Rotary Club of Saipan welcomes new officers

The Rotary Club of Saipan installed new officers for 2024-2025 last Saturday night at the Queens Hall of Kensington Hotel.

This year’s theme was “The Magic of Rotary,” and former club members and officers, along with members of the youth groups Rotaract and Interact, were present at the ceremony to welcome this year’s new officers and board of directors.

Supreme Court Judge Perry Inos administered the oath of office for the 2024-2025 officers led by Joan Tajalle Aquino as new president, Charles V. Cepeda as president-elect, Bryan Clayton as vice president, Catherine Attao as secretary, and Glenn Perez as treasurer. Curtis Dancoe, Das Krishnan, William “Billy” Grow, and Sean Ficke remained sergeant-at arms, club service director, community service director, foundation director, respectively.

Derek Cutting is the new vocational director, while Gregory Pat Borja still holds the New Generation position. Past president Irene Holl also became the Rotary Club of Saipan International director.

Following the call to order by Holl, and dinner, the program started at 7:30pm hosted by Cutting and Northern Marianas Miss Earth 2023 Jan Zowie Cruz.

Awards and recognitions were given with the assistance of Interact Club members to the following members: The Rotary Citation awardees were Greg Borja and Brian Clayton. The Perfect Attendance Award was given to Hiroko Stewart, Greg Borja, and Derek Cutting. The People of Action Awardees were John Arroyo, Curtis Dancoe, and Dr. Peter Gregor. Charles Cepeda received the End of Polio Award. Das Krishnan received the Paul Harris Award.

William ‘Billy’ Grow received the Rotarian of the Year award.

“It feels good to be recognized, but I can only credit my success with the collaboration involved with all our Rotarians that our events and fundraisers have been successful. I’m honored to have won the award and look forward to continuing to serve the Rotary Club of Saipan’s community goals and ambitions. I also want to thank my wife Bonny Grow for supporting me this Rotary Year because without her this award is not possible,” said Grow.

In her outgoing president remarks before showing a short video summary of the year 2023 Rotary Club activities, Holl said, “So I always remember that this year that I have a very good set of officers and board … that’s why I am proud to say that it’s a successful year for the Rotary because of a lot of help and good people supporting.”

New Rotary Club president Joann Aquino in her message about bridging islands and building hopes, said “As we look to the future, we must remember that our Rotary family extends beyond the shores of Saipan. Our brothers and sisters on Tinian and Rota are integral parts of our island community, and it’s time we strengthen those bonds.”

She expressed her excitement in announcing the new initiative in alignment with the vision of Rotary International Club president Stephanie Urchick and district governor Chie Ito.

“We aim to expand our fellowship and our reach by establishing satellite clubs on Tinian and Rota. This goal isn’t just about growing our numbers, it’s about amplifying our impact, and ensuring that the magic of Rotary touches every corner of our beautiful islands. This expansion aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission to unite people and take action to create lasting change. Together, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota can form a powerful triad of service, supporting each other, and lifting our community,” she added.

The installation program was concluded with raffle, fellowship, and dancing.