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Rotary Honors Three as November Students of the Month

 
The Rotary Club of Everett on November 18, 2025 honored three local high school students as Rotary Students of the Month.
Each month during the school year the club recognizes and celebrates outstanding high school students in the city of Everett for their accomplishments and their promise.
 
Cascade High School Student of the Month is Sophia Thigpen, who exemplifies the ideal balance of academic excellence, leadership, and service. She is a standout scholar with a 4.0 GPA and has completed nine rigorous AP courses, earning top scores. She serves as the President of the National Chinese Honor Society, Vice President of Band, and Secretary of Key Club, is active in several other clubs. She is a competitive tennis player and served as a multi-year team captain. Sophia hopes for a career in anesthesiology, where her excellence and care for others will continue to shine.
 
Student of the Month from Sequoia High is Sydney Baker, who loves being involved and making things better for those around her. As ASB President, she balances leadership with teamwork, positivity, respect and humor. She is dependable, easy to talk to and someone who brings good energy to any situation.  Her first leadership project was the annual spring fundraiser. “It shockingly went very well in terms of school-wide involvement, community engagement and overall revenue,” Sydney said, “and that success pushed me to want to take a more active role in leadership going forward.” 
 
Everett High Student of the Month is Kalekidan Banti, who has maintained a GPA of 3.9 while challenging herself with multiple AP courses. Her teachers describe her as the kind of student who elevates every space she enters. “She consistently creates spaces where everyone feels valued, actively seeks out student voice in decisions, collaborates with purpose,” said one, “and leads by example through her reliability and strong work ethic.” Another said “Kalekidan Banti is a delight—hard working, diligent, focused and kind. She is the kind of young woman who gives you hope about the future.”

Rotary Boosts 61 Everett-area Students with $390,748 in Scholarships

 
Some 61 Everett-area students advanced their futures Tuesday evening as the Rotary Club of Everett presented scholarships funded by club members and donors worth $390,748.
 
Scholarship winners were recognized at an in-person celebration on May 20 at the Everett Civic Auditorium. Their individual grants range from $600 to $31,187.
“Education opens doors, and thanks to the generosity of Rotary Club of Everett members—both today and long before us—we continue to invest in students striving for a brighter future,” said Rotary President Michael Kvistad. “Rotarians proudly uphold the principle of ‘Service above Self.’ Together with donors who share our values, we are honored to support these students. By ensuring they have the opportunity to pursue their dreams, we help shape a promising future. Together, we create meaningful change—one student at a time.”
 
Rotarians in Everett work closely with school counselors to identify scholarship prospects. Those nominees are then interviewed by Rotary members, who make the final selections. Since this program began in 1952, the club has awarded nearly $6 million in scholarships.
 
 
 
 
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Officers and Chairs
President
President Elect
President Elect Nominee
Vice President
Past President
Club Secretary
Treasurer
Membership Development Chairperson
Foundation Chairperson
Club Bulletin Committee Chair
Public Relations Chairperson
Education/Scholarships/ Co-Chair
Education/Scholarships/ Co-Chair
World Community Services Chairperson
Youth Exchange Chairperson
Student of the Month
Club Board of Directors (23-25)
Club Board of Directors (23-25)
Club Board of Directors (23-25)
Club Board of Directors (23-25)
Club Board of Directors (24-26)
Club Board of Directors (24-26)
Club Board of Directors (24-26)
Club Board of Directors (24-26)
Music Chair
Resolution Committee Chair
Wheelers Chair
Club Administration Chairperson
Executive Assistant
Program Committee Chairperson
Web Management Chairperson
Local Impact Chairperson
Speakers
Students of the Month
Dec 09, 2025
Everett High School Choir
Dec 16, 2025
Holiday Performance!
NO CLUB MEETING ON THIS DAY!!
Dec 23, 2025
Happy Holidays!
NO CLUB MEETING ON THIS DAY!
Dec 30, 2025
Happy Holidays!
United Way Snoh Co: Susan Gustafson, M.Ed.
Jan 06, 2026
Local Impact Grant recipient
Puget Sound Kidney Center
Jan 13, 2026
Chronic Kidney Disease Education
Rebecca Minelga, Guide Dog Puppies
Mar 31, 2026
Guide Dog Puppies
Rotary Youth Exchange Presentation
Jun 02, 2026
Haku, Japan
ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT
 
LEADING OFF
Vice President Ryan Willis rang the bell at 12:02pm, calling to order meeting #5617 of the Rotary Club of Everett and meeting #17 of President Kelli Thode’s term.
 
VISITING ROTARIANS & GUEST
District Governor Isabelle Martinez Hayer and Dave Hayer were visiting the club from Surrey, BC. It was good to see Rich Toyer today! Ed Petersen introduced the new executive director of Housing Hope, Kat Opina.
 
New Club Member Lynsey Gagnon, executive director of the Interfaith Family Shelter, was introduced.
 
PROGRAM: District Governor Isabelle Hayer
District Governor Isabella Hayer stated that she sees a room full of diverse people. That is what Rotary is all about. We are connected through friendship and trust. Rotarians have high ethical standards. We are also all connected internationally. The Networking Plus program is a great way for Rotarians to connect and do business with each other.
 
The Rotary Club of Everett was chartered on March 1, 1917, and was the 272nd Rotary Club in the world. Clayton Williams was the first district governor of the club. Arch Klumph started the Rotary Foundation. Rotary endured through World War I and the Great Depression.  Some notable events were:
 
1926 - The vinyl record was invented.
1943 - The Rotary 4 Way Test was adopted.
1945 - The United Nations was formed.
1947 - Rotary founder Paul Harris died.
1949 - RI presidents adopted themes for their Rotary year.
1965 - The Rotary Foundation supports districts and clubs.
1974 - Bone marrow transplants began.
1980 - Mount Saint Helens erupted.
1981 - The Rolling Stones played at King Dome. Tickets were $16.
1985 - The Polio Plus campaign began.
1995 - Cell phones became popular.
2004 - The Arch Klumph Society formed.
2013 - The first grant to the Everett Rotary Club.
2017 - The Rotary Club of Everett celebrated its 100th anniversary.
 
District Governor Hayer thanked the club for all the work that it does, including the Next Generation Project, support of our high school students, and the projects in Dajabon, DR. She thanked club members:
  • PP Greg Tisdel
  • Ryan Willis
  • Ashley Bolden
  • Walt Greenwood
  • PP Neil Angst   
She then presented VP Ryan with a Rotary coin, and recognized the following members for their service to the club and community:
 
  • PP Neil Angst
  • PP Tammy Dunn
  • Ryan Willis
  • Janice Ellis
  • PP Tom Rainville
She showed the club a video about the District 5050 conference at Harrison Hot Springs Resort, May 1st-3rd, 2026.
 
STUDENT OF THE MONTH PRSENTATIONS
Cassidy Spencer introduced today’s Students of the Month.
 
Sequoia High School - Tricia Schultz introduced Sequoia High School Student of the Month, Cole Yama. Cole is a quiet leader, who helps other students with math. Cole thanked the club for the honor and for what the club does for the community.
 
Everett High School - Jen Selders introduced Everett High School Student of the Month, Markeese Lyons. Markeese is an exceptional young man, who is respectful and hard working. He has good listening skills and is kind and humble. Markeese thanked the club for the incredible honor. He plans to further his studies in Boston or Pennsylvania.
 
Cascade High School - Cindy Kuntz introduced Cascade High School Student of the Month, Jacob Hopkins. Jacob has a 4.0 GPA and is involved in many extracurricular activities. He is a hardworking and considerate young man. He plans to study biomedical science. Jacob thanked the club, his parents and his coaches.
 
HAPPY DOLLAR$
Rich Toyer had $200, sad for the difficulty in getting to meetings.
 
Henry Janicki was happy to be speaking at a roundtable in Tacoma on November 18th.
 
Kari Quaas was happy to have visited her mom in California. She also stated that PP Roy Yates has passed away. She also thanked our Students of the Month.
 
