For your interest: HLV is a consolidated public-school district encompassing the communities of Hartwick, Ladora, and Victor in rural central Iowa. The mascot is a warrior and the school colours are red, black, and white. Each graduating class averages around 25 students, making HLV one of the smallest high schools in the state. Katie will have five to six preps and will teach “every high schooler that walks through those doors!”
Katie will graduate from the University of Melbourne with her Master of Education with a specialisation in Mathematics on the 25 July. She will fly home shortly thereafter.
A recent touching Facebook announcement reads:
“I’m coming home to the land that I love. I’m coming home to the rolling hills and valleys that make Iowa so beautiful. I’m coming home because even though I love Australia with its magnificent creatures (except snakes) and gorgeous coastlines, there simply is, ‘no place like home!’”
Words cannot describe how fulfilling this Global Scholar experience has been for Katie, personally and professionally. She has absolutely fallen in love with Australia and it will always hold a dear place in her heart.
Some special thanks from Katie: "I would like to sincerely thank every lovely Rotarian for making me feel “at home” in Melbourne by including me in projects, events, and programs. Working alongside those who strive to “make a difference” inspires and drives me to follow my dreams.
Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Melbourne for acting as my host sponsor and for including me in many special events and gatherings. Big shout out to Kevin Sheehan (my counsellor), Robert Fisher, Bob Fels, Jo Mavros, Dorothy Gilmour, Ari Talantis-Skinner, Trevor Nink, Barbara Yerondais, and many others for their unwavering support.
Thank you, DG Bronwyn Stephens for looking beyond my experience and toward my potential when you asked me to speak at the Multi-District Rotary Conference. In addition, I would like to extend a huge thank you to the following clubs (D9800 & D9790) for giving me the opportunity to present (past and upcoming) at their club meetings: Craigieburn, Diamond Creek, Essendon North, Footscray, Hawthorn, North Melbourne, Sunbury, and Williamstown."
Thank you Katie for your fantastic energy and support for Rotary. We shall miss you ...... thank you for your terrific postings for Bulletin too!
