By Allen Creighton, Club President
The Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club is more than just a civic group—it’s a catalyst for change. With a vibrant membership of professionals, retirees, and community leaders, the club is dedicated to improving lives locally and globally. Whether partnering with other non-profits, supporting education, fighting food insecurity, or enhancing public spaces, the Chapin Sunrise Rotary embodies its motto, “Service Above Self,” in tangible and inspiring ways.
As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community and education, the Rotary Club of Chapin Sunrise awarded three scholarships to Chapin High School Seniors. Rotarian Houston Fitzpatrick, who has spearheaded the scholarship program for over a decade, presented the awards. $2,500 was awarded to to Maria Battey, daughter of Robert and Susie Battey. $1,500 was given to Christopher Lee Jenkins, son of Christopher and Jessica Jenkins. Chris was Captain of the CHS Varsity Lacrosse Team. $1,000 was awarded to Max Miller, son of Jason and Whitney Miller.
Rotarians gather every Thursday at 7:30 AM at Crooked Creek Park. These breakfast meetings feature an interactive speaker from different walks of life. For example, retired Marine Corps lieutenant general Stacy Clardy, Alicia Klauk from Chapin We Care, and Chapin High football coach Ryan Cole have all presented recently.
The club’s projects are wide-ranging and deeply rooted in the needs of the area, including:
- Dictionary Project – Providing free dictionaries to third graders in local elementary schools, encouraging early literacy and a love of learning.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors – Awarding annual scholarships to graduating seniors who excel in academics, leadership, and community involvement.
- Support for Chapin We Care Center – Partnering with the local food pantry to donate time, funds, and essential items to residents facing financial hardship.
- Adopt-a-Highway – Sponsoring and maintaining a stretch of roadway to promote environmental stewardship and community pride.
- Snack Pack – Preparing and financing bags of food for the underprivileged in the area.
- Christmas in Chapin – Organizing seasonal giving initiatives to help local families in need experience joy and comfort during the holidays, like bell ringing for the Salvation Army.
- Teacher Appreciation & School Support – Honoring local educators and providing resources to classrooms and school programs.
Dedicated volunteers fuel the success of the Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club. President Allen Creighton and Secretary Barbara Steward help coordinate the club’s operations and service initiatives. Chapin Chamber CEO Paul Sadler will be the next president, with Ashley Summers as president-elect. Their leadership, along with officers Ben Stickney, Dr. Vann Holden, and Kris Hinckley, reflects the Rotary’s core values: integrity, fellowship, diversity, and service.
Recognized as one of the community’s key organizations, the Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club is a dependable source of service and hope. Whether handing out scholarships, cleaning highways, or feeding families, the Rotarians work behind the scenes to build a stronger, more compassionate community.
Rotary International was founded in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris, a lawyer who sought to create a fellowship among professionals committed to ethical business practices and community service. The first club met in rotation at different members’ offices, inspiring the name “Rotary.” As the organization grew, so did its mission.
For more information or to get involved, visit the Chapin Sunrise Rotary Club’s Facebook group or attend a Thursday morning meeting at Crooked Creek Park. New members and guests are always welcome.
