After returning from a three week absence, on a Habitat Build and tour of Thailand, Sargent Miles introduced President "Racey" Robyn to 27 members and 6 guests.
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It was a very busy meeting, starting off with Genesis Kasper, an 18 year old student from Selwyn College, who was at the club to introduce herself and to thank the club for their financial support to assist her to join the crew on an upcoming sailing on the Spirit of Adventure. This is a huge adventure for Genesis and we look forward to her returning to the club early next year to share details of her experience. The support for Genesis' week on the Spirit of Adventure has been funded by the Brian Gibbs Memorial Scholarship. To learn more about the Scholarship, please click on "Read More" below.
The next formality at the meeting was the presentation of the Peter McKenzie Memorial Scholarship to the top accounting student at Glendowie College. The winner this year is Hollie Thomlinson and Glendowie College teacher Noelene Doherty had the following to say about Hollie;"Hollie is an all-round student. She has been involved in sports – cricket (for five years) and Lacrosse (for three years). This year she was Captain of the Girls 1st XI Cricket team and she won the Ellis Cup for Leadership in Girls Cricket. She also contributed to the school as a Peer Support Leader. For the last three years she has been a member of Interact. Hollie attained Excellence in Level 1 NCEA and has 41 out of the necessary 50 credits to attain Excellence at Level 3. This year Hollie came first in Accounting.
In the picture above, Hollie is flanked by her mum on the left and Noeline Doherty on her right.
To lean more about the Peter McKenzie Scholarship please click on "Read More" below.
The Clubs AGM, was also scheduled to be included last Thursday, but we were still in for one more surprise, with member Oscar Lyons being re-introduced to the club. Oscar, who was accompanied by his partner Amadea, took leave of absence from the club 3 years ago after being selected as a Rhode Scholar. He is currently still living in the UK and running his own business, Leadership Development in the medical arena.
After a very busy start to the meeting proper, which included the AGM as covered in a separate story below, we then heard from our Guest Speaker on the day, PDG Jennie Herring. Jennie is the Rotary Foundation District Chair and her talk was focused on the Rotary Foundation, some history, what it does and how to access the funds.The Foundation is our charity of choice and was launched in 1916 with a fund of US$26.15. Today, some 100 years later the Rotary Foundation has distributed in excess of US$3 billion on Humanitarian help worldwide.
All Rotary Clubs have the ability to apply for either District Grants or Global Grants from the Foundation, to assist with club projects. To secure funds a formal application must be lodged and if approved, the project must demonstrate that it will be sustainable. Our own ONJA Madagasgar project is a very good example of a sustainable project that has been successful in securing a Global Grant.
Gary Key is currently the Club Director Foundation and he is seen here thanking Jennie for her presentation. If you have any questions regarding Foundation and how it may assist a project that you are working on or thinking about, don't hesitate to ask Gary.
Brian Gibbs Memorial Scholarship:
Background
Brian Gibbes was a respected member of the Rotary Club of St Johns. He was a charter member of this club and was President in 2003/04. In 2001 Brian was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship (the highest award in Rotary) in recognition of his services to the club, community and golf.
Brian was born in Fiji and came to New Zealand at the age of 9 years. He qualified as an accountant and was involved in various businesses/professions including being co-owner of the successful business ‘Golf Today’. Brian was a keen sportsman being a successful rugby player and golfer. He also had a keen interest in youth and encouraging them in both academic and sporting pursuits.
The funds for this scholarship were raised by the club, in conjunction with Brian’s family, through two successful golf tournaments.
Intention of the Fund
The fund will be called the ‘Brian Gibbes Memorial Scholarship’ and the funds will be held and administered by the Rotary Club of St Johns Charitable Trust. Awards will be made in conjunction with the Board of the Rotary Club of St Johns.
Brian Gibbes was a respected member of the Rotary Club of St Johns. He was a charter member of this club and was President in 2003/04. In 2001 Brian was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship (the highest award in Rotary) in recognition of his services to the club, community and golf.
Brian was born in Fiji and came to New Zealand at the age of 9 years. He qualified as an accountant and was involved in various businesses/professions including being co-owner of the successful business ‘Golf Today’. Brian was a keen sportsman being a successful rugby player and golfer. He also had a keen interest in youth and encouraging them in both academic and sporting pursuits.
The funds for this scholarship were raised by the club, in conjunction with Brian’s family, through two successful golf tournaments.
Intention of the Fund
The fund will be called the ‘Brian Gibbes Memorial Scholarship’ and the funds will be held and administered by the Rotary Club of St Johns Charitable Trust. Awards will be made in conjunction with the Board of the Rotary Club of St Johns.
The scholarship will be awarded annually to a suitable candidate to help them further their academic and/or sporting abilities.
Peter McKenzie Memorial Scholarship:
Background
Peter McKenzie was a much respected member of the Rotary Club St Johns and to mark his untimely death the Club resolved to establish a memorial fund to pay tribute to Peter's life and his work.
Peter McKenzie was a much respected member of the Rotary Club St Johns and to mark his untimely death the Club resolved to establish a memorial fund to pay tribute to Peter's life and his work.
Peter was a Partner in the international accounting firm Deloittes Touche Tohmatsu and his former Partners agreed to contribute to this award.
Intention of the Fund
It is intended that the fund should produce an amount of approximately $1,000.00 per annum.
In part, the selection criteria for a successful recipient of the award (of which there shall be one each year) are the following:
1. Persons who have had all their schooling in New Zealand and who are currently attending Glendowie College and aged between 16 - 18 years.
1. Persons who have had all their schooling in New Zealand and who are currently attending Glendowie College and aged between 16 - 18 years.
2. Potential candidates are persons intending to pursue a career in accountancy and who, but for receipt of the award, might have difficulty in pursuing that field of endeavour.
3. Persons who are of good character and repute and who have shown commitment to the community or who have the potential to do so.
4. The Rotary Club of St Johns will select a candidate in each year upon the recommendation of the Principal of Glendowie College.