RAFFLE
Ashley Bolden ran today’s raffle. Winners were:
  • PP Larry O’Donnell won mints and Halloween swag.
  • Henry Newton won Halloween swag.
  • Rich Toyer won Halloween swag.
CLOSING
VP Ryan thanked everyone, especially everyone at the Student of the Month table.
 
Meeting adjourned.
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Clay Browse
 
Photography Submitted by.
Walt Greenwood
ROTARY CLUB OF EVERETT
  
MEETING:
Ashley Bolden, Board Member, led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and into her/our 20th meeting of the year and our 5,620th meeting of the Rotary Club of Everett.  
 
MUSIC OF THE DAY:
Mark Valentine, PP, sang "What a Wonderful Day" song by Louis Armstrong. 
 
THOUGHT OF THE DAY:
Kari Quaas delivered the Thought of the Day. Gratitude for Veteran’s Day. She listed the names of Everett Rotarians who have served. Many names were mentioned – Ralph Quaas, Marc Baker, Glen Bachman, Greg Lineberry, Bob Beil, Henry Newton, and many more (reporter did not get everyone’s name). Grateful for the people who have served our country. Thank you!
                                                                                                                                                         
INTRODUCTION OF VISITING ROTARIANS AND GUESTS:
Gary Hopper, Edmonds Rotary Club, visiting the club today.
 
 Janice Ellis introduced Parker Miller, Allison Hinds, Emerson Hinds, Elliott Hinds, Katie Rathbun, Max Rathbun, and Christiane Nguyen.
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Rotary After Hours, November 13th, at Wick-Ed Wine Club, 5 pm – 6:30 pm
 
Rotary Coffee, November 12th, at Artisans Books & Coffee, 9 am
 
Strategic Planning Committee will meet in January. A survey was sent for Rotarians to select days and times available.
 
Greg Lineberry, PP, gave an update on Foundation Month. Please see Greg to find out what to contribute to receive a Paul Harris.
 
Neil Angst thanked all who served. Thank you. Welcome.
 
HAPPY DOLLARS AND BIRTHDAY BUCKS: 
Steve Miller went on vacation to the Dominican Republic. Lots of rain. He is recovering from surgery.
 
Kari Quaas was thankful for those who came to her father, Ralph Quaas, Memorial. Thank you Paul, Lyndsey, and Larry. She is going on a vacation this week.
 
Henry Janicke was happy as his brother and sister-in-law had a baby boy.
 
Paul Stoot was honored to speak at Ralph’s Memorial Service, thank the club for supporting the Rise Up Academy fundraiser, Happy Veteran’s Day, and sad dollars for the passing of Lenny Wilkens on Sunday.
 
RAFFLE:
Winner number 1 – Gary Hopper chose the wine and candy.
 
Winner number 2 – Larry O’Donnell chose the Rotary book.
.
Winner number 3 – Greg Lineberry received the T-Mobile hat.
 
PROGRAM: Rotary Youth Exchange Student Presentation – Hakumi Matsumoto
 
Janice Ellis introduced Hakumi Masumoto. Hakumi is our Youth Exchange Student this year.
 
Hakumi is from Japan and the city of Kanazawa which is the capital and largest city. Kanazawa has 450, 000 residents and has 1,886,000 tourists visiting the city annually.
 
He is 16 years old. He has two older brothers and has a gecko. Hakumi showed photos of his friends and his favorite foods. His hobby is reading books.
 
The biggest reason for being a Rotary Youth Exchange Student is to gain experience. He thanked everyone for inviting him to come here.
 
Janice Ellis stated that Hakumi is in the Youth Engaged in Service (YES). He is required to do 80 hours of community service. Please talk with Janice and Heather Barnhart if you have volunteer ideas.
 
NEXT PROGRAM:
Student of the Month Everett School District presentation
 
MEETING ADJOURNED:
Ashley Bolden adjourned the meeting at 12:40 pm
 
Respectfully Submitted,
Tammy Dunn, PP
 
Photography Submitted by.
Walt Greenwood
"The Rotary Club of Everett is the pre-eminent professional service club, known for its core values, support of youth education, and for successfully identifying and addressing community and international issues."

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