At the September 10th Meeting, the members and guests heard a presentation from Ms. Dawn Green, Assistant Principal, Lynwood High School, that was both informative and beautiful. She titled her talk: “Moving Forward, Giving Back”. Her talk which was carefully prepared, repeated this beautiful phrase several times, after which she described different examples of her life’s work. Ms. Green was born at St. Francis Hospital and grew up in the City of Lynwood, with the benefit she remarked of having strong and loving parents. She attended pre-school and school at Century Christian School. She noted that her teachers always encouraged her to consider being a teacher. While attending Hosler MS, teachers helped her get into a program for gifted students, known as the GATE Program. As a Senior in HS, “I said, this is it: This is what I want to do.” After obtaining a BA at San Diego State and a M.A. at Domingo Hills California University, she became a teacher within LUSD. Her first year as a teacher was at Lincoln ES. “My own classroom, my own students. I wanted them to know: ‘I cared.‘ and ‘Never Give Up.’ “ As a teacher, Dawn noted, she loves teaching but hates grading student papers. Other comments from Dawn: “ What kids need more of are support, encouragement, motivation. Kids are so quick to give up. Also, as to curriculum, the teacher’s manner of instruction is important. It is important to focus on the whole student: body, health and mind.”

Before the second speaker, President Martina Rodriguez asked Dawn Green if she could help get a Rotary Interact Youth Group started at Lynwood HS. She explained that one or more motivated faculty members are required to help organize the high school Rotary youth group. Once the group is organized, the Rotary members can help with specific Rotary youth projects and events.

The second speaker was Dr. Eva Miles, who, after obtaining her Ph.D. from USC, has been an English teacher at Lynwood HS, and is now an Assistant Principal at LHS. She explained that the theme of her presentation is: “It Takes a Village to Raise Kids”. First, Ms. Miles described several programs and “protocols” she has done at LHS and then she solicited ideas and suggestions from everyone in attendance as to helping schools improve student performance. One example she described are protocols designed to improve student attendance. Volunteers are trained and organized to call students and inquire why they are late or absent from school. This personal contact can result in students taking the necessary actions to improve their attendance and on time performance. Another possible program Dr. Miles explained is an outreach program to the community in which community residents call the school district when they observe school age youth hanging out during school hours. Such a program has not been formerly organized within Lynwood, but Dr. Miles noted that LUSD security officers will investigate these reports of students hanging out, for all observed locations within the city.

Right after the two speakers, a certificate was presented by Bridget Valadez, Specialist, Relay for Life, American Cancer Society, for the participation of Rotary Club members and for Club donations to this event, which occurred this summer.

Before these presentations, President Martina Rodriguez talked about the important Rotary meeting on Thursday Noon, September 24, when the Rotary District Governor makes his annual visit to the Lynwood Rotary Club. She again emphasized that Rotary Board members need to attend a meeting with the District Governor that starts at 10:30 am in the Bateman Hall VIP Room. Next meeting, President Martina explained she will hand out job responsibilities for each Rotary member assigned specific duties. Each member with assigned duties is expected to make a brief and concise report to the District Governor.

Also the coming District Annual Picnic was mentioned. The date is Sunday, Sept 20 at the usual location, which is the Redondo Beach Lagoon At the picnic there is the annual boat race using homemade cardboard boats,. With the help of Joe Wang the cardboard boat has been constructed. . Lynwood Rotary members are encouraged to attend this fun annual picnic event organized by Rotary District 5280. We will observe and cheer on our Youthact members who will row the boat.

Daniel mentioned that he attended the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Oscar Avila and three other new Eagle Scouts at South Gate Auditorium on Saturday, Aug 29 from 5pm to 9pm. He passed around photos, which will be provided to Oscar and his family, of this important event for Oscar Avila. (Oscar was a speaker in the last month at Lynwood Rotary and was a speaker in late Spring and at the end of the summer in 2014, to talk about his summer experiences both summers. Rotary members generously contributed to the cost of Oscar’s trip last summer to the Florida Everglades as a part of his Marine Biology studies and interests.)

Daniel Miller / Omar Franco

Public Relations and Community Outreach for Lynwood Rotary