District ‘Champions’ and Efforts Recognized at Awards Event

Posted by DG Bret McKeand
Outgoing District Governor Elizabeth celebrated the accomplishments of the past year during the District 5495 Installation Celebration held July 10 at the Wigwam Resort in Litchfield Park.
 
Prior to the installation of incoming District Governor Bret McKeand, the focus was on honoring and recognizing those who guided our district and clubs during the past year, a year severely impacted by a worldwide pandemic.
 
The last in-person district training event was Elizabeth’s PETS program held in March 2020. Her theme for that PETS conference was “Get Your Game On.” Despite a district-wide shutdown caused by the pandemic, Elizabeth praised club leaders for their tenacity and willingness to lead their clubs through adversity.
 
Elizabeth presented all 2020-21 club presidents with their own “championship ring,” while assistant governors were presented with MVP awards. Special ribbons were also presented to those who participated last year in the “Step Up for Rotary” fundraiser.
 
“You are all champions,” she said.
 
 
Other awards presented during the July 10 ceremony:
  • Certificates were presented to District 5495 graduates of the Rotary Leadership Academy and the Rotary Leadership Institute.
  • Teresa Haire was presented with the Leadership for the Second Century Award. Teresa is a member of the Rotary Club of Sun City and volunteers as the district secretary.
  • Chloe Lyons, the first Interact member to serve as chair of a District 5495 committee, received her first Paul Harris Fellow from Outgoing District Governor Elizabeth. Chloe is chair of the district’s new Environmental Committee.
  • Peace Champion Awards were presented to PDG Nany van Pelt and Tony Cerato. PDG David Simmer presented Nancy the award for 2020, while Elizabeth presented Tony the award for this year.
  • Additional awards were presented to Curt Ward, Annette Valentine, Mary K Clark and Carol Costa for their contributions and service to the district.
 
 
The Mesa Rotary Club, wanting back the Paul Harris Bronze Sculpture, was presented with the End Polio Now Champions award.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Additional photos of the event can be found at the District Website.