District 5495 Rookie of the Month

August 2026 - Everett Erickson | Rotary Club of the White Mountains

Rotary District 5495 is proud to recognize Everett Erickson of the Rotary Club of the White Mountains as our Rotary Rookie of the Month for August 2026.

Although Everett Erickson has been a Rotarian for nearly a year, he has already made an extraordinary impact on his club and community. An active and highly dependable member, Everett is involved with Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, the Scholarship Foundation, community events, roadside cleanups, and much more.

Whenever Rotary is involved in an event or service project, Everett can be counted on to be there. His dedication, reliability, and commitment to serving others truly embody the spirit of “Service Above Self.” District 5495 is proud to recognize Everett Erickson as Rookie of the Month.

July 2026 - Chris Rodriguez | Rotary Club of Gilbert

Rotary District 5495 is proud to recognize Chris Rodriguez of the Rotary Club of Gilbert as our Rotary Rookie of the Month for July 2026.

Since joining the Gilbert Rotary Club in December 2025 and being inducted in January 2026, Chris has embraced Rotary with enthusiasm, energy, and a genuine heart for service. From the very beginning, he has become a familiar face at club meetings, service projects, and community events, always ready to volunteer wherever he is needed.

Chris consistently demonstrates Rotary's motto of Service Above Self by supporting club activities, generously donating supplies when needed, and actively promoting Rotary throughout the Gilbert community. His positive attitude, friendly personality, and willingness to help have quickly made him a valued member of the club.

Looking for ways to make an even greater impact, Chris recently volunteered to attend the District Grant Management Training to support future Rotary service projects and expand the club's ability to serve the community.

Although he is one of Gilbert Rotary's newest members, Chris has already demonstrated the dedication, initiative, and servant leadership that define an outstanding Rotarian.

Congratulations, Chris, on being recognized as Rotary District 5495's Rotary Rookie of the Month. Thank you for your commitment to Rotary and to making a difference in your community.

June 2026 D5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month
Melanie Yager| Rotary Club of Surprise-Sun City West

Melanie Yager is one of our Club's most enthusiastic members. She is always ready to help and lead where necessary.

She shows initiative with her leadership with our Club's April 2026 Taste of Surprise & Arts Festival Fundraising Projects. Immediately, at one of the early event planning meetings, she volunteered to look for more sponsors and then she volunteered to be responsible for the event's Silent Auction items. She has always demonstrated "Service Above Self" on the many daily activities that she participates.

Melanie has belonged to Rotary since February 24, 2026. She was inspired by her father who was very involved in their community. She is looking for friendships, connections, and a sense of community.

Melanie is a transplant from Indiana and she is looking to make new friends and give back to the community. Her specials skills include Non-profit accounting experience, helping with technology, google sheets, Excel, etc. This experience has been very helpful with her fresh ideas and new energy that the Club and planning committee always needs.

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May 2026 D5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month
Jennifer Garrett | Rotary Club of Verde Valley

Jennifer Garrett of the Rotary Club of Verde Valley has been selected the District 5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month for May.

Jennifer joined the club in March 2025 and is currently the club's Youth Services/RYLA chair.

According to Club President Dino Viotti, Jennifer shows great enthusiasm and initiative, contributed fresh new ideas and energy to club projects and has been involved in several club projects. Her actions demonstrate a commitment to “service above self.”

She assisted with the delivery of school supplies to the Clarkdale-Jerome School and with local food-packing events. She is actively involved in youth services, spearheading the club's RYLA Committee. She organized meetings with both students and parents.

She also presented to high school students at Sedona Red Rock Junior High School in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Sedona Village and is in the process of creating a mentorship program at West Valley Sedona Elementary School.

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April 2026 D5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month
Todd Miller | Rotary Club of Rim Country-Payson

Todd Miller joined the Rim Country - Payson Rotary Club in August 2026, seeking to make a difference and has become one of our most involved members, consistently attending meetings, volunteering to serve as our Treasurer, attending District Training meetings, leading the revision and updating of our bylaws, serving on our high school scholarship committee, our annual golf tournament fundraiser committee, and is chairing our Army Band Concert fundraiser committee.

As one of our newest members, Todd has consistently participated in club meetings and events, volunteered to lead and participate on various committees, volunteered to fill a vital leadership role, and humbly introduced new ideas.

