Greetings from District Governor Kirk Bouchie! 

Greetings District 6580 Rotarians,

The month of May is a special time in Indiana. Spring is in full bloom, the April showers and clouds are behind us (hopefully) ??, and we can all get outside to enjoy the season. We will celebrate all of our great mothers next weekend. Many high school and college graduations will take place as our young people anxiously enter new phases in their lives. Later this month the world will once again be focused on our state as we host the Indianapolis 500. The greatest spectacle in racing, but, also such a great tribute to our current, past and fallen military heroes. No one does an annual ceremonial tribute to all veterans like the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Memorial Day Sunday. Please take time out of your busy lives to enjoy these special times with family and friends.

Rotary International’s area of focus for May is youth services. How fitting as May is so special to many of our clubs work with the young folks through our scholarship and literacy programs. Just yesterday, Becky and I visited a local elementary school in Vincennes to deliver a kindergarten class their I Like Me books. The Vincennes Rotary Club has for over 25 years provided a personalized story book to every kindergarten student in Knox County. I know many of our clubs have so many service projects that focus on our youth…thank you all. At the district level, youth services are alive and well. We had a very successful Four Way Speech contest this spring with many participants. We currently have about 20 Interact clubs at various high schools in our district. I have attended meetings at five or six clubs this year and it is amazing what these young people are doing to serve others in their communities. I encourage all Rotarians to visit their local Interact club. If you don’t have one at your local high school, ask why and get one started. This is a wonderful way to grow Rotary not only in the minds of young future Rotarians but also their parents and grandparents. We continue to have a strong commitment to our Global Scholars program. In partnership with Rotary International, we award a $40,000 global scholarship each year. Lastly, while the pandemic caused a pause in our Youth Exchange and RYLA programs, we expect both to be back this coming Rotary year.

Thank you to all D6580 Rotarians for what you do for our young people. Also, THANKS to all that made our district conference a huge success on April 9th in Bloomington. Let’s use this renewed spirit and momentum to recruit new members. Consider donating to our foundation while we all serve to change lives.

~L. Kirk Bouchie

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Kirk Bouchie began his term as District Governor on July 1st, 2021.  A Rotarian since 1987, he will spend the next year leading our Rotary clubs in Southern Indiana as we 'Serve to Change Lives'.  You can learn a little more about Kirk here!