Stories

Austyn Courter-April Student of the Month-Millinnium High School

 
Austyn embodies the true essence of school spirit, consistently demonstrating enthusiasm and a positive attitude in everything he does. One of Austyn's most admirable qualities is his eagerness to volunteer and participate in various school activities. Whether it's organizing events, lending a helping hand, or cheering on his peers, Austyn is always at the forefront, rallying others with his infectious energy. A true scientist at heart, Austyn's curiosity knows no bounds. Beyond the confines of the classroom, he frequently engages in side investigations, delving into scientific concepts and experiments with a fervor that inspires those around him. His dedication to exploring the wonders of science extends far beyond the curriculum, showcasing his passion for learning and discovery.
 
 Austyn Courter-April Student of the Month-Millinnium High School 2024-04-10 07:00:00Z 0

Mikaila Montessa-March Student of the Month-Millenium High School

 
I am writing to you today to highlight the exceptional talents and achievements of one of our outstanding students, an inducted Thespian, Mikaila Montessa, who I believe would make an excellent representative for the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club.
 
Mikaila is not only a remarkable artist, but she also excels in singing, dancing, and acting. Over the past few years, she has showcased her talents in our school's musical productions, including "Matilda," "Xanadu," and the upcoming "Addams Family." In addition to her performances on stage, Mikaila also painted a stunning mural for our production of "Xanadu," demonstrating her creativity and artistic abilities.
 
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Mikaila is a model student who embodies maturity, kindness, and positivity. She consistently impresses both peers and faculty with her exemplary behavior and positive attitude. As a testament to her leadership and dedication, Mikaila serves on the officer council as the social media manager for our Millennium Theater Club where she excels in promoting our productions and engaging with our community.
 
Furthermore, Mikaila not only shines in the arts but also excels academically. Despite her busy schedule with theater and extracurricular activities, she continues to excel in all her academic classes, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her education.
 
As her teacher and mentor, I am incredibly proud of Mikaila and firmly believe that she highly deserves the honor of representing Millennium High School as Student of the Month for GYPC Rotary Club. Her talent, dedication, and exemplary character make her a true asset to our school community and a worthy representative for your esteemed organization.
 
Thank you for recognizing Mikaila for this prestigious award.
 
 Mikaila Montessa-March Student of the Month-Millenium High School 2024-03-25 07:00:00Z 0

Sharon Orlopp-Polio and Empowerment

 
This Wednesday, March 6th-7:00-8:00 am in the EN Palm Room, Please join us-Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary will host Sharon Orlopp, author, consultant, and national speaker, who is passionate about building a world where everyone is valued and included. She believes in the transformative power of personal stories and actions to touch the heart which in turn change behaviors.
Sharon spent 30+ years working in Fortune 500 companies in senior executive roles in HR and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She currently serves on The Harwood Institute Board which is dedicated to transforming our shared civic lives with community leaders focused on creating change.
Her topic-Polio and Empowerment will transcend cultural barriers as she shares the story she co-authored, Standing Up After Saigon with Thuhang Tran.
The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek is based on an ethic of “Service Above Self” and continuies to adopt diverse projects consistent with the club’s Avenues of Service supporting Vocational, International, Community, and Youth needs. The Club meets each Wednesday from 7-8AM in the Palm Room of the Eagles Nest Clubhouse. For further information, contact Joan Smith, Membership Chair-503-348-9468. www.goodyearrotary.org
 Sharon Orlopp-Polio and Empowerment 2024-03-03 08:00:00Z 0

Carson Seeker-February Student of the Month-Millenium High School

 
Carson Seeker, a Senior at Millennium High School, was presented our Rotary club’s first Student of the Month award and recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Academic Excellence. Here is the nomination provided by his teacher:
Carson Seeker will graduate as this year's valedictorian. He has committed to a very academically rigorous course load. He is a star athlete on the cross country and track teams, and competed in a national tournament in the fall. He is always respectful and offers to help whenever he can, including spending RTI time tutoring students who are struggling. He participates in both the pickleball and science Olympiad clubs. Carson exemplifies a student who is dedicated to his classwork, sports, extracurriculars, and helping raise up other students.
 
In addition to receiving the award, Carson will have a solar light donated in his name to a family in Africa through Watts of Love (www.wattsoflove.org). Nearly 1 billion people around the world are without electricity and live in darkness. They spend up to 30% of their income on dangerous fuel sources just to have light, and it keeps them in a cycle of poverty.  Access to solar lighting eliminates the need for a costly fuel source and offers immediate savings.  Solar lighting also means people can continue daily activities after dark, which directly impacts household income, safety, and overall health.  Solar light starts people on the pathway to prosperity-giving light to educate & empower.
 