His positive impact on our Club has been immediate, and his example of dedicated service is greatly valued and worthy of nomination for recognition as Rookie of the Month.

March 2026 D5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month
Steve Courts | Rotary Club of Surprise-Sun City West

Steve Courts is one of the Rotary Club of Surprise-Sun City West’s most enthusiastic members. He is always ready to help and lead where necessary. He shows initiative with his leadership with our Club's Youth Service projects and the December Golf Tournament and the April 2026 Taste of Surprise & Arts Festival Fundraising Projects. He has always demonstrated "Service Above Self" on the many daily activities that he participates.

Steve has belonged to Rotary since March 1, 1995, but when he left Colorado and moved to Surprise, Arizona he took a year off from Rotary. In the summer of 2025, he got to know a Club member and on November 25, 2025, he was talked into returning to Rotary.

Right away he hit the ground running, volunteering anywhere he was needed. His previous Rotary experience started in Minnesota, continued in the Midwest and he was a Club President in Colorado. He has retired as a CEO/ Executive Director of several YMCAs and he has many years of experience working with Youth.

Steve received his 1981 BA Degree in Speech/ Communication from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. Steve is an experienced executive with a demonstrated history of working in the professional training & coaching industry. He is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Coaching, Event Management, Team Building, and Philanthropy.

For a Rotarian Rookie, we are very fortunate to have Steve as a new member of our Rotary Club.

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February 2026
Rotarian Rookie of the Month
Paul & Jennifer Bowles
Rotary Club of Sedona Village

District 5495 is proud to recognize Paul and Jennifer Bowles as our Rookies of the Month—a dynamic duo who have embraced Rotary service with energy, vision, and heart from day one.

Even before officially becoming members, Paul and Jennifer were already showing up—serving at the Veterans Barbecue and jumping in wherever help was needed. From the very beginning, they demonstrated that Rotary is not just something you join—it’s something you live.

Leadership in Action

Jennifer has quickly emerged as a powerful leader within the club. She played a crucial role in launching the inaugural Taste of the Village last fall—a tremendous success—and will return as chair of the event next fall. Her organization, enthusiasm, and ability to rally volunteers have made her indispensable to the club’s fundraising efforts.

Paul chaired Skills Day at the Middle School, coordinating 11 presenters and delivering what many called a gigantic success. His ability to see the big picture, combined with his organizational skill and calm leadership style, instills confidence in everyone around him. Though new to the community, Paul has already become a trusted liaison—connecting community leaders, bringing in presenters, and strengthening Rotary’s local partnerships.

He also provides invaluable technological leadership, assisting President Carol in elevating the club’s technology and communication tools—ensuring the club operates with excellence and professionalism.

Service at Every Level

Together, Paul and Jennifer:

Provide strong team leadership for the inaugural Fire Wise project, preparing the community for wildfire readiness
Actively support and work tirelessly on the Club’s Garden Project
Lead social media outreach efforts
Show up early and stay late at every event

They exemplify Rotary’s spirit of community togetherness and service. Their willingness to step up, lead boldly, and serve wholeheartedly reflects exactly what makes Rotary thrive.

In a year where our district theme is “Together We Thrive,” Paul and Jennifer Bowles are living proof that when committed people bring their talents, passion, and teamwork to Rotary, our impact grows exponentially.

Congratulations, Paul and Jennifer—thank you for the leadership, vision, and servant hearts you bring to our Rotary family!

January 2026
Rotarian Rookie of the Month
Shari Legate,
Rotary Club of Prescott Frontier

Shari Legate of the Rotary Club of Prescott Frontier has been named January’s District Rookie of the Month. Shari joined the club in May 2025 and has already made a remarkable impact through her skills, energy, and enthusiasm.

With a professional background in digital marketing, Shari quickly became an integral part of the club’s Public Relations Committee. She has expanded the club's presence across multiple platforms-Facebook, X, lnstagram, Pinterest, and Substack -- ensuring club stories, photos, and service projects reach a wide audience. Her creativity and consistency have elevated the visibility of our club and strengthened Rotary's message of service.

Beyond her professional talents, Shari brings a cheerful and generous spirit to everything she does. She is always ready to help when fellow members make requests and never hesitates to lend a hand. Whether it's documenting club meetings with photographs, encouraging volunteers at a project, or brainstorming ways to share the club’s impact with the community, Shari contributes with both skill and heart.

