Before we celebrate the District 6900 awards and recognition, I want to begin with something simpler – THANK YOU!

Serving alongside you this year has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The people in this room truly walk the talk. You show up for one another and for our community in a way that reflects the very best of what Rotary can and should be. I’ve had a front-row seat to the quiet, often unrecognized acts of service that never make headlines, and to members who give generously of their time, resources, and heart. That is the true spirit of this club. Roswell Rotary is not built on big moments alone, it is built on the consistent, faithful commitment to Service Above Self that each of you lives out every single week.

What makes this year so special isn’t just what was achieved. I’m far more impressed by how it was achieved. From the First Responders Farm Day, to our golf, tennis, and pickleball tournament, to our Polio fundraisers and backpack initiatives—every project, every dollar raised, every life impacted was the result of a collective effort. A shared belief that together, we can accomplish far more than any one of us ever could alone. I may have had the privilege of standing at the front of the room, but everything meaningful that happened this year happened because of you. This club does not succeed because of a president; no, it succeeds because of its people. I am deeply grateful, not just for what you’ve accomplished, but for allowing me to be part of it, to witness it, and to serve alongside you.

“It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” — Harry S. Truman. Well, that was the attitude on full display at District Conference. The entire weekend was a powerful reminder of what Rotary looks like at its very best. Surrounded by clubs doing meaningful work across the district, Roswell Rotary was recognized in a way that reflects not just what we’ve done….but who we are.

Roswell Rotary was honored at the highest level:

1. Club of the Year

2. Membership Award

3. Best Overall Polio Project

4. Governor’s Citation

5. Public Image of the Year

Each of these awards tells part of the story. Together, they tell something much greater: Roswell Rotary showed up this year and delivered. Growth is not accidental. Impact is not accidental. Both are the result of a shared commitment to something greater than ourselves.

It was also a time to celebrate the individuals within our club whose service continues to define what Service Above Self truly looks like in action. Lee Hollingsworth was recognized as a Polio Champion, a reflection of his unwavering commitment to Rotary’s global fight to eradicate Polio.

Alicia Hughes and Debbie Cwalina were each honored with the District 6900 Service Hero Coin, a meaningful recognition reserved for those who consistently show up, lead with heart, and make a lasting impact both within our club and throughout the community. Their passion for service is evident in everything they do, and our club is stronger because of their leadership.

Bob Hagan was presented with the Above & Beyond Award, and there may not be a more fitting name for the way Bob serves. Time and again, he quietly steps in, fills gaps, and delivers in ways that often go unseen but never unfelt. His steady presence is a cornerstone of what makes this club so special.

And then there is Dave McCleary. Dave was recognized as the Service Hero MVP, and this honor deserves special pause. His work in the fight against human trafficking is not only impactful; it is transformational. Through his leadership, advocacy, and relentless commitment, Dave is changing lives, restoring dignity, and bringing light into some of the darkest places imaginable. This is not easy work. It requires courage, persistence, and a willingness to confront unbelievable challenges. He is driven by purpose and a deep belief that every life has value. And while awards can never fully capture that kind of impact, this recognition as Service Hero MVP is a powerful acknowledgment of a life lived in true service to others.

We were also recognized for surpassing $2 million in lifetime giving to The Rotary Foundation. That milestone represents far more than generosity…it represents lives changed across the world through clean water, vaccines, community projects, and, most importantly, hope. It is a powerful reminder that what begins in this room extends far beyond it. In addition to Roswell Rotary organizing events or raising funds, we are setting a standard that others look to and strive to emulate.

On a personal note, I was deeply honored to receive the Sheffield Award. It is a recognition I did not expect, and I accept it with humility. More importantly, I do not see it as a reflection of me, but as a reflection of this club. That recognition is only possible because of the standard of this club and because of the way you consistently show up, serve others, and live out Service Above Self.

District Conference gave us the opportunity to celebrate, but it was also a challenge for us to keep going. We are not finished. With just over two months remaining in this Rotary year, there is still meaningful work ahead. Let’s finish the way we started this year, with clear purpose and intensity. Let’s continue to grow our membership by inviting others into something that matters. Let’s continue giving generously of our time and resources. And let’s remain a visible, dependable light in our community and an organization people can look to, trust, and be inspired by.

We have a responsibility to carry this momentum forward. The work we do in these final months will set the tone for what comes in the next Rotary year. Let’s make sure we hand off a strong club that is positioned to reach even greater heights. Leslie will lead us in the next Rotary year and like I just said, it is right around the corner. She deserves to begin with energy, alignment, and opportunity already in motion. Let’s help her have the best year in the history of Roswell Rotary.

Congratulations Roswell Rotary on the extensive recognition and achievements at District Conference and thank you for being the best club in the business!

Sic Vos Non Vobis

Trummie Lee Patrick III