Milledgeville 2021-22
Jill’s Books
“Jill’s Books” is a Rotary Club of Milledgeville original project initiated to commemorate the daughter of a Rotarian tragically killed in an auto accident. Books are chosen from an approved reading list of the local school district. With these books, Rotary assisted in reading programs that engage both Rotarians and local children to improve a low literacy rate in our community. The program provides public access outside of school hours to books required for students at each grade level. Twin Lakes Library System purchased the books, and our club reimbursed them for these selected books. Some of our club members, including Jill’s parents, met at the library and made the presentation of the check and books to the Twin Lakes Library. Rotarians placed labels in each book to identify it as a gift from Rotary. It is signed by a Guest Speaker of the Milledgeville Rotary Club and is made part of the “Jill’s Books” collection. At the presentation it was announced that this was made possible through a grant from Rotary District 6920.
350+ people, both children and adults who have the desire to read or learn how to read, benefited from this project.
Twelve Rotarians met at the Twin Lakes Library and put labels in the books, then met for an official presentation ceremony and photo opportunity to be put in the local newspaper and on social media. A book is presented for speakers at our club meeting to sign and be part of the Jill’s Book Collection in our local Library
Cooperating organization: Twin Lakes Library System assists our club with purchase of the books from vendors and placement into the collection at the library branches.
Milledgeville 2020-21
MILLEDGEVILLE ROTARY CLUB
Jill’s Books
Books are purchased and labeled as being donated on behalf of Rotary through grant funds and signed at club meetings by guest speakers. They are then presented to the Twin Lakes Library System as part of the Jill’s Books collection sponsored by the Rotary Club of Milledgeville here in Milledgeville/Baldwin County.
Over 200 children and adults are beneficiaries by having free access to reading material to improve their literacy skills within a community that already has a low literacy rate. Over 20 Rotarians participated in the project by placing Rotary emblems in the books, presenting books to guest speakers for their signatures, and then presenting the books to the Twin Lakes Library System.
Rotary Scholarship
The Rotary Scholarship project benefits local high school students who plan to attend a local area college by awarding them a $1,000 scholarship to assist with the cost of tuition and books. The students must have strong grades and SAT/ACT scores and participate in extracurricular activities or charitable work to support their nomination; in doing so, they exemplify the Rotary Motto “Service Above Self.” Scholarship awards are presented at each school’s graduation awards ceremony, letting those attending the ceremony know that the scholarships are funded though Milledgeville Rotary club funds and District Grant Funds. Ceremonies were at Baldwin High School, GMC Prep, Georgia College, and John Milledge Academy. The recipients were William Mahan, Baldwin High; Bonnie Elizabeth Swicord, JMA; Mary Katherine Lawrence, GMC; and Nastazia Michele Brown, GC Early College. These funds will help ease the stress of funding their education, thereby allowing them more time to concentrate on being good students by furthering their education and preparing for future leadership within today’s world. 10 Rotarian participated in the project by contacting school counselors and sending applications, and reviewing completed applications. After reviewing, the committee members submitted their votes; results were tallied, checks cut, and winners were notified.
