Club bags District Award for vocational project in local schools Rotarians visited 45 classrooms and reached out to about 900 students with an adventure tale designed to introduce Four-Way Test to the young ones.

The Clinton-Sampson Rotary Club (North Carolina, D 7730) enjoys spreading fun and life lessons to the hundreds of students in Sampson County and Clinton City schools.

The club was recently awarded the District 7730 Lighthouse Award for Excellence in Vocational Education for the literacy and character initiative for local students.

This past spring, the Rotarians visited 45 classrooms and reached about 900 students in both local school systems.

During the trips, Rotary members read Andy and Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure.

The story follows a boy, Andy, who developed an idea to make dumpling after an apple from a neighbour’s tree hit him on the head.

His conscience comes into play and through a moral decision regarding his neighbour’s property.

Together, they form a business. The book is designed to introduce the club’s Four-Way Test, which asks four questions: 1. Is it the truth? 2. Is it fair to all concerned? 3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships? 4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

It was written by Chicago Rotarian Herbert J Taylor in 1932.

Each child in second grade went home with an activity and colouring book that reinforces the story and lessons.

Local club members work to expand the programme each year.

This year, Rotarians were paired with professionals in the community to teach students about jobs they can have when they get older.

The reading project is just one of several projects held throughout the year.

Members also helped with a garden at L C Kerr School.

The Clinton-Sampson Rotary Club consist of 28 members.

Williams said community members are welcome to join. The group meets from noon to 1 pm on Mondays, at Ribeyes Steakhouse, 100 Westover Road, Clinton.

Rotary International, a service organisation, has 1.2 million members and more than 35,000 clubs.

Sournce: The Sampson Independent