Founded in 1914 in Virginia

Introducing Students to Possible Careers

Posted by Steve Jones on Mar 14, 2017
 
 
Career Day participants: Ryan Sinclair (left), Norfolk Public Schools Secondary Teacher Specialist English Curriculum & Instruction, and essay winners Monte Stewart and Cierra Broughton, both from Booker T. Washington High, and Madalyn Moore and Ryan Cooke, both from Maury High. Rotarian Bob Heely (right) coordinated our annual Career Day visitation and program.
 
 
The Program for March 14
 
Bob Heely acknowledged teachers and staff members from Norfolk Public Schools. There were participating seniors from Maury, Booker T. Washington, Norview, Lake Taylor, and Granby high schools. Ryan Sinclair, the NPS English department representative, who coordinated the visitation program with Bob, acknowledged the students and staff present at the meeting. Bob spoke about the 30-plus years that our club has participated in the Career Day partnership with Norfolk high schools.
 
Students spent a day shadowing a Rotary Club member and explored possibilities for their future. They collected knowledge, wisdom and experience and then spent time reflecting on what they gained in a written essay. Bob read excerpts from each of the students’ essays, which revealed that students’ experiences were varied and interesting. Students visited local universities (ODU and EVMS); saw the internal workings of the court systems and learned the ins and outs of the financial sectors by spending time with bankers, investors, financial advisors and real-estate managers. Students shadowed Rotarians, including former Navy officers,  engineering professors, professional counselors and even the head of the Virginia Zoo.
 
Based on the comments offered at the meeting, students and members of our club took to these partnerships with enthusiasm and as the essays indicated, students walked away with tremendous interest and forethought about the future.
 
The program concluded with four winning essays that garnered each winner $50:
  1. Ryan Cook from Maury High School shadowed Rotarian Laurie Harrison at EVMS.
  2. Madalyn Moore from Maury High School shadowed Rotarian Chip Vogan, an attorney.
  3. Cierra Broughton from Booker T. Washington High School shadowed Rotarian Judge Joe Massey.
  4. Monte Stewart from Booker T. Washington High School shadowed Rotarians Bob Heely and Steve Schultz to learn about marketing.
     
The reflection offered by these students in reading their essays were quite inspirational and thought provoking.The program concluded with a special thanks to Bob Heely for coordinating the program and to Chip Finch,  Sally Hartman, and Bob Heely for critiquing the essays.
 
The Meeting
President Bryce sounded the gong to bring the meeting to order. Song Leader of the Day, Sigur Whitaker, accompanied by Frank Whitman led spirited renditions of “The Four Way Test” and “Grand Ole Flag.” Following the Pledge, Michael Goldsmith offered a thoughtful grace.
 
We returned to Scope for the March 14 meeting and are reminded that our March 21 meeting will be held at the Towne Point Club.
Visitation Report: 
 
Sharon Laderberg reported that Bill Burnette is home and doing much better. 
 
Visitors:
  • Rotarian Richard Harris, a financial consultant, from the Chesapeake Club
  • A host of students who participated in the Career Day Visitation program and teachers from the five high schools in Norfolk were also present.
Club Announcements:
  • March Birthdays were celebrated for Edna Baehre-Kolovani, Bryce Burton, John Egan, Sally Hartman, Colin McKinnon, Bob Powell, Anthony Radd, Marty Raiss, Chick Robinson, Dean Rogis and Irv Wells.
  • Shep Miller presented John McLemore with a Charles Woodard Fellowship. About 20 years ago one of John’s clients was looking for an exit strategy from his business. John introduced fellow Rotarian Shep Miller who bought the business. Shep wanted to acknowledge John’s role after recently selling the business to Berkshire Hathaway. The Charles Woodard Fellowship honors those who have contributed $1,000 to the Norfolk Rotary Endowment.     
  • New Member ballot were submitted for Major James Allison (Salvation Army); Ian Phipps (arborist), Chuck Doud (WHRO).
  • Meeting make ups for February were due to Jane Dembert March 14.
  • Jim Kitz reminded members of the upcoming event at the ForKids Mojo Thrift Store on March 28th from 10 a.m. – 12 noon.  See Jim for details.
  • Dues and Meals invoices have been emailed.  If you did not get an email or need a printed invoice, please contact Jane Dembert.
  • Please make your annual donation to The Rotary Foundation.
  • Collection of wine for the “Wine Pull”, for Suds and Buds began today.  Thirty Bottles were collected and the goal is 100 for our May 19th Gala.
  • Anthony Mia urged club members to continue to identity corporate sponsors for Suds and Buds.  Our goal this year is $30,000. 
  • Marty Raiss thanked club members for their kind words acknowledging her father’s passing and reminded the club of the following upcoming events. RSVPs are needed for upcoming outings to see the Waterside District and The Main.
     
Happy Bucks, Congratulations & Fines
  • Ann Baldwin is happy to report that her grandson is attending James Madison University and also that she moved into a newly renovated apartment and led us in a song, “Moving on Up.”
  • Jane Dembert acknowledged the Men’s and Women’s basketball teams of Bucknell University going to the NCAA Tournament.
  • Marty Raiss celebrated the Blue Devils win in the ACC Tournament.
  • Gary Boswick was happy to report on a family accomplishment.
  • Harry McCoy was recognized for his radio interview factilitated by Sally Hartman.
  • Chick Robison highlighted his recent milestone birthday.
  • Mark Johnson acknowledged students in attendance in our meeting.
  • Win Lewis offered congratulatory comments to the group.
Raffle:
  • John Lynn won the daily raffle of $18. Tables two and four were 100%. Big Pot is $509.
  • Jaycox Elementary school as the School of the week and will receive a book in honor of our Career Day participants.