The Perry Rotary Club is an active supporter of the Taylor Education Foundation. Several Rotarians serve as Directors of the Foundation. The Rotary club contributed $500 in 1996, $1000 in 1997, and recently donated $1000 in 1998.
With the Club's support, the Foundation was again able to raise the contributions needed to receive the $10,000 matching fund from the State of Florida for the 1997-1998 school year. These funds are used each year to provide Community College scholarships to at-risk students of Taylor County. In addition, in 1997-98 the Foundation awarded three general scholarships in the amount of $500 each, funded three teacher mini-grants, and recognized the achievement of a deserving student with a monetary gift.
A new program introduced this year is to assist parents with the scheduling of immunizations of infants and small children. The immunization schedule was printed on wallet sized cards and distributed to health care facilites across the county.
To obtain a card contact the County Health Department or check with your family physician.
The Perry Rotary Club has given scholarships to deserving College bound Seniors of Taylor County High School for 75 years. This is the oldest continuing program of the club. The scholarship can be from $500 to $750 depending upon the number of qualified candidates that are selected. Typically 1 to 3 individuals are chosen. To receive the scholarship, enrollment in College must be provided.
To be considered for the scholarship Seniors submit a written application through the guidance office in Feburary/March of their graduating year. A committee of Rotarians review the applications and selections are based upon Academic Achievement, Community Service, and the ideals of the 4 way test.
The award is presented during the Senior Award Ceremony at the High School in May. The recipients of the award are requested to attend our Rotary meeting to meet the Rotarians and discuss their plans for the future.
Rotarians were proud to help the Salvation Army Volunteers collect funds for needy children this year. This traditional service is shared with other local civic organizations. Rotarians enjoy this event and look forward to it every year.
The Boys and Girls Club sells softdrinks at the local Florida Forest Festival. Girls and Boys club board members and Rotarians provide the personnel for stocking and selling at this event. This is a very fun event for all involved. It does get quite busy when the dinner bell rings at Noon.
Our own Mike McKinney is a board member for the Rotary Youth Camp located outside of Quincy. Physically challanged children are given the opportunity for a camp experience with other children. This is the first time that some of these kids have every had a chance to be in this kind of environment. It is also the only time that family caregivers get a break.
Members of the Perry Rotary Club were honored to assist in serving the children during one of their meals. Seeing the joy in these kids made it all worthwhile.
In addition, the Perry Rotary Club provides a donation each year to the camp.
The Perry Rotary Club would like to sponsor children to attend the camp this Summer. Do you know of someone who would benefit?
Several Perry Rotarians mentor students individually. More are needed. This worthwhile effort makes a tremendous difference. One at a time.