From its beginning in 1954 the Rotary Club of Scottsdale has been dedicated to Scottsdale student success. For the past 72 years the club has awarded scholarships to Scottsdale’s graduating high school students, enabling and encouraging them to pursue their further education and skills development.

That commitment to local students has been creatively expanded this year. Rotary is known worldwide for having “boots on the ground,” members who are willing and able to contribute their time and energy, not just money, to student education. The focus is on complementing the classroom education with activities that help motivate student achievement.

Scottsdale Rotary recently sponsored Jazz in the Courtyard at Coronado High School at noon. As students had lunch, they also enjoyed live jazz by William “Doc” Jones and his band. Five students of the Coronado Jazz Band were invited to join with these professionals, making the event even more special. It was a fun day to be at school.

A few days later, Rotary sponsored lunch and an essay awards ceremony at Coronado High School. Attending were thirty English class students who had submitted essays on the moral value that best guides and defines who they are. Students had written essays on respect, empathy, ambition, honesty, the Golden Rule, being a better person, and treating others with dignity.

Rotarians read and selected eight finalists. Community leaders chose the top six who received cash prizes and certificates of achievement from Cornado Principal Melinda Splitek.

In the Fall of 2025, Rotarians and school district administrations conducted a Future Ready conference at Chaparral High School. Participating were 450 students who selected and attended classes on resume building, dressing for success, and entrepreneurship, as well as engineering, architecture, construction, psychology, and hospitality careers. This focus on mentoring students by Rotary continued this spring. Rotarian Tom Mayer chaired a panel discussion by Rotarians on real estate, entrepreneurship, presentation skills, and networking to a Coronado dual-credit class with Scottsdale Community College.

Saguaro High School invited Rotarian Max Rumbaugh to speak to the first-level engineering classes. Rumbaugh spoke about the education needed for careers in engineering. He noted that such careers can include vocational training as technicians as well as academic education for engineers.

The club members are currently preparing to interview graduating seniors for its annual scholarship program. Some $70,000 of scholarships will be available in fields such as the arts, performing arts, engineering, vocational training, first responder training and athletics. The scholarship winners and their families will be recognized at a weekly Rotary meeting in May.
Plans are already underway to continue these cooperative activities with Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) teachers, administrators, and students next year.

The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) congratulates Brian Riesen, physical education teacher at CUSD Haley Elementary School, for being named RCSL February 2026 Teacher of the Month. Sara Zion, who nominated Brian, stated that Brian meets a wide range of physical and emotional needs of his students and creates a supportive and engaging learning environment.

RCSL congratulates Annell Schmerfeld, sixth-grade teacher at Chandler Traditional Academy (CTA) – Liberty, for being named RCSL March 2026 Teacher of the Month. Mary Rinne, who nominated Annell, stated that Annell adapts to student individual needs and always looks forward to new and creative ways to teach and reach students.

RCSL Teacher of the Month Chairperson, Becky Kerr thanks RCSL corporate members Earnhardt Automotive and TrustBank who jointly sponsor the $700 check given to each RCSL Teacher of the Month. 

For more Info see www.sunlakesrotary.org   

Photo: Teacher of the Months presentation: Ruston Reynolds, representing Earnhardt Auto Centers, RCSL Rotarian Becky Kerr, Annell Schmerfeld, Brian Riesen and RCSL Club President Ed Anderson.

The Rotary Club of Sedona Village and the Sedona Sister Cities Association have announced that Red Rock High School student Fernando Quisumbing has been selected to participate in the 2026 Sister Cities International Youth Leadership Summit, to be held June 21–27 in Washington, D.C. 

Fernando is the second Red Rock High School student chosen for this prestigious international youth leadership experience. He was recommended by teachers and selected through interviews conducted by representatives from Rotary and Sedona Sister Cities.

During the week-long Summit, youth leaders ages 14–18 from across the United States and around the world will participate in leadership workshops, cultural diplomacy programs, and collaborative sessions addressing global challenges. One highlight of the program is a diplomacy simulation at the U.S. Department of State, facilitated by the National Museum of American Diplomacy.

Fernando has already demonstrated exceptional leadership and service. A 4.0 student who is simultaneously completing an associate's degree, he volunteers approximately 15 hours per week with the Community Library Sedona and Rotary programs. He has participated in Rotary’s Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program and returned as a Junior Counselor helping mentor other students. 

Educators and mentors describe Fernando as a thoughtful “servant leader” who seeks to bring people together and help others succeed. In addition to academic excellence, he recently starred as Ebenezer Scrooge in the school musical while also supporting fellow cast members to build teamwork and collaboration. Fernando’s parents are Gioia and Jan Quisumbing .

“Fernando already demonstrates the qualities we hope to inspire through Sister Cities—curiosity about the world, respect for different cultures, and a commitment to bringing people together,” said Carol Myers, Sedona Sister Cities Coordinator. “The Youth Leadership Summit will give him the opportunity to develop those skills even further and return to Sedona as a true citizen diplomat.”

Through the Youth Leadership Summit, Fernando will join young leaders from around the world to explore the principles of citizen diplomacy—the idea that individuals, through dialogue and cultural exchange, can help build international understanding and peace. 

The program is sponsored locally by the Rotary Club of Sedona Village and the Sedona Sister Cities Association, organizations committed to developing youth leadership and strengthening global relationships.

Jr. RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) is one of Rotary District 5495’s most impactful youth programs, providing middle school students with a transformative four-day leadership experience focused on confidence-building, teamwork, and personal growth. Through hands-on activities, guided reflection, and meaningful connections, students leave camp more empowered, self-aware, and prepared to lead in their schools and communities.

The impact of Jr. RYLA extends far beyond the campers themselves. Rotaractors gain invaluable leadership, mentoring, and project management experience, while Rotarians have the opportunity to invest directly in the next generation of leaders and strengthen Rotary’s commitment to service above self. RYLA is truly a program where leadership development happens at every level and every age—regardless of your volunteer role.

As Rotarians, it is essential that we continue to support and strengthen the programs within our own organization. Running a camp of this scale is no small task; it requires months of planning, fundraising, coordination, and behind-the-scenes work to ensure that every student can attend at no cost. Without the support of dedicated volunteers and donors, this life-changing opportunity would not be possible.
 

We are currently seeking a Fundraising Chair to join the Jr. RYLA Planning Committee. This is a volunteer role ideal for someone passionate about youth development and interested in advancing RYLA through fundraising efforts and creative initiatives. If you are interested in contributing your skills and leadership to this program, please reach out to us at 5495jrryla@gmail.com.

To help support Jr. RYLA beyond Rotary Club contributions, we have officially launched a Givsum fundraising page for individual donations. Click HERE

Your support—whether through leadership, fundraising, or advocacy—ensures that Jr. RYLA can continue shaping confident, capable leaders for years to come. Together, we can sustain and grow a program that embodies the very heart of Rotary.