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Why I am a Rotarian
DG 06/07 Ethne Margaret Papenfus
 My
first association with Rotary came through my career in
education, at the Kimberley Girls' High School, with a very
active Interact Club. When I add that it was a school that
had a high profile in academic excellence, sportsmanship, and
cutural activities, the high recognition which the school gave
to IA will be all the more appreciated: Interact members could
qualify for colours, and in the hierarchy of school leadership
the IA president was third only to the head and deputy head
girls.
Ironic therefore that in an organisation where IA was so active
in a girls' school, because she was a woman, the school
principal could not become a Rotarian. Of course, that
changed, later in SA than in the USA.
After being invited to be a guest speaker at a District
Conference, and then at a club presidential induction, I was
invited to become a Rotarian.
So why am I Rotarian? Perhaps more importantly, why do I
continue to be a Rotarian?
To be a member of an organisation committed to service
above self is an honour, all the more so when the
organisation is one of such extraordinary credibility and
prestige.
In addition to the work which Rotary does world wide, it is also
the most wonderful link for international fellowship and
friendship.
We have become a Rotary family within the family of Rotary, with
my husband Wes a past Assistant Governor, and currently club
president, our daughter and son-in-law members of the same club,
and our two small grandsons each the proud owner of a
Future Rotarian badge.
Thank you, Rotary.
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