On December 9, the Rotary Club of the San Juan Islands proudly presented a $7,000 check to the San Juan Island School District’s STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) program. The funds will be used primarily to finance travel to state and regional STEAM competitions and other expenses not covered by the School District. 

L: Rotary member Scott Sluis, center Rotarians Chris Haynes and President Karl Eberhard, 3rd from right Sam Garson, science teacher/program director extraordinaire, far right Andrea Hillman, Principal, all surrounded by illustrious STEAM students.

Andrea Hillman, High School Principal, remarked, “how incredible it is that the Rotary has taken our students on so generously!  This is amazing and will allow our kids to access opportunities that only kids from larger districts usually get to experience.” 

The donation was the result of a local Rotary-sponsored event held October 10. Titled “The Future is Electric,” Martin Eberhard co-founder of Tesla Motors told the inspiring story of the creation of Tesla and Jay Kimball from OPALCO talked about the future of electricity in San Juan County. Jay related, “I came away impressed with the mission of Rotary and the audience’s keen interest and strong attendance. This was among the most engaged, intelligent, and interested audiences I have experienced in the islands.” 

Interested in joining a fun club who believe in making the world a better place one project, at a time? From organizing local events to supporting global initiatives, we tackle it with a blend of passion and humor. Join us at our next 7:45 am breakfast meeting – Wednesday, January 8, at Friday Harbor Suites, because who said changing the world can’t be fun? Need more info? Membership chair: Steve Bowman steve.bowman52@gmail.com. Foundation: https://rotaryfoundationsanjuanislands.org