MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR OUR YOUTH Andre’ Marria knew her decision to join Rotary was the right one when she attended her first Rotary International conference. “These people really make a difference,” she realized. “I saw the vision, realized what Rotarians accomplish around the world, and returned home to discover my club also has a heart to serve.” Marria has offered guidance for the club’s youth programs in recent years. She is most proud of a fiveyear partnership with Morehouse College that allowed Rotary to help reduce teen pregnancies in the region. The program involved innovative curriculum in local schools and at the Boys & Girls Club. Among the more than 3,000
From anti-bullying programs like “Be the Voice” at McIntyre Park School to “Character Counts” at the Boys & Girls Club to Little Free Libraries, the Rotary Club makes a positive impact on youth in our community.
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local students participating in the five-year program, only one pregnancy occurred. Although the partnership and funding from Morehouse has ended, Thomasville Rotary Club continues to fund the local Teen Pregnancy Program. Rotarians also volunteer and fund other meaningful youth programs that encourage ethical behavior, help develop good character, stop bullying, recognize outstanding students, offer scholarships, and more.