Eyes bright and shiny, we gathered to break bread and laud those who educate and inspire our coming generations.
 

Pledge of Alleigiance & invocation

Surely the pledge was led by a person of stellar character and reputation, excellent personal skills; an all-around excellent Rotarian.   The person was not identified by your reporter, but the group delivered the pledge perfectly.
 
Mr. Jerry Kuehn delivered the invocation.  That was easy; he was at my table.

 

Guests and Visitors

For her second visit was Mrs. Cheri Carr.  One more visit and she can apply for membership. 
 
There were no visiting Rotarians, today.
 
 
 
 

Announcements

President Barry announced  that the Mangini Senior Awards are being presented tonight, May 16, for the Burlingame High School Seniors.  Mike Heffernan will attend and Rotarians are welcome to attend as well.  These young people deserve our recognition.  Congratulations all!
On June 6, we will have an off-site meeting at Mercy Center.  Mercy Center is located midway to the top of Adeline, at Alvarado.   Turn right into the driveway; signs are posted. Mercy Center is an internationally-known  retreat and conference center and offers venue and event spaces.  It is part of the 40-acre parcel that is the site of Kohl Mansion, Mercy High School, and the Mother House of the Sisters of Mercy.
Your reporter was a devout Catholic School girl and aspired to convent life.  Then, I met Jake!
Moving along…this is a day to dress casually and wear walking shoes.   We will enjoy lunch boxes and a period of contemplation.

SPOTLIGHT

President Barry introduced Maggie MacIsaac, Ed.D., Superintendent of the Burlingame School District.  The Superintendent introduced Pam Scott, Principal of Burlingame Intermediate School.  Principal Pam introduced Outstanding Teacher of the year Heather Polcik.  Heather teaches Humanities to eighth graders.  Your reporter’s clients are easy-peasy compared to eighth graders.   I hope these folks are paid what they’re worth!!!  NOT!!!!!
Burlingame High School Principal Di Yim introduced  Bethany Lukach, a second-year teacher who is 2015-2016 Mangini Teacher of the Year.  Bethany thanked Rotary for the nice lunch instead of her usual dry sandwich in a brown paper bag!! Thanks for all you do, ladies!

Speaker for the Day

Our Speaker for the Day was Kevin Skelly, Superintendent of the San Mateo Union High School District since July, 2015.  Dr. Skelly was imported from Ireland at two years old, paid attention, earned a degree in Economics from Harvard University and a Ph.D. in Education and Policy and Administration from U.C. Berkeley.  He was formerly Superintendent of Palo Alto Unified School District and Interim Superintendent of Mountain View Whisman School District.
Dr. Skelly spoke about the challenge of education at the epicenter of technological innovation.  The mid-Peninsula is the place to be if one’s interest is high tech.  This places a great burden on the cost of living, especially housing costs, and workplace competition.  Tech companies are looking for the BEST programmer, not just a programmer.
Dr. Skelly thanked Rotary for his wife’s Rotary Scholarship which allowed Dr.Skelly and his wife to study at the University in Quito, Ecuador.Dr. Skelly also was well aware of Rotary International’s success in the attempt to eradicate polio in the world.The Skelly family came from Ireland seeking a better life and a fulfilling future for their children.  There was an emphasis on education, and Dr. Skelly stated that his educational accomplishments are a form of thanks to his parents and this country.
How do we give back?  Make a better life for family and others.  Education is the answer to all social ills. A seamless transition from high school to community college is important.  We need to expose high school kids to community college sites; important that they have familiarity with college life.  Ages 18-24 are the critical years for education; social and emotional support of kids is utmost of importance.Housing teaching staff is an issue.  Good diversity here is a positive.  We need to be alert to mental health issues.  Conversations about resilience important at all levels, from all sources. Debt of $50-$60,000 for a four-year education is burdensome.Thanks so much, Dr. Skelly.  Our wonderful children are in good hands!  A book will be donated in your name to Burlingame Public Library.

footnote

It’s fun having rookies to train.  Each of mine has been woefully late – later than Mark Johnson - the last couple of weeks.  I assured them that they should be under no pressure to be on time or to attend at all; there are ways to make up.  However, I did learn today that someone was so late that he didn’t get fed at all  so there are limits.  Mark always makes sure he gets lunch.  Be like Mark.  Arrive early enough to get lunch.
I have also pointed out the Bad Boys and the importance of wearing badges.  It could be no-more-nice-guy after June 27!  
 
Your editor, Rosalie McCloud.