District 7150 Youth Exchange honored a big milestone with a
jubilee dinner on January 6th at the Holiday Inn in Liverpool.
Despite the snow, over 150 people attended the event, which
featured a silent auction, notes from past exchange students on
every table, live music and several speakers. The evening kicked
off with the traditional Parade of Flags, featuring our current
inbound students and several past exchange students. Past
district committee chair Mic Jenkins, of Baldwinsville, shared
what an honor it was for him to lead the committee and how
meaningful cultural exchange has been throughout the years. A
touching tribute to former exchange student Andi, who passed
away from cancer, was bravely led by host parent Mike DeBottis
and included airing Andi’s music video that the Make A Wish
Foundation sponsored. District Governor Phyllis presented
outgoing committee chair Tom Taylor with a Paul Harris in
honor of his years of leadership and dedication to the program –
surprise! The program concluded with a montage of well wishes
from former exchange students and the Rotary Districts’ we
exchange with, submitted from all over the world! Overall, the
evening was a hit, that brought laughter and tears to all in
attendance, successfully honoring all of those who have come
before and those who are still to come in our district’s shining
star, Youth Exchange.