A wonderful example of this year’s Rotary International theme, “Unite for Good”, is the Guatemala Literacy Project, an effort that has involved over 900 Rotary clubs, serving more than 300,000 students in Guatemala since 1997.  

Rotary Club of Waupaca has been a supporter of the Guatemala Literacy Project and has contributed $5,000 over the last few years. In February of 2025, Kay Ellingson traveled to Guatemala to participate in the program and is currently sponsoring a middle school student in Guatemala. "The impact that this program has for the education of young students in Guatemala is inspiring. The mission of the program is to eliminate poverty through education," Ellingson said.

In 2025-2026, 126 Rotary clubs and 26 districts joined together to support the GLP's Global Grant, which will bring education to nearly 5,500 Guatemalan children and teachers. These teachers and students will benefit from a Global Grant that raised $484,000 to help implement the GLP’s signature textbook, computer center, primary reading, and youth development programs.

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Tim Neuville was recognized for his generous contributions to The Rotary Foundation. 

The award features doves of peace because promoting peace is the thread that weaves together all of Rotary's other Causes (https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes). Fighting disease, providing clean water & sanitation, supporting education, helping to grow local economies, promoting maternal and child health, and protecting the environment - all of these create the foundation for building sustainable peace.

Thank you, Tim Neuville, for all you do in our community and around the world to improve lives and promote peace.

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Sally LeComte has served Bethany Home, Inc. since February of 2020. She began her journey at Bethany as the Admissions & Marketing Coordinator. In February of 2021, Sally was promoted to the position of Administrative Assistant to Bethany’s CEO, Shelly Sontag, and to the Maintenance & IT Director, Dan Allen. Sally’s experience as the Admissions & Marketing Coordinator along with her background as a sign language interpreter, a paralegal and having years of experience working with homeless veterans and people with disabilities; coupled with her compassionate heart and organizational skills made her a great candidate for the Director of Admissions & Outreach position that became vacant in December of 2021. At which time she joined Bethany’s Director team when she was promoted to the position of Director of Admissions & Outreach.
 
Sally feels blessed to work for a Christian organization and looks forward to what God has planned for her in growing positive relationships with her co-workers, the residents and their family members, the community and service providers in both admissions and outreach.

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Our Rotary club presented 5 scholarships totaling $16,000 to Waupaca High School students as follows:

• Two $5000 Rotary Ambassador scholarships were presented to Taylor Kling (majoring in business) and Thomas Thiel (majoring in aerospace engineering). These scholarships are possible through the generosity of our Rotary Ambassadors, 11 members and businesses who contribute $2500, or $5000 to our fund-raisers and programs. $10,000 is directly allocated for these 2 scholarships
• The Rotary Tim and Joy Neuville Service Above Self $4000 scholarship was presented to Chloe Nelson (majoring in sonography) who had given nearly 700 hours of community service during her high school years.
• Two Rotary $1000 technical College scholarships were presented to Colton Drmolka (aviation) and Caden Plum (electrician)

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The Waupaca High School Physical Education Department received a Rotary education grant to revitalize their archery program by focusing on three pillars: modernization, unwavering safety and long-term stability. The archery unit is taught in the Aerobic Individual and Lifetime physical education class. Through the grant they were able to replace aged and worn arrows, bows and personal protective gear with modern, reliable equipment.

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Approximately 150 Waupaca High School students take agriculture classes. The department received a Rotary education grant for a bovine milking udder simulator that allowed students hands-on opportunities to learn proper udder care, milk diseases, infection treatment and prevention, plus a variety of other milking activities. 

In addition, the high school agriculture students provide 4th graders with a hands-on milking opportunity using the simulator at their Annual Day on the Farm held at Whitetail Dairy that provides the students a true Wisconsin Dairy Farm experience. 

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Past President of our club Barb Conradt was presented with a Paul Harris award a couple of weeks ago. The Paul Harris award recognizes contributions to The Rotary Foundation, one of the world's most trusted, respected, efficient, and effective foundations in the world. 

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Andrea Jenson was presented with a Paul Harris award this past month.

The Paul Harris award recognizes contributions to The Rotary Foundation, one of the world's most trusted, respected, efficient, and effective foundations in the world.  Learn more about The Rotary Foundation here: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

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Earlier last mont, Ronin, our exchange student from Thailand, gave a presentation about his country and then exchanged club flags with President Wes Klages.

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We were proud to help organize and participate in the Volunteer Waupaca Day of Service in May. In addition to helping to host and manage registration for the event, Rotarians did the annual beautification and clean-up at Rotary Riverview Park, and worked on the Challenge Trail, clearing brush and laying crushed limestone to enable wheelchair access to river views and fishing.  A huge THANK YOU to all who participated!

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