Opportunity

Rotary Club, Wallowa, Oregon

 

Rotary Club, LaGrande, Oregon

 

Soroptomists​

On most of their trips to El Salvador, John and Jerry are accompanied by individuals interested in the scholarship program. Those individual get to meet the students and their families, visit their homes, hear presentations from the students in their particular area of study, and learn more about their lives.

 

Among these visitors have been representatives of several Rotary Clubs and a group of Soroptomists. Rotary is widely recognized for its charitable work throughout the world, and the Soroptomists are a remarkable not-for-profit group that promotes women’s causes.

 

After observing the scholarship program and its students, each of these groups funded scholarships for a number of high school students. Here are some of their observations:

 

“I have traveled many places in my fifty-some years, but none that touched me like my trip to El Salvador.” Beth Stewart, then-President of the LaGrande, Oregon Rotary. (link to Beth essay)

 

“As we say in Pendleton, ‘This isn’t my first rodeo,’ but it was certainly the most intimate in connecting with such overwhelming need…and such incredible spirit within those we come into contact with.” Susan DeMarsh, then District Governor for Rotary District 5200.

 

“All the students were so amazing! They were so humble and grateful. They work hard…give back to their families and communities…. I loved hearing their stories and their dreams” Joel Meyer, LaGrande Rotary. (Link to Joel Essay)

 

John had the following observation on the impact that visits by these groups have had on scholarship recipients: “Your presence validates these students. It is an intangible, but it is not difficult to see how your generosity of spirit is felt by these young people. They have so few advantages in life, and your support, presence and interaction helps these students believe in themselves and plays a big part in their success.”