The Rotary Club of Brockville and the Rotary Club of the 1000 Islands, collectively known as Rotary Brockville, share a long-standing partnership with the students and administration of Vanier Public School. This partnership is in the form of an EarlyAct Club. EarlyAct Clubs are typically a school-wide community service club for elementary school age students. They are sponsored by a local Rotary Club and the program teaches students about caring, respect, and leadership through hands-on service projects. The EarlyAct Club emphasizes character education and is built on Rotary's foundational ideals, teaching traits like empathy, tolerance, compassion, and citizenship. The service projects undertaken by the student body are an effective way for students to take action at home and abroad, to connect with other young leaders, and to get members excited about making a difference in the world.
Local Rotarians and Vanier EarlyAct members got together at the end of the school year recently to celebrate student-led achievements. Pizza, cupcakes, ice cream, and soft drinks were enjoyed by all in attendance. Rotarian Marilyn Powers presented the outgoing executive members with certificates of achievement to mark their time as leaders of EarlyAct. Rotarian Ken Durand Jr explained to the students about different types of Rotary exchange programs and a variety of other activities available for students to get involved with as they continue their academic journey. He reminded them also that their time spent in these programs is eligible for them to put toward their 40 volunteer hours needed during their secondary education level.
Mrs. Tom, the EarlyAct faculty leader, was presented with flowers by one of the students, thanking her for her commitment to the Club. Also, Rotarian Marilyn Powers was recognized for her long-standing work as the Rotary Brockville Liaison with EarlyAct.