Rotary Club past president Ben Babauta presented the emblems to past president Kim Forrester, Rotarians Kathryn Barry and Dennis Yoshimoto for “their contribution in allaying suffering, improving living conditions, and providing educational opportunities for young people somewhere in the world.”
Babauta said the Paul Harris Fellowship emblems — a certificate, lapel and a pin — symbolize the “appreciation of tangible and significant assistance the three Rotarians have given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations between peoples of the world.”
The three new Paul Harris Fellows were urged to wear their pins during Rotary events, as a symbol of their commitment to the common goals of world understanding and peace.
The Paul Harris Fellowship is named after Paul Harris who founded the Rotary Club with three business associates in Chicago in 1905. It was established in 1957 in Harris’ honor to express appreciation for a contribution of $1,000 to the humanitarian and educational programs of the Rotary Foundation.
Babauta said the Rotary Foundation programs provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunizationand shelter for millions of persons in the world. The activities are funded and managed by Rotarians and Rotary Clubs around the world.
Barry, who is scheduled to relocate to Virginia this week, said she is going to miss the Saipan Rotary Club’s camaraderie and friendship.
She urged the members of the club to “find what your passions are and do it,” and to become more involved in community programs.
“Next year, we hope there will be more Paul Harris Fellows in the club,” she said.
