Mike Oates cued the Fullerton Rotary's version of the Limelighters (Fulton, Savage, Young, and Peloquin) to lead us in one verse of "Oh, What A Beautiful Morning", and "Smile".

Jim Thompson was last in the chow line due to the fact that he got there from the farthest point in the room after offering the Thought for the Day and the blessing for lunch.

Speaking of lunch! Today marked the first day of the new caterer of the Elks lodge. Attending Rotarians noticed elegant tablecloths, dual beverage glasses, centerpieces, a different quality of food, and a nifty dessert. Bugs will assuredly be worked out of the system, if any can be found. Comments are welcome. Tell Bill Peloquin.

Speaking of lunch (part II). Bill Mathy got caught with one hand in his pocket and a plate of food in the other as Wally called upon him to introduce a host of Visiting Rotarians and guests, which included Ron Newell from Fullerton South, Bill McGarvey's guest Glenda Thompson, and Emma King, from Maple School, Andy Anderson's better half, Mary Jane; Mike Escalante's assistant Kathy Frantz; Terri Grassi's guest Amy Kluth; Leroy Fulton's Exalted Ruler, Dr. LeRoy Lawson, Chris Fraschetti's very busy husband, Dr. Bob Fraschetti; Allyn Lean's guest Ron Stock; and Ronnie Hewett's guest and prospective member, James Ko.

A day without a Mike Oates announcement is like a day without sunshine. Adding to our collective sunburn, Mike dutifully hyped the need for about 20 beds for Sunday, June 24th and Monday, June 25th for English speaking exchange students who are ending their studies in this country with a sightseeing tour of the area. If you can participate contact Mike. Mike also announced the end to a highly successful Top 100 season.

President Wally reminded everybody to try and attend the district conference in Newport Beach. Hospitality night is Friday June 1st. Rooms are still available at the Hyatt Newporter at approx. $180 per night. Warren Wimer offered rooms at his palatial estate for $200 per night (Value added, Warren offers free boat service, open bar, room service, and free HBO. If you stay two nights the third night is FREE!).

Keith Mills, on behalf of the Heart Association thanked the dub for the generous support for the annual Heart Walk that he recently participated in.

Mark Zane officiated the Fullerton Rotary Vocational Awards for 2001. Yesenia Goxcom. was the recