AT the Rotary Club of Saipan’s officer installation ceremony at the Kensington Hotel on Saturday, July 6, the club president for 2024-2025, Joan Aquino, said she aims to establish satellite clubs on Tinian and Rota.
“Our brothers and sisters on Tinian and Rota are integral parts of our island community and it’s time we strengthen those bonds,” Aquino told her fellow Rotarians during her address. “I’m excited to announce a new initiative. We aim to expand our fellowship and our reach by establishing satellite clubs on Tinian and Rota.”
Aquino hopes the extension of the club can help address challenges unique to each island, tap into a “diverse pool of talents and perspectives,” “provide more opportunities for leadership and service,” and allow the club to coordinate larger and “more impactful projects” across the three islands.
“Let’s bridge the waters that separate us and create a united Rotary presence across our islands,” she said. “This is how we truly embody the spirit of Rotary and magnify our ability to serve.”
Aside from Aquino the other officers for Rotary Year 2024-2025 are Charles Cepeda, president-elect; Brian Clayton, vice president; Catherine Attao, secretary; Glen Perez, treasurer; Curtis Dancoe, sergeant-at-arms; Das Krishnan, club service director; Billy Grow, community service director; Sean Ficke, foundation director; Derek Cutting, vocational director; Greg Borja, new generation director; and Irene Holl, the immediate past president, is international director.
In her address, Aquino spoke of the “bleak picture” of the CNMI’s economic future. She said there are residents who struggle to pay for groceries or school tuition, and sustaining their small businesses.
She called on Rotarians to “step up and make a difference” via the club’s programs.
To that end, she challenged Rotarians to think of mentorship programs, buy-local campaigns, scholarship opportunities, skills training programs, and more.
“Although the path ahead may be difficult, I am confident that with your passion, perseverance, and steadfast commitment to serving others, we will not just get through this — we will emerge stronger, more united, and more resilient than ever before,” Aquino said. “Together let’s create magic. Let’s change lives. Let’s show the world the true power of Rotary in action.”
Aside from recognizing its new officers, Rotary Club also distributed its end-of-the-year awards.
Billy Grow was recognized as Rotarian of the Year for his “distinguished service, loyalty, and devotion to the ideas of Rotary.”
Grow was involved in numerous Rotary Club of Saipan projects, to include its largest fundraiser — Las Vegas Night.
“This award doesn’t happen without the support of all the Rotarians here,” Grow said. “There are a lot of things I was tasked with doing that I had never done before so essentially I was thrown in the deep end for every task that was appointed to me. All the Rotarians here…I used everybody’s input to help make the events successful. This couldn’t have been done without teamwork.”
Presidential Citations were given to Greg Borja and Brian Clayton while Hiroko Stewart, Greg Borja and Derek Cutting were recognized for their perfect attendance in the Rotary Year. John Arroyo, Curtis Dancoe and Peter Gregor were recipients of the People of Action Award; Charles Cepeda was named the End Polio awardee while Das Krishnan was recognized with the Paul Harris Award.
Rotarian of the Year Billy Grow addresses his fellow Rotarians while standing next to outgoing Club President Irene Holl.
The Rotary Club of Saipan installed its new officers on Sunday, July 7 at Kensington Hotel.
Joan Aquino is the Rotary Club of Saipan president for Rotary Year 2024-2025.
The other new officers of the club are Charles Cepeda is president-elect; Brian Clayton, vice president; Catherine Attao, secretary; Glen Perez, treasurer; Curtis Dancoe, sergeant-at-arms; Das Krishnan, club service director; Billy Grow, community service director; Sean Ficke, foundation director; Derek Cutting, vocational director; Greg Borja, new generation director; and Irene Holl, international director.
