Rotary Club of Hillcrest Sunrise

Tuesday morning the club held its annual 4-way test speech contest featuring six local high school students. Each student spoke on a real-world topic of interest and applied the principles of Rotary’s 4-Way test to that topic.

Thomas Daly, Sean Porter and Sanjeethi Anand represented Gilmour Academy. Zoe Rocco, Lauren Uzzo and Radha Prasad represented Mayfield High School.

What a difficult job the judges had! Every one of the speakers exhibited wonderful critical thinking and public speaking skills!

First place went to Thomas Daly from Gilmour; the second-place finisher was Lauren Uzzo from Mayfield; and, Sean Porter from Gilmour was third. Congratulations to all the participants and good luck to those students who move on to District competition!

February’s meetings were extra fun and informative!

Early in the month, club members met at the Hillcrest YMCA to assemble Family Goodie Bags for those who stay at the Ronald McDonald House in University Circle.

The following week, Mayfield High School Interact Club officers reflected on their Interact experiences and accomplishments. They highlighted service and volunteer projects and what these activities mean to them. School Administrators expressed their gratitude and appreciation for all the students’ efforts, enthusiasm and commitment.

This past Tuesday, the club had guest speakers from two different organizations. Cleveland Club Rotarian, Joan Spoerl, presented details of the Literacy Cooperative’s partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and how Rotarians and clubs can assist local families starting a library of their own.
Wrapping up the meeting, Richard and Valerie Smith, co-owners of Hope Seals shared their inspirational journey to founding an asphalt and sealcoating business with the mission to serve men returning from incarceration.

As long-time members of the community and the Rotary Club of Hillcrest - Sunrise we would like to share the details of our latest fundraiser. Fundraisers like these help the Rotary Club with their ongoing mission to make the lives of people in the community better. Whether it's food insecurity, at risk youth, seniors, literacy or so many of the other causes the club focuses on, you can help. Please see the attached flier. Hope to see you on October 8th 2025. Thanks for your support!

The Hillcrest Rotary Sunrise Club enjoyed fun and fellowship celebrating its Charter Night and Changeover Dinner last week! Outgoing President, Alan Semethy, wrapped up his year of successful leadership and welcomed incoming President, Maureen Garnett, who was inducted by DGE Bob Oborn.
Congratulations also go to Tom Mugridge for 40 years of perfect attendance (!) and to this year’s Rotarian of the Year, Joe Cicero!

Tuesday morning, Dr. Marnisha Brown, Superintendent of Richmond Heights Schools, shared great news about the school district’s initiatives in academics, arts and athletics framed around the district's theme of One Vision, One Mission, One Richmond!

Mark your calendar and make plans to have a “hole” lotta fun on Friday, July 18th at the Hillcrest Sunrise Rotary Club’s 5th annual Golf Outing! The event will be held at Pine Ridge Golf Club in Wickliffe.
Sponsorships and auction donations desired!
Proceeds from the outing help to support club service projects that benefit the communities of Highland Heights, Mayfield Village, Mayfield Heights, Gates Mills, Lyndhurst, Richmond Heights, and South Euclid.

For more information about the outing, sponsorships and auction donations, contact Alan Semethy at (440).823.6302 or [email protected]

A lot of great programs and great people!

The Magic is right around the corner! Have you registered for our District Conference of Clubs and Learning Assembly? You don't want to miss it!
Registration closes April 15th!
https://rotarydistrict6630.org/events/2025-district-6630-conference-of-clubs-and-le/

Congratulations to Karen Poelking on her Paul Harris award!

Club members were treated to speeches and presentations from local high school students during the month of March.

The morning of March 4th, students from Gilmour and Richmond Hts. competed in the annual 4-Way Test Speech Contest. Isabel Jeckering, Sanjeethi Anand, and Michael Cacioli represented Gilmour Academy while Lydia Brown-Sowah and Espandan Tamang represented Richmond Hts High School. Judges had a difficult time selecting the winners who spoke on the topics of vaccines, the US processed food system, gender and racial bias, climate change and friendships.
First, second and third place awards went to Sanjeethi, Espandan and Lydia
respectively.
Congratulations to all the students!

The following week, Richmond Heights students Jevin Lewis, Ethan Rice and Jabari Brodie spoke to the club about their Rotary Leadership Youth Academy (RYLA) experiences. It was evident the young men not only enjoyed themselves, but the time spent at the camp proved to be a valuable learning opportunity for each.

Sad to report the passing of PDG Dr. Dan Sazima

Dan was a long time member of the RC of Hillcrest (afternoon club)
and Honorary member of the RC of Hillcrest Sunrise Club

Dan served as Rotary 6630 District Governor

Please see link below

Here is the link to Dan’s obituary with visitation and Mass times:

https://www.dejohnfuneral.com/obituaries/daniel-sazima

What a great way to start a Tuesday morning! Sunrise members heard updates from Mayfield High School Interact Club leaders and advisors about their many service projects. While the scope of their work is thoughtful and impressive, it was even more uplifting to hear the passion and commitment in each speaker’s voice and see the smiles on all their faces as they described the feelings and benefits THEY derive from helping others in their community! They are proof that in giving, you receive!

Support the Gift of Reading!!!

Mayfield High School’s Interact Club is collecting new and gently used books for students in grades K-8. Join the Hillcrest Sunrise Club in supporting their efforts to spread the love of reading. Book donations will be accepted February 3-7. See flyer for details.