonderful lady she was. Members were asked to sign a card to be sent to Otto. Lynn sent a link to a video which shows when Francis was honored with a garden in 2019 at Hilton Head Elementary. It is: https://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/obituaries/article251133054.html Francis was a wonderful, talented, giving lady who will be missed.
Founders Night will be hosted by the club on June 19th. An event to celebrate the end of the Rotary year, recognize Members of accomplishment, and induct the officers and board for the new Rotary year will be held at Spring Lake. Organized by Past President Steve Stauffer, the event will be catered by Roy's Place Catering. There will be appetizers, lowcountry fare, beer and wine.
Service project - May 22, 9:30 am - high school clean up
President Elect, Kristin Keller substituted for Suzi Oliver, Sergeant at Arms and collected Happy Dollars.
Speaker:
This morning, Amanda Williams-O;Nan, owner and Head of School, of the Heritage Academy was the speaker. Thanks to Beth Kuzmick for much of the content and to Lynn King for the photos.
A former Principal of Hilton Head High School, at under 30 years old she became the youngest Principal in the state. She now owns and is the Head of the Heritage Academy.
It is a private school for grades 6 to 12 and holds about 160 students. Its mission is to afford students with out of school experiences (internships, etc.) that will expose them to all kinds of possible life/career choices in the future. The school is fully accredited - SCISA, COGNIA and a member of NAIS.
She is convicted that her students find what they are passionate about and pursue those paths, wanting to find what makes their heart "pitter patter". The schedule is arranged so the student can complete core subjects before noon and afternoons are open for the students to either stay at school or do chosen electives of go out in the community to be involved in activities like internships, sports, jobs that revolve around their interests. Since many of the students are following athletic interests, one of the important classes that are offered is Sport Psychology Class. There is also a Leadership Program. The sports offered at the academy are: Cross Country, Sailing, Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Basketball and Track. You can learn more about the academy by watching this commercial: https://youtu.be/-HUAciMRkZU