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City Students Exemplify Rotary Ideal
The E. Frank S. Sanders Service Above Self award has been presented to students in each of the city’s four secondary schools by the Rotary Club
of St. Thomas since 2002. The award honours the service ethic of the Club’s Charter President, Frank Sanders. Frank’s daughter, Suzanne Ferguson, took part in presenting awards today to four very deserving students, each introduced by an appreciative teacher.
It should be noted that this student Service Above Self award takes as its model an award which Rotary International itself presents to a select group of Rotarians each year to recognize their exemplary service.
At its first international conference in 1910, Rotary adopted the motto, “Service, Not Self,” which in 1950 became “Service Above Self.” Also in 1950, the Rotary Club of St. Thomas was chartered.
Frank Sanders was presented with Rotary International’s “Service Above Self” award at the Rotary District 6330 conference in Port Huron, Michigan on May 6, 1995. The St. Thomas Times-Journal noted that “the
award is in recognition of Mr. Sanders’ distinguished service to others and for making service a way of life.” He was one of only 84 Rotarians within Rl’s membership of 1.2 million to receive the award that year.
Another local newspaper, Our Community Press, quoted RI President Bill Huntley’s tribute to Frank: “I believe you are an extraordinary example of what it means to be a friend. Thank you for living the ideals of Rotary.”
From wherever those ideals may come, they are alive and well in these honoured students whose stories you may read in the pages that follow.
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ARTHUR VOADEN SECONDARY SCHOOL
MICHAEL THOMPSON
Introduced by Katie Jordan
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Michael is a student who cares deeply, and demonstrates care in so many ways.
Michael cares for others, whether his close friends, classmates or just acquaintances. Michael works to make sure everyone around him feels safe, comfortable and respected.
Michael demonstrates care for himself, when he sets high academic standards and works diligently to achieve his goals, and still maintains balance in his life.
Michael cares for his school. He is a student leader of our QSA, and has created a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ students. In fact, I would say Mike himself is a safe space. He can be trusted and confided in, and handles situations with grace and maturity.
Michael cares for his community. He volunteers for Relay for Life, he is an active member of the Talbot Teen Centre, he serves on the LGBTQ committee at Central Community Health, and helped in the organization of St. Thomas’ first ever Pride week, and even marched in the parade with our MPs.
Michael’s efforts have been recognized. He just received his second merit award for two years of achieving better than an 80% average. He was honoured with the award for top marks in Grade 10 art and the Renee Preston memorial award. He also received a youth leadership award, and the Voaden association award for demonstrating good character.
Michael demonstrates leadership. He has attended TVDSB leadership events and returned to school with great ideas on making it better for others. He also shares his talents through his participation in drama, choir and band.
Michael perseveres. Despite personal challenges, he never makes excuses, and still thinks of others before himself. He has a strong sense of justice and would be the first to stand up for someone who has been wronged to make it right again.
Congratulations Mike!
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CENTRAL ELGIN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
EMMA LYLE
Introduced by Bethany Green
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Good Afternoon.
I’m Bethany Green, arts department head. I’m proud to present our recipient of the Service Above Self award, Emma Lyle.
To date, Emma has accumulated an impressive 300 hours of volunteer service. Since grade nine, Emma has volunteered her time every Friday evening in service of the St. Thomas Junior B Hockey Association. She helps with various facets of the organization, including fundraising. Friday nights are premium time for most young people who choose to spend their weekends in part time jobs or socializing; however, Emma is so completely committed to this volunteer position, she does not take Friday shifts so as to ensure her availability.
Miss Lyle is a talented artist, full of creative ideas. She has transferred her talent to an additional volunteer activity: making crafts with children at Victoria Hospital. In addition to being an accomplished art student, Emma is an honour student able to maturely balance her home, school, work, volunteer, and social commitments. Emma shows resiliency despite an impressive, and, at times, overwhelming schedule.
Finally, Emma is an integral member of the Central Elgin Collegiate Institute community as an active member of Yearbook Club and Wellness Council. Her work with Wellness Council is vital as it promotes the health and well-being of CECI students and staff alike. It is a thriving club with an ever-growing membership and a true positive influence in our building.
I’d like to congratulate Emma on behalf of all Titans on her incredible accomplishments and demonstration of authentic service above self.
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PARKSIDE COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE
MURRANDA MCCALLUM
Introduced by Rachel Vojin
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It is with great pleasure that I introduce Murranda McCallum, Parkside Collegiate Institute’s “Service Above Self” award recipient for the fall of 2016. I have had the privilege of watching Murranda grow over the past four years as an athlete, a student, and an individual, and I am sure that I share the same sentiment of pride towards Murranda as those other teachers present here today feel towards their respective students.
At school, Murranda is a talented field hockey, volleyball, and soccer player; however, perhaps more importantly, she is a role model to her teammates. She always strives to push herself and others to be their best, and never hesitates to lend a helping hand. Her perfect mix of talent and demeanor has brought much success to Murranda and her teams.
