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Rotarians,
 
April has been a real challenge for all of us but there have been some bright spots that you will read about in this newsletter.  Our first ever District Youth Peacebuilder Award was given out.  Three finalists in the Four Way Test speech competition held the first “virtual” finals on April 25th with a winner being selected by judges who collaborated in a ZOOM breakout session. An elementary and secondary school teacher were selected as District teachers of the year out of a large number of club nominations.  A Global scholarship was awarded for a study abroad scholar who will be leaving for London this autumn.  More of our clubs had their first ever virtual meetings to facilitate fellowship in these difficult times.
We have had speaker opportunities via ZOOM virtual meetings that we have never had in the past.  In just a couple of weeks we had RI President Mark Maloney, Past RI Presidents Barry Rassin and John Germ all leading different meetings of Rotarians.  And last weekend we had the first Rotary International Facebook telethon to raise money for the Disaster Relief Fund to help communities in their fight to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.  The opportunity for virtual presentations at our clubs opens up a huge world of possibilities for programs going forward.  If your club has not invited a speaker to present to them virtually please make sure that happens soon.  I will be sending a list of potential virtual speakers out to your club presidents and presidents-elect in the next week.  Please pass those on to the Rotarians responsible for your programs. If your club isn’t holding meetings right now either face to face or virtually please reach out to me so that I can help you set up your first meeting.
 
Rotary Connects the World and ZOOM connects Rotary!
 
Yours in Rotary Service.
Marc Horner
District Governor
Stories
International Youth Exchange
For the first time in modern history, we are experiencing a major global humanitarian challenge that all of humanity is working hand-in-hand to overcome.  In some cases, it seems that COVID-19 has taken from us more than we can bear, and asked of us more than we can provide. Yet amidst the fear, turmoil and global divisions, somehow we have found ways to stay connected.  Perhaps one of the best ways to stay engaged and connected on a global scale is International Youth Exchange. What better way for the global youth of today to meet the global challenges of tomorrow than building bridges of cross-cultural understanding! 
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Youth Peacebuilder Award
Rotary International District 6040 (Kansas City and northern Missouri) has selected the winner of its inaugural district Youth Peacebuilder Award.
Amy Montalbano, a senior at Park Hill South High school and Parkville resident, was selected by a district committee to receive the award, which includes a $2500 scholarship.
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Global Grant Scholarship
Rotary Global Grant Scholarships are possible because of gifts made from D6040 Rotarians to the Rotary Foundation Annual Fund/SHARE.  One-half of each year's giving is returned to the district to fund district and global grants and scholarships.  This year we are please to award a $50,000 Rotary District 6040 Global Grant Scholarship to Nicholas Presley of Liberal, Missouri.  
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Rotary Leadership Institute is Breaking Barriers
Rotary Leadership Institute or RLI went online for the first time in April.  This was  largest class I’ve ever participated in with 18 attending the online class.  It was also the first time we have had Rotaract Students from Kirksville in the classes.  Three young med students joined us in Kirksville for Part I and Part II and completed the classes with our online version.  These are awesome young people and I wish them much luck in their future.
 
I couldn’t have done this without my facilitators who ventured into new waters.
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Service Above Self Award
During my very first training session to be a District Governor, It was suggested to select a Past District Governor to be my mentor…and I choose Cassy Venters.  Everything she does, she does well and she does right.  And I knew I would be in good hands.  I know Cassy didn’t have an easy childhood. 
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Literacy Teacher of the Year Awards
The Rotary District 6040 Teacher of the Year Award was established to honor a teacher who is a powerful proponent of literacy and who has made significant contributions in the teaching of reading. Awards are given to one Elementary teacher, grades K-6 and one Secondary teacher, grades 7-12. This year we received 17 nominations all of which were outstanding. The following clubs nominated a deserving teacher(s) from their area:The Rotary District 6040 Teacher of the Year Award was established to honor a teacher who is a powerful proponent of literacy and who has made significant contributions in the teaching of reading. Awards are given to one Elementary teacher, grades K-6 and one Secondary teacher, grades 7-12. This year we received 17 nominations all of which were outstanding. The following clubs nominated a deserving teacher(s) from their area:
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4-Way Speech Contest
The District held the annual 4-Way Speech Contest virtually via Zoom this year.  There were great speeches!  Thanks to the Chillicothe, Lee's Summit, Independence, Maryville, and Odessa Rotary Clubs for advancing students on to the District level.  Out of the five contestants, the District awarded prizes to the top three.  
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Upcoming District Events
Executive Council Meeting
May 13, 2020 4:00 PM
 
PET's Training
ZOOM Online Meeting
May 28, 2020
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
 
PET's Training
ZOOM - Online
May 30, 2020
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
 
Assistant Governor Meeting
Jun 01, 2020
 
Executive Council Meeting
Jun 10, 2020 4:00 PM
 
View entire list
Kally Hooper was one of our District GSE guests from Australia last spring.  She was featured in her local paper for being a frontline hero.  Way to go Rotarians for making a difference during the COVID-19 pandemic.  
The Rotary Foundation and Weston Rotary Grant at work!
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Russell Hampton
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