Greetings from Singapore and the Rotary International Convention! As I write it is about to get started with an awesome opening ceremony. Rotary is celebrating the great year we have had. And we, as Rotarians of the District, do have much to celebrate for our year. We grew our membership, we gave joyfully to our foundation, we gave heartily to eradicate polio, we responded to devastating fires in Maui and the Texas Panhandle, and we lived our Rotary value, Service Above Self.
We did many service projects, Creating Hope in the World, as was our theme for this year. And together, we made a difference, which was my goal for the year.
So it is ‘out with the old and in with the new’ in June. In going out let us convey to the next club and district leaders our encouragement for their success. Let us also celebrate this past year by nominating the work and the people and clubs that exceeded their goals and objectives. Let every club find its Star Rotarian. Lets have fun celebrating these ‘mountaintops’ at our Awards dinner in August.
And let’s celebrate as we bring in the new at the Installation Dinner at the end of June. My successor, DGE Regina Edwards, is fully prepared and fully experienced to take the lead as the next District Governor. Your Club leaders are ready to serve. Let's celebrate the new start as they are installed in their new positions. Naturally, they will need and want our support.
Thank you to all who made Rotary memorable this year and made my time as your Governor one of my very best years ever.
Governor John