The Rotary Club of Kirkland Student of the Month program continues in February with two students of the month, one each from Juanita High School and Lake Washington High School. Riva Gore is the February 2022 Rotary Student of the Month from Juanita High School, and will meet the club members on Monday, January 7. Riva founded the JHS Period Club and is president of her DECA chapter, helping prepare students for competition and promoting entrepreneurship and business in future generations of leaders. She also volunteers as a Science-Educator-in-Training for the Pacific Science Center's Camps for Curious Minds. Cassandras Bull is the February 2022 Rotary Student of the Month from Lake Washington High School, and will meet the club members on Monday, February 14. Cassi serves as senior class vice president, participates in the freshman mentor program LINK Crew and the theatre and choir programs, volunteers at a local elementary school, and works at a Montessori school.

President Dave DeBois announced that the 2022 Duck Dash would be held during Kirkland's Summerfest , which is planned for July 29-31, 2022 this year. Rotarians will want to save the date, Saturday, July 30, 2022 in anticipation of confirmation from the Summerfest organizers. During the Rotary Club of Kirkland Board of Directors meeting in January, the board determined to reduce the number of racing ducks to 6,000, and seek a summer venue again. Rotarians may expect to see Duck Dash 2022 preparation news beginning in March. Gary Cohn has agreed to take on the role of Head Duck this year, in concert with his expected transition from vice president to president-elect in July.

Kirkland Rotarians have been chomping at the bit to get back into local community service projects. Club president Dave DeBois has arranged for club members to join other Rotarians to build tiny homes on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The service project benefits many of our homeless in Rotary District 5030 through a partnership with Sound Foundations NW. Are you interested in participating in this day of service at the SFNW Hope Factory in Seattle's SODO district?

Hello Kirkland Rotary Members! I was one of your 2021 scholarship recipients and, thanks to your generosity, have just completed my first semester at Gonzaga University. I am majoring in biochemistry, part of the university's Honors Program and, starting this spring semester, am adding a minor in Leadership Studies. At Gonzaga, I have joined the Environmental Organization Club, where I am part of the Thrift Shop Committee that resells donated clothes for one dollar apiece to keep them out of landfills in addition to recently being elected as a freshman class representative to the Honors Program Council. My first semester has been fantastic, and I can't wait to see where the next one will take me.
 
Claire

Hello Kirkland Rotary Club! Hope everyone has enjoyed a holiday season and slight break from the hustle and bustle of life. I am back in school now and busy as ever. Last quarter (seems like ages ago) I was accepted into the Biochemistry BS degree program! This means as long as I pass my classes, I will graduate next year from UW. This quarter has started off with classes online but things should be returning to in person next week. I am excited to begin volunteering at the U district food bank and Kaiser Permanente Capitol Hill. Finally, I have begun research at the UW South Lake Union Lab on Cystic Fibrosis and diabetes. Interesting stuff! Thanks again,
 
Erik