Local Rotary Clubs Partner with EFSC to
PROMOTE THEIR MISSION
ROTARY CLUBS around the world boost a network of over 1.4 million neighbors , friends , and leaders . Their members see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe , in communities and in ourselves .
This vision plays out right here in the local community with the EFSC Foundation .
Rotary Clubs around Brevard County have been avid supporters of EFSC for many years .
Cocoa Rotary ’ s latest gift of $ 26,500 for scholarships brings their overall 2022 giving total to EFSC to over $ 30,000 . This recent gift established their second endowed scholarship at the EFSC Foundation . They are just one of the Clubs that have chosen scholarships as a form of “ Service Above Self .”
“ Our club enjoys being a part of EFSC and the inclusive education they provide so many in our community ,” said Paul Chinaris , Immediate Past President , Cocoa Rotary .
Cocoa Rotary Club members can be seen playing in the Foundation ’ s annual golf tournament and “ slinging ” beer at the BBQ . This past April , 10 members came out in support of the Backyard BBQ event . “ We not only felt we were representing Rotary with our support , but we were a part of the College ,” Chinaris added . “ One of our shared responsibilities is to act on our world ’ s most persistent issues and education ranks in our top five community needs ”.
Club President Shane Smith presents check to Tonya Cherry , Cindy Kane and members of The Merritt Island Rotary
This is not the only partnership that the Rotary has with the College . Weekly lunch meetings are held on the Cocoa Campus , now in the Foundation House , and have been for many years . They bring in a guest speaker each week , and several times EFSC staff have reported on scholarships and plans for the Cocoa Campus .
EFSC is home to Rotary Scholarships from not only the Cocoa Rotary , but other Brevard County Clubs as well . The Merritt Island Breakfast Rotary recently created a new scholarship for students pursuing certain Career and Technical Programs . Indialantic Rotary Club established a scholarship for veterans several years ago in the name of Dr . James E . Haggerty . Titusville Sunrise Rotary and Melbourne Rotary have also funded scholarships in the past .
As early as the 1920s , individual Rotary Clubs supported youth activities . In the 1950s , Rotary members were involving High School students in service , and in 1962 the first high school Interact Club was formed by Rotary at Melbourne High School . Today the local clubs are still involved in High Schools and have spread their mission to many colleges .
Eastern Florida is home to a Rotaract Club . Dr . Erin Baird , Director of Service Learning and Civic Engagement at the College is the Club Sponsor . She has been involved since 2010 and the Club has boasted as many as 89 members , all students at EFSC . “ Our club is active and members gain
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