We are honored to partner with Agua Fria School District to recognize outstanding students in all spectrums of scholastic and personal achievement. We will feature these students throughout the school year as we present their awards.
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Carson Seeker-February Student of the Month-Millenium High School Joan Smith 2024-02-23 08:00:00Z 0
7th Annual Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary FoundationGolf Tournament & Ball Drop Joan Smith 2024-02-14 08:00:00Z 0

Joan Smith Awarded Major Donor Pin by DG Kevin Pitts

 
On November 16, at a regular club meeting of the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary club, we honored our Charter President, Joan Smith, a long-time Rotarian on her attaining Major Donor status with the Rotary Foundation. These donations are essential to securing and growing Rotary programs throughout the world. Joan is among a dedicated and select group of humanitarians who have committed themselves to serving others. Major Donors change the lives of children, young people, adults, communities, and the world to which we all belong.  Her gift inspires others to give, not just of their “treasure” but of their time and of their talent! In recognition of her investment in The Rotary Foundation’s wonderful projects and programs, District Governor Kevin Pitts presented Joan with a Major Donor pin on behalf of The Foundation’s Trustees.  The Rotary Foundation recognizes donors and expresses gratitude for her commitment. The Rotary Foundation Mission: The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Congratulations Joan for your years of commitment to “Service Above Self”.
 
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Joan Smith Awarded Major Donor Pin by DG Kevin Pitts 2024-02-06 08:00:00Z 0
Holiday Food & Book Distribution 2024-02-06 08:00:00Z 0

Rotary Supports Early Literacy

     
Avondale KidFest, a family friendly event hosted by the City of Avondale with a focus on literacy, education, healthy lifestyles and water safety for ages 5 and younger this past Saturday. Our Dolly Parton Imagination Library crew were onsite to register children from birth to age five for the free book-gifting program to encourage early literacy. 75 families signed up!! Some of our graduates came by to say hi while new students signed up! It was great to see so many families out spending the morning together. What a Fantastic Day!
 
 
 
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Rotary Supports Early Literacy 2023-04-09 07:00:00Z 0

Estrella Foothills High School Interact Club in Action

 
The energetic Estrella Foothills High School Interact Club is busy serving the community. These young leaders spent their Saturday manning a rest station for cyclists participating in the Tour de Cure held in Estrella Mountain Ranch. Lots of fun for a great cause!
 

There are many benefits for students who are interested in joining an Interact Club offered at their high school. Many of the top benefits of taking part in a Interact Club is that students get the chance to:

  • Discover new cultures as they promote a greater sense of international understanding
  • Develop key leadership skills in their schools and their community
  • Make new friends both in their own community at home as well as communities across the world
  • Encourage and practice thoughtfulness and helpfulness towards others
  • Create an awareness of the importance of home and family
  • Build respect for the rights of all people, based on recognition of the worth of each individual
  • Emphasize acceptance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success, community improvement, and group achievement
  • Develop important life skills that include self-development, time management, and personal finances
  • Recognize the dignity of all useful jobs and opportunities that work towards making society better
  • Open pathways to the advancement of international understanding and goodwill towards the whole of humanity
 

 

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Estrella Foothills High School Interact Club in Action Joan Smith 2023-03-24 07:00:00Z 0

6th Annual Goodyear Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament

ARE YOU READY?..….The sun is shining, the sky is powder blue, the palm trees are swaying in the distance and you are standing with friends and business associates ready to tee off!
 
Please join us for the Sixth Annual Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament & Golf Ball Drop, to be held at Tuscany Falls Golf Club, in PebbleCreek, in Goodyear on Sunday, May 7, 2023.
 
Again, this year we will be offering our Golf Ball Drop with a chance to win up to $3000. Tickets are being sold for $20.00 each. With the help of our friends at the Goodyear Fire Department, six hundred numbered golf balls will be dropped over the putting green from a ladder truck. The ball or balls that land in the designated cup or closest to the cup will win the prize. Ties will result in split winnings. Need not be present to win. This activity will take place before the teams tee off. Maybe you will be the lucky winner this year!!
 
The monies raised from this tournament will benefit local organizations that provide needed services to enhance and improve lives of children and families. Last year, we helped the SW Lending Closet, Meals of Joy, Southwest Valley Family Advocacy Center, Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank, provided scholarships at the 5 Agua Fria Union School District High Schools, supported Title I schools by providing emergency clothing baskets, did a huge canned food drive in partnership with the Kare Bears and delivered 80 food and a for each child in the family for the holidays. We also supported several youth leadership programs and projects. We couldn’t do it without the tremendous support we receive from you at our tournament.
 
I hope you will join us again this year. I look forward to seeing each of you on May 7.  If you need more information or have questions, please contact Jim Frey at: 415-271-0714 or email jimfrey8235@gmail.com
 6th Annual Goodyear Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament Joan Smith 2023-02-03 08:00:00Z 0
Holiday Food Box and Book Distribution 2022-09-16 07:00:00Z 0

Interact Club Presents...

 
 

Interact Presents...

