Each week’s Rotary Club of Tualatin meeting starts with an invocation led by a club member. At a recent meeting, Tyler Kuch welcomed us with these words:
“Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use in order to prepare our youth for their role as leaders of tomorrow.”
Nelson Mandela said these words in a speech at Madison Park High School, Boston, Mass., in 1990. Still ringing true today, these words capture the spirit behind why Tualatin Rotary prioritizes supporting literacy and education efforts for community youth.
Our biggest effort is four-year scholarships to first-generation college students. In the past dozen years, Tualatin Rotary has helped local students become new social workers, health care professionals, teachers, and business leaders. And the Regatta Run is how we make it happen!
The 2025 Regatta Run will be held Sunday, October 19. Gather with your friends and family for an easy 5K course through scenic trails in Tualatin Community Park, Durham Park, and Cook Park. For extra fun, wear a costume and stay for a unique trick-or-treating experience after the race. New this year: A 1/4 mile kid’s dash (for ages 4-12) will kick off the event.
All net proceeds from the Run support scholarships. Students receive $20,000 over four years and are paired with a Rotary mentor. Our success stories include:
- Jenni is a business major who has worked her way through school and now also volunteers as a mentor to incoming freshmen and Spanish-speaking students at Portland State University.
- Jaritzy graduated and is now taking classes to become a physician’s assistant. She participated in summer internships, including following doctors in Spain.
- Brisa completed her undergraduate degree in 3.5 years and is using the remainder of her scholarship to support taking the MCAT.
- Yousif has been able to offset his tuition expenses and other “hidden costs” of attending college as a pre-med student. The scholarship has supported his ability to purchase expensive textbooks and pay lab fees.
“If there is any appeal I could make, it is that the young people of Boston, and indeed the young people of the United States, must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent as well in future as future leaders,” Mandela said during his speech.
Won’t you help ensure the students of Tualatin can achieve their educational goals and prepare for the future? It’s not too late to register for this year’s Regatta Run! We’d also love to have your support as a sponsor or volunteer. The Regatta Run was founded in memory of Marine Corporal Matthew Lembke, a Tualatin High School graduate who died while serving in Afghanistan. Visit regattarun.com for more information.
