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Rotary News

Southeastern PA member profiles, happenings, projects and impacts, locally and around the world.

Jay Pennie Jay Pennie

30 Members Receive Outstanding Rotarian Awards

More than 100 members and guests from the Southeastern Pennsylvania Rotary District packed a room at the Inn of Villanova last week to recognize the good work of members over the past year and introduce the new District leadership for 2025-26.

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Youth Development Jay Pennie Youth Development Jay Pennie

Speech Contest Finalists Wow Audience

The final round of the Roger Taylor Rotary Speech Contest showcased talented young speakers before an audience of about 50 Rotary members, students, and community members. Contestants delivered original speeches on materialism, artificial intelligence, and historical accuracy, thoughtfully applying the Rotary 4-Way Test to real-world issues.

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Member Profile: Ellen Williams

Many people’s career paths take them far from their original goals. Ellen Williams of the Chestnut Hill Rotary Club is no exception. Upon graduation from the University of Delaware with a degree in criminal justice, she was offered a position as a parole officer. “I took one look at what the job entailed and said, “Oh no. This is definitely not for me!”

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Supporting Education Jay Pennie Supporting Education Jay Pennie

The Dictionary Project; Engaging Third Graders in Northwest Philly

On a chilly late fall morning, Henry H. Houston Elementary School Principal Leroy Hall leads a cheerful “ABC Song” with third grade students who were excitingly waving dictionaries in the air.

“A B C D E F G… now I know my…” Accompanying Hall in the school’s library were teachers and a half dozen Chestnut Hill Rotary volunteers.

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