Murranda is much more than just a leader and role model for Parkside; she uses her skill set in the many communities of Elgin County. She instructs skating to children of all ages, and is a member of both a competitive synchronized skating team and a competitive soccer team. She is actively involved in the operation of her family farm, and volunteers her time as a piano player at her church.
Perhaps what makes her so capable of giving so much to others is the balance she has found between giving enough to her school, friends, family and community, and making time for herself. This attribute of making time for herself is not a selfish one, but rather one that enables her; in giving herself time and moments to enjoy, she is better able to affect others in her school and community.
I am extremely honoured to share this moment today with Murranda. I have coached her as a member of the field hockey team and captain over the past three years; she is truly a joy to have on the team. She is a leader, a role model, mature, confident, and a genuinely good person. I sometimes think that if I was in high school today we would be great friends, perhaps because we share many of the same views on academics, athletics, working hard, and giving time.
Murranda, thank you for so often thinking of others before yourself; you truly make the world a more enjoyable place to live in, each and every day. Congratulations on receiving the “Service Above Self” award. You are a most deserving individual!
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ST. JOSEPH’S CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
NATHYN SMEETS
Introduced by Frank Delle Donne
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It is with great pleasure that I speak about Nathyn Smeets from St. Joseph’s Catholic Secondary School.
Nathyn Smeets embodies Rotary International’s motto of “service above self”. Through his daily life, school commitment, academic success, and athletic ability, Nathyn demonstrates selfless service and sacrifice to his family, peers and community.
Nathyn is a “Private” with the Royal Canadian Engineers. He is committed to this program and sacrifices a lot to be of service to others. His goal/dream is to be deployed to another country as part of Canada’s military. I asked Nathyn why he wishes to be deployed. His answer was one of true service: “I want to help real people who need it”. Summer 2016 saw Nathyn sacrifice his time training to be a combat engineer in Gagetown, New Brunswick. When others were enjoying the relaxing, warm summer months, Nathyn was away from his friends and family, working hard to prepare for a life of service to others.
Nathyn is a good student. He is engaged in classroom discussions, he is respectful of his peers, and he works to maximize his full potential. He gives of his time for others. Recently, he spent a great deal of time supporting a classmate who is outside of his peer group – the young lady needed someone to chat with, and Nathyn was glad to do it. He is incredibly well-liked by his peers. I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t like Nathyn. One grade 12 boy even said “Nathyn is the best. He’s super caring and compassionate, loving and supportive. He’s a great guy”.
I have seen Nathyn’s kindness and service firsthand. Being new to St. Joseph’s brought a great deal of nervousness and anxiety for me. Nathyn worked hard to ensure that I felt accepted. He was welcoming and took the time to get to know me and give me some tips about the culture of St. Joseph’s. During one lunch hour, Nathyn spent some time with me asking for some advice. After our discussion, he came by later with a coffee for me to thank me for spending time with him and helping him. I believe Nathyn did this simply because of his kind nature; there was no goal, agenda or ulterior motive. That’s the kind of self-serving individual Nathyn is. Though he isn’t changing the entire world, he is the changing the world around him by making life for those present a whole lot better.
Nathyn is a tremendous athlete. I have the pleasure of coaching him on the St. Joseph’s volleyball team. He is the top performer in games, captain, and a model athlete during practice. Though Nathyn is the top player, he came up to me and offered his starting position to another player because (as Nathyn said) “He needs it more than me. We need to keep building him up and I want him to have my spot”. What a kid! When asked to play a different position, he said: “Whatever you want coach, and whatever is best for the team”. Nathyn was voted by his teammates to represent St. Joseph’s at the all-star game. At St. Joseph’s, Nathyn also wrestles and competes in track and field. Outside of school, Nathyn plays soccer and hockey. Recently, due to his military commitments, Nathyn has had to sacrifice soccer, hockey and track and field. He is incredibly fit, and he is a naturally gifted athlete in whatever sport he chooses to play.
He is such an excellent recipient for this award, and an outstanding representative of St. Joseph’s. When I asked Nathyn for a bit more information and told him why I was asking for him, he quickly blushed and demonstrated his true humility and self-service. He said: “Thank you for doing this, but I think there are people greater than me who deserve this recognition”. That comment alone clearly shows how Nathyn lives the virtues of service and humility. Thank you Rotary International, thank you Nathyn’s mom Annette for accompanying us today, and congratulations to all the high school recipients for earning this award. You should be most proud.
HONOUR SOCIETY….President Nancy welcomed Maggie Horn, wife of Bill, and Gerald Vreman, and all of the students, teachers and parents and other family of students here today as guests. In the latter group were included Annette Smeets, Mike Lyle, Bruce Lyle, Jeannette Lyle, Jennifer Thompson, Paul McCallum, Brenda McCallum and Joanne Dobbin. She was also very pleased to welcome Jennifer Babcock as a member of Rotary and of our Club. Welcome, Jennifer! Malcolm Rust added his own words of welcome to Gerald Vreman, with the hope that he might consider membership in Rotary. President Nancy reminded everyone of the celebration of the Wayside’s 80th anniversary at the Wayside tomorrow from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Speeches are set for 5 p.m. The Club will be presenting a gift to Trudy and Nick Kanellis as an expression of its good wishes.
Next week (November 21), Board President (and former MP) Joe Preston and Executive Director Kelly Franklin will be speaking about Farmtown Canada, an organization which operates a number of equine assisted therapy programs, and on November 28, the long-awaited breakfast with members of local service clubs takes place at the Wayside from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. There is a program so be sure to be at the Wayside at 7:30.
The Wayside on the evening of December 5 will be the place and time for the Club’s annual Christmas party. There will be a social time at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Price is to be announced. President Nancy urged members to once again to bring socks, hats or mitts to the party for donation to the Talbot Teen Centre. On December 12, Heather Robinson, new CEO of the St. Thomas Public Library, will be guest speaker and on December 19, we will welcome the Rev. Margaret Bell to deliver the annual Christmas Message. There will be no meeting on December 26 (Boxing Day).
The 21st annual Rotary Club of St. Thomas “Christmas in the Country” Tour of Homes is now in the history books and by all accounts it was a resounding success. Rotarians and volunteers involved in the Tour could not remember a time when it was busier. Bill Horn circulated a line graph he had made of the volume of people coming to the John Wise Line house on the weekend. President Nancy noted that there were many favourable comments from Tour goers and Ed Willson declared that ticket sales this year were “great.” Club members with money from tickets sold and/or unsold tickets are urged to get them to Ed by next week. Income from charity auction items is still being tabulated so it may a few weeks before a complete financial accounting is possible.
 ANOTHER AWARD…When they were in London for the Rotary International grants workshop a few weeks ago, Brenda Merrifield and Ron Somerville received, on behalf of the Club, a Membership Development Award from RI “for achieving the highest retention rate over the past 3 years in District 6330.” Seen in the picture taken today are, left to right: Suzanne Ferguson (who adds Membership to her duties as Club Secretary); Brenda; Ron; and President Nancy.
Malcolm Rust reported that the World Polio Day flag had come back at last from City Hall and Suzanne Ferguson stated that the member name tags she previously announced would have to be redone….Trish Shouldice was winner of the 50/50….Fine Master Ken Ferguson asked us, “Which is the happiest country in the world?” Answer: Denmark. Canada is 6th happiest.
HAPPY FINS- Donations of $5 to The Rotary Foundation - Annual Programs Fund - credited to the donor in celebration of something good in our lives. This practice was started in this club in 1985 to raise funds for polio eradication at the suggestion of Darwin Lowe, a member of the club.
Gerry Janssen (1) – Both he and his wife were very impressed by the Tour of Homes. It was his first opportunity as a Rotarian to serve as a door volunteer.
Ron Somerville (2) – For the transition of committees; for Gerald Vreman’s being part of the Music Festival.
Trish Shouldice (2) – For the Tour of Homes and for the Service Above Self students.
Malcolm Rust (2) – For the Club’s adoption of the student Service Above Self awards; for the students presented with awards today.
Dave Payler (1) – For today’s program; some of the students honoured in the past have gone on to great jobs.
Paul Blower (1) – For the four students honoured today.
Maggie Horn (1) – For her nephew, a volunteer firefighter and, with his wife, owner of a business that cleans up meth labs and other hazardous sites.
Bill Horn (3) – For the student Service Above Self awards; for a successful Tour of Homes; for an extremely competent Tour of Homes Committee.
Ed Willson (1) – To recognize the four students here today; he is amazed by all that they do: it’s wonderful!
Brenda Merrifield (2) – For the four students honoured today: it’s uplifting! For Bill Horn, who brought her a high stool to sit on while she was doing door duty at the Tour of Homes. It saved her standing for three hours.
Nancy Lovelock (2) – For the students; for the Tour of Homes. When we all work together, we accomplish great things.
Monday, November 21 – Farmtown Canada, with Joe Preston & Kelly Franklin
At the Wayside, 12:15 p.m.
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ASAA
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Greeter
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Fine Master
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Monday, November 21
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Stew Shouldice
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Pat Baker
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Adriana Balderas
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Monday, November 28
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Ron Somerville
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Ken Ferguson
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No Fine Master
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Monday, December 5
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Davey Moffatt
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Brenda Merrifield
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Trish Shouldice
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Monday, December 12
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Ron Somerville
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Pat Martyn
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Dave Rock
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Monday, December 19
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Ron Somerville
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Malcolm Rust
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Suzanne Ferguson
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Monday, December 26
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No meeting (Boxing Day)
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Photos by Bill Horn & Malcolm Rust
PEB
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