Veteran Toastmaster to speak

Donna Labatt, past international director of Toastmasters International, will share her thoughts about “Toastmasters, Rotary and Transformation” at this week’s Rotary Club meeting.

Donna’s involvement with Toastmasters began when, as an Air Force second lieutenant, she was invited to a meeting by a staff sergeant in her squadron.

He had to invite her three times before she finally attended a meeting. Having finally attended, she joined and never looked back.

  

Donna eventually served in all district offices, earning the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, the highest educational accomplishment possible in Toastmasters.

As District 23 Toastmasters governor she oversaw an area that included all of New Mexico; El Paso County, Texas; and a slice of Oklahoma. Under her leadership, the district earned select distinguished status.

After that success, Donna became an international director, serving on the Board of Toastmasters International from 2000-02.

Donna, who lives in Clovis, has been a Toastmaster for more than 40 years.

Shawler to address Rotary

Donald Shawler, career law clerk to Judge Bobby Baldock of the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, will speak to the Roswell Rotary Club on July 27.

School head describes prep academy

D’Anna O’Mera, head of school at the New Mexico Military Institute Intermediate Preparatory Academy, addresses the Roswell Rotary Club at its July 20 meeting.

Rotary donates to youth programs

The Roswell Rotary Club on July 20 donated $6,000 to two local youth groups.

Royce “Pancho” Maples, who heads the club’s shooting education program, presented $3,000 checks each to the Chaves County 4-H Sharpshooters and the Conquistador Boy Scout Council.

Each group also received a certificate for a firearm which can be used in a future fundraiser.

Members of the 4-H Sharpshooters present for the award were Drew Garrett, Chaves County extension agent, and club members Wyatt Curry, Raynen Melton, and Reese Melton.

Logan Mitchell, chairman of the Rio Hondo District, accepted the award on behalf of the Conquistador Scout Council.

Accepting the awards are (from left) Logan Mitchell; Royce “Pancho” Maples, Rotary club presenter; Drew Garrett, Chaves County extension agent; and club members Wyatt Curry, Raynen Melton, and Reese Melton.

O’Mera to address club

D’Anna O’Mera, head of school at the New Mexico Military Institute Intermediate Preparatory Academy, will speak at Thursday’s Roswell Rotary Club meeting.

“Education is my passion! I have enjoyed a rich and rewarding career teaching students of all ages from elementary to college, and I have spent five years as an elementary school administrator,” said O’Mera, who began her duties on June 1.

O’Mera brings to the head of school position more than 17 years of leadership, teaching, and administrative experience at the elementary and intermediate school and college levels.

Her husband, John O’Mera, former NMMI head college football coach, has accepted the position of high school head football coach and PE instructor at NMMI, beginning this coming season.

Honoring Paul Harris Fellows

The Roswell Rotary Club honors three Paul Harris Fellows (from left) Betty Young; Carolyn Mitchell, who presented the fellowships; Andy Miller; and Gordon Patton. The presentation was made at the July 13 club meeting.