Debra Morgan from WRAL News

Wilson Rotary Club was honored to host Debra Morgan, Anchor, News Reporter, and self professed "country girl living in Franklin County." to speak at our February 13 meeting. Debra discussed the efforts of WRAL to include stories from all over their market as well as telling is of the role they have in other markets such as in Wilmington. Debra showed us a short video that gave us a virtual tour of the WRAL newscenter.

President McKellar presented Debra with a Rotary Golf Cap and a travel atlas ... in case the GPS in the news truck should ever breakdown. On a personal note, it bears mentioning that no matter how attractive she is in HD, she is even more beautiful in person, I suppose that her great personality adds to the physical beauty.

Thanks Debra Morgan for coming to speak to Wilson Rotary.

Wilson Rotary Club Golf Tournament

It is time to hit the links again. This years tournament will be at Wedgewood Golf Course on Wednesday, April 5th. Wilson Rotary Club needs HOLE SPONSORS, TEAMS, and volunteers for the day of the event. This is a perfect way to show civic pride, help the Rotarians raise some money while have a great day of fun in the sun.

David West is heading up WRC's efforts this year and will be glad to answer your questions or take your sponsorship form.

**** TEAM ENTRY FORM ****

Rotary Against Drugs Speech Contest

The Wilson County Rotary Clubs Rotary Against Drugs High School Speech Contest was held Sunday, February 12, 2006 at Imagination Station Science Museum. Eight Wilson County High School students presented a six minute speech on the topic “What Must Be Done to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse in the U.S?”

Bryant Best a sophomore at James B. Hunt High School took top honors in the competition. Katie Watterson, a junior at James B. Hunt High School placed second and Gloria Arizepe a freshman at Beddingfield High School placed third. Zandy Kearney a sophomore at Beddingfield High School received an Honorable Mention. In addition to certificates the top three contestants received a cash prize.

These students will compete at the Rotary District 7720 RAD Finals to be held at Imagination Station Science Museum on Sunday, February 26 at 2:00 PM. Winners from the District 7720 contest will compete at the Multi-district competition Sunday, March 19 in Chapel Hill.

“RAD is a great program that allows students to consider the extent and implications of using mind altering drugs,” stated Karl McKinnon, event co-chairman. “It is also a great way for students to increase their co-curricular resume for college and to receive cash prizes that will match some of the scholarships given out each year.”

This Rotary Against Drugs (RAD) project is the result of Past Rotary International President Clifford Dochterman‘s 1992 challenge to Rotarians across the United States to start district-wide and multi-district drug and alcohol abuse prevention projects. Dochterman hoped to bring awareness to and hopefully alleviate the pain and suffering and financial costs of drug abuse are ignored by most Americans.

“It is insightful to hear the thoughts and see the drug problem through our future leaders eyes. We can all be extremely proud of the students that will represent Wilson County at the next level of competition,” comment McKinnon.

Wilson Rotary Club, The Rotary Club of Greater Wilson, and the Elm City Rotary Club all provided resources to make this competition possible.