 
We kicked off the month of September with these outstanding Jaguars from Canyon View High School. Remarkably poised and prepared, they shared their experiences in Interact.
Our club is proud to support these capable young leaders and their enthusiastic teacher, Aiesha Morris. The future of our community is in good hands. Thank you! 
 
                                                     
 
 
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Interact Club Presents... 2021-09-06 07:00:00Z 0
Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation partners with Dolly Parton Imagination Library 2021-05-25 07:00:00Z 0

Rotary Sets 32,000 lbs Community Food Drive Goal

The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek is gearing up for their Community “Let’s Bag Hunger” Food Drive for the Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank and All Faith Community Services. Rotarians throughout Arizona have declared April 17-24, 2021 “Rotary Week of Service” and we invite you to join us as we conduct community service projects throughout our communities, our state and the world!

 

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Rotary Sets 32,000 lbs Community Food Drive Goal Joan Smith 2021-04-07 07:00:00Z 0

4th Annual GYPC Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament

The Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation had an outstanding response to its Fourth Annual Charity Golf Tournament & Ball Drop held February 21 at the PebbleCreek Tuscany Falls East Course. This tournament continues to grow in recognition by players and sponsors because of the charitable good works by the Club that make a difference in the lives of our local community
 
 
 
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4th Annual GYPC Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament 2021-02-24 08:00:00Z 0
                                    People of Action 2020-09-05 07:00:00Z 0

John Spooler-Rotarian of the Year

The installation of new officers for the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek took place on April 24. The dinner was hosted by out-going club president Joan. She reviewed the club's progress and achievements for the last 18 months. Major milestones recognized included membership growth of 30 members and over $35,000 donated to charitable organizations in the greater Goodyear community., including Agua Fria Food & Clothing Bank, SW Family Advocacy Center, Mutts on a Mission, SW Lending Closet, Hope Community Services and four high school scholarships. The club has also planted trees at the Goodyear Community Park, collected 2800 pounds of canned food for the food bank, delivered food and book boxes during the holidays, rang bells for the Salvation Army and participate in monthly road clean-up.
 
The highlight of the evening was the recognition of John Spooler as Rotarian of the Year. "John has been a dedicated Rotarian for over 20 years and he was the inspiration and driving force to organize our Goodyear PebbleCreek Club", said Smith. "His spirit of service and charitable giving really reflects the heart and soul of our club."  Spooler, in addition to his long tenure of Rotary Club volunteer work, is also recognized as a multiple Paul Harris Fellow for generous financial giving to Rotary International. "John is the epitome of Rotary's ethic of service above self and we are fortunate to benefit from his decades of Rotary experienced," noted Smith
 John Spooler-Rotarian of the Year Joan Smith 2019-05-01 07:00:00Z 0

John Spooler awards Two Paul Harris's!

John Spooler is an strong advocate for The Rotary Foundation. Being the charitable arm of Rotary, it helps clubs and districts work together to perform meaningful, sustainable service such as clean water, medical care, literacy classes and other essentials. Rotary leads the charge in ending polio and promoting peace.  91% of each dollar donated goes directly to Rotary projects around the world!   
 
John honored two club members with Paul Harris Fellow awards because he believes these two individuals have shown leadership and service above self. John recognized Sheryl Driscoll for all her hard work and participation in the community. John's quote was, "Everything that Sheryl works on turns to gold!" "She is very deserving of this Paul Harris Fellow." Joe Miles was the second Rotarian recognized by John. "Joe helps with the set-up and take down of the room each week, says the invocation and believes that you get the most out of Rotary by getting involved in club projects and activities. Joe is a great person to have on our team", John says. 
 
Thank you John, for your continued work of encouraging and helping all our members to become Paul Harris Fellows!
 
 John Spooler awards Two Paul Harris's! Joan Smith 2018-10-31 07:00:00Z 0

District Governor Jim Visits

Great Rotary meeting today with DG Jim Erickson as our speaker. Excellent program focusing on the need to finish the fight to eradicate Polio worldwide!
 District Governor Jim Visits Joan Smith 2018-10-17 07:00:00Z 0
Title I School Nurses Receive Baskets of Clothing Joan Smith 2018-08-02 07:00:00Z 0

Giving Back to the Community

Posted on Jul 09, 2018
At our June 20th meeting, President Elect Charlie Miller presented $500 checks to two great local charities from our club foundation. Executive Director Ann DeVlaeminck accepted the check. Southwest Lending Closet loans durable home health equipment free of charge to those in need. Contact: southwestlendingcloset.org, (623) 932-1016.
 
Therapy Paws/Mutts on a Mission was represented by President Kathleen Malony and her therapy dog Finnley. Their mission is to provide comfort through animal pet therpy to those who have physical and emotional needs. Currently, they are partners with Abrazo Hospital, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Copper Springs Behavioral Hospital and Goodyear Library. Contact: kathleen.malony@cox.net, (844)387-4847
 Giving Back to the Community Joan Smith 2018-07-09 07:00:00Z 0