Shari's presence at club events is always marked by her camera and her smile. She captures the essence of Rotary in action, while at the same time inspiring others with her enthusiasm and encouragement.

Although new to Rotary, Shari exemplifies the spirit of "Service Above Self." Her dedication, positivity, and willingness to step forward demonstrate that she is not just a rookie member, but already a valued Rotarian whose contributions strengthen our club and community.

Christina Hubbard has been named the December Rotary Rookie of the Month for Rotary District 5495.

Since joining the Rotary Club of Verrado in April 2025, Christina has wholeheartedly embraced the role of Rotarian—attending meetings, participating in projects and socials, and stepping into leadership positions.

Christina was instrumental in revitalizing the long-dormant Verrado High School Interact Club, which now features a faculty advisor, a functioning board, and 12 engaged members. Through her leadership, 10 Interact members and their friends packed meals at the club’s
recent Feed My Starving Children event in Buckeye.

Christina also volunteered to develop and implement a red badge program to help new members integrate into the club and the Rotary community. Christina was also elected to fill a vacancy on the club’s the Board of Directors in August, 2025.

Balancing these contributions as a single mother and full-time Accounting Controller, Christina truly exemplifies “Service Above Self” and has shown the talent and drive to be a Rotary leader.

Rotarian Rookie of the Month for November:
Daniel Weiner, Four Peaks Rotary Club of Fountain Hills

To borrow from former Michigan Football Head Coach and current Los Angeles Chargers Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, Daniel Weiner brings to Rotary an “enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”

Although a Rotary rookie here in Arizona, Daniel is no stranger to the concept of Service Above Self. Recently relocated from Savannah, Georgia, he has quickly become an indispensable part of the Four Peaks Rotary family. Within months of joining, Daniel ran for and was elected to the club’s board, and—recognizing his energy and leadership—his peers invited him into the line of succession as the club’s President Nominee.

When the club was challenged to dream up a large-scale service project, Daniel immediately proposed addressing homelessness, helping the club explore meaningful ways to meet community needs. He also volunteered his time and technical expertise to enhance the club’s audio-visual setup and supports the “Round Up” initiative with local merchants.

Beyond leadership and ideas, Daniel rolls up his sleeves—literally—using his handyman skills on service projects such as the community garden at McDowell Mountain Elementary School, and coordinating repairs at the Scottsdale Boys and Girls Club alongside members of a neighboring Scottsdale Rotary club.

Daniel has an outgoing personality, a great sense of humor, and boundless energy. He truly epitomizes Service Above Self. The Four Peaks Rotary Club could not be happier to have him as a valued and enthusiastic member—and we are proud to recognize him as our Rookie of the Month for November.

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D5495 Rotarian Rookie of the Month: October – Chris Dunham

Chris Dunham of the Rotary Club of Mesa has been selected as the Rotarian Rookie of the Month for October 2025.

Since joining the club, Chris has truly embodied the Rotary spirit of “Service Above Self” and has quickly become an integral part of the community.

From the very beginning, Chris has been a consistent presence at club meetings, taking on the role of greeter each week. His warm smile, welcoming handshake and genuine enthusiasm set the tone for every gathering, helping both longtime members and guests feel at home. This simple, yet powerful act, has created a stronger sense of connection within his club and has reminded Rotarians of the importance of hospitality in service.

Chris's impact goes well beyond his role as greeter. He has eagerly stepped up to participate in multiple service projects, contributing his time and energy wherever needed. Whether lending a hand at large-scale community initiatives or pitching in on smaller club projects, Chris never hesitates to get involved. His willingness to say "yes" and his enthusiasm to help demonstrate the heart of Rotary in action.

In addition to his visible contributions, Chris is also the kind of member who quietly strengthens the club in countless ways. He volunteers without needing recognition, encourages others with his positivity, and looks for opportunities to support both the club and our community. These qualities, combined with his reliability and genuine care for others, have already made a significant difference.

As a new member, Chris has set the standard for what it means to be a Rookie Rotarian. His energy, dedication, and heart for service inspire us all, and I can think of no one more deserving of this honor. With his enthusiasm and commitment, Chris has all the qualities of a future Rotary leader, and I am excited to see the lasting impact he will make in the years ahead.

D5495 Rotarian Rookie of the Month for September: Jim Quinn

James (Jim) Quinn, a member of the Rotary Club of Prescott Valley, has been named District 5495’s Rookie of the Month for September.

Jim has been a Rotarian since Feb. 1, 2025 and is currently his club’s membership chair. He was nominated by District Governor-Elect Joe Sweeney, who said in his nomination:

Recommendation for Jim Quinn - Membership Chair, Rotary Club of Prescott Valley for Rookie of the Month

It is my great pleasure to recommend Jim Quinn, our Membership Chair of the Rotary Club of Prescott Valley. Jim has brought remarkable enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to this vital role, and his efforts have already made a profound difference in the life of our club.

From the moment he accepted the position, Jim has inspired his fellow Rotarians to take an active role in welcoming and engaging new members. His energy and optimism are contagious, encouraging others to reach out, invite guests, and share in the excitement of belonging to Rotary. Jim understands that membership growth is more than just numbers-it is about creating meaningful connections and inspiring people to embrace the spirit of service in Prescott Valley.

Jim’s leadership is not confined to planning; he is always present and actively participating. Whether it is serving shoulder-to-shoulder during a community project or quietly arriving early to set up our meetings, Jim consistently models the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self. He personally greets guests with warmth and professionalism, making them feel immediately welcome. This personal touch has strengthened our reputation as an inviting and vibrant club.

Jim also contributes behind the scenes with equal dedication. His creativity helped design and edit our club brochure, and he has brought fresh, valuable ideas to our weekly newsletter. His ability to combine communication with innovation ensures that our members and guests stay engaged and informed.

Further demonstrating his commitment to Rotary, Jim has already completed Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Part 1 and is preparing to attend Part 2 this November in Kingman. His pursuit of ongoing Rotary education reflects his desire to grow as a leader and continue making a lasting impact.

Our club is fortunate to have Jim Quinn guiding our membership efforts, and I wholeheartedly recommend him for recognition and leadership opportunities within Rotary, especially as our Rookie of the Month.

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D5495 Rotarian Rookie of the Month for August: Michelle Lessard

Michelle Lessard was nominated for District 5495 Rotary Rookie of the Month by Linda Sweeney, president of the Prescott-Frontier Rotary Club. Below are excerpts from Linda’s nomination letter:

In just six short months, Michelle Lessard has become an indispensable member of The Rotary Club of Prescott Frontier. The moment she joined, she jumped into service with enthusiasm and dedication, participating in nearly every project we’ve hosted. Her positive spirit, warm demeanor, and willingness to help others have made her a true asset to our club.

What sets Michelle apart is her eagerness to share her professional expertise for the good of the club. As a software business analyst, she has tackled technical issues with grace and generosity — offering assistance to members struggling with technology, improving our meeting audio setup, and dedicating personal time to resolving computer problems. She arrives early, stays late, and never hesitates to lend a hand.

Perhaps most impressively, she has volunteered to create and distribute our club’s monthly newsletter — an initiative that will enhance our outreach, internal communication, and overall visibility. Her commitment, initiative, and quiet leadership embody the very best of Rotary’s spirit of Service Above Self.

We are proud to nominate Michelle as Rookie of the Month and grateful to have her as part of our Rotary family.

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D5495 Rookie of the Month -- July 2025
Matt Berry

Congratulations to Matt Berry of The Rotary Club of Phoenix Arcadia for being honored as our first recipient of the District 5495 Rookie of the Month Award.

Matt joined the Phoenix Arcadia club in December and is currently the club's Membership Chair. He joined the club driven by a desire to help in his new community and in less than a year has shown what it means to "Unite for Good."

Once the club identified membership as one of its key goals for 2025-26, Matt stepped up to become the club's Membership Chair. According to Club President Bryce Kuklok, "This role isn't for the faint of heart. We have an aggressive goal that requires someone who believes in Rotary's mission and who can inspire others to join our cause."

Matt delivers. He brings in quality speakers to club meetings and has introduced prospective members who share the club's values. He understands that effective growth means finding people committed to service, not just filling seats.

"What sets Matt apart is his authenticity. He didn't join for networking or business development. He joined to serve, and his actions prove it every week," said Bryce.

Be Sure to Check Out the District's Rotarian of the Month!

Matt (wearing the dark suit) during the ceremony where he became a member of The Rotary Club of Phoenix Arcadia.