Lynwood Rotary Meeting Update 07-30-2015
At the July 30 Meeting, the members and guests heard the presentation from the scheduled speaker, Oscar Avila.
At the start, Oscar introduced his father, Jose, who is a long time member of the City of Lynwood Public Works Department. Daniel mentioned that Jose’s mother had come to the meeting also, but had to leave to drive his two younger brothers to two events.
This year, Oscar completed his 9th grade at the California Academy of Math and Science in Carson. Oscar started his presentation with describing his experiences last summer and again thanked the Lynwood Rotary Club for helping finance his trip to the Florida Everglades to observe the animal and plant life, as a part of marine biology training. Then Oscar attended the John Hopkins For Talented Youth Program in Lancaster PA.
This summer, Oscar has taken a Chemistry class at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Next week, Oscar will attend a week’s conference of the National Order of the Arrow, National Honor Society for Eagle Scouts in Michigan. This important event is expected to be attended by 15,000 persons this year. Wearing his Boy Scout Uniform, which includes displaying his Eagle Scout rank, Oscar noted that he obtained Eagle Scout at age 15, one of the youngest scouts to achieve this accomplishment at such an early age.
Oscar also mentioned that he will participate in an Eagle Scout Honor Ceremony on Sat, Aug 29, in the evening at South Gate Auditorium, and he would be most pleased if Lynwood Rotary members would attend this event in which Oscar will be one of four Eagle Scouts.to be honored.
In answer to a question from Daniel, Oscar stated that his career goal is to pursue a double major of marine biology and international relations, with an interest in becoming a diplomat. Oscar also stated that he would like to apply to Georgetown University in Washington DC, because he heard that they have an excellent undergraduate program in foreign relations. (Daniel commented that he has an MA degree from Georgetown U. in Political Philosophy and American Government.)
Tila Millan asked Oscar how he learned about the John Hopkins summer school that Oscar attended last summer, after his marine biology experience in the Florida Everglades, Oscar explained that a teacher at Lynwood Middle School was the one who got him interested in applying for this summer school. Tila complemented the teacher for helping Oscar accomplish this.
Before the speaker, Lynwood Rotary Club President, Martina Rodriguez, talked about the National Night Out. The event will be held this year in Ham Park, which is along Atlantic Ave. The date is Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Martina encouraged all Rotary members to attend. Rotary members involved in setting up the exhibit, etc. should arrive at 4:00 pm. Also, Fernando and Tila, mentioned that Roosevelt ES Youthact members and some parents will also attend. Also commenting about this event was Robert (Rob) Flores, who is on the committee that is organizing the National Night Out. Raj will provide a Rotary banner for the table. Also Martina will bring the photo boards and photo collages for display that show participation of Rotary members and Youthact members in several Rotary/ community projects. This is a great opportunity for the club to publicize its activities and accomplishments.
Daniel Miller and Omar Franco
Public Relations and Community Outreach for the Lynwood Rotary Club