It seems fitting that I write up last Friday’s program on Christmas Day because the program on Friday shows how blessed we are in Arcadia Rotary and how many blessings our Club has bestowed.

First, Arcadia Unified School District (“Arcadia Schools”) Superintendant Dr. David Vannasdall spoke about what it takes to lead one of the most forward thinking school districts in the country. Arcadia Schools has a 99% graduation rate. Arcadia Schools is a dedicated advocate for children and ensures that all children are provided with an optimal learning environment. In fact, David himself and his wife have five children.

Arcadia Schools stress family, building trusting relationships, are student focused with a whole child approach to learning, offer an innovative growth mindset and a collaborative culture. The Arcadia School board has its election coming up and the board is not comprised of politicians; but, Dr. Vannasdall stressed that those running must have “earned a degree in parenting in Arcadia” and, therefore, must own the school district. The values of the Arcadia Schools are: collaborate, think critically, be creative, offer empathy, and learn from failure. The purpose statement is “to challenge and inspire students to make a positive and profound impact on their world.”

While Dr. Vannasdall is very busy, we thank him for being a member of Arcadia Rotary and attending meetings when he can. His presentation was both profound and inspiring and it is easy to see why students from Arcadia are students who achieve.

Next was Club Rotario Tijuana, whose President and Chair of International drove all the way from Tijuana that morning to present Dick Martinez an award. Mr. Martinez has of course served Rotary for over 45 years and was the force behind our relationship with Club Rotario Tijuana and our beloved project “Rotary Amigos.” Both of Mr. Martinez’s sons and his daughter participated in presentation of the award. It was noted that Mr. Martinez and his wife have a 65 year strong marriage and even though his wife requires care in a hospital facility he still visits her for hours every day and arranged for special care for her even when he, himself, was recently in the hospital.

This was one of our best meetings and a great way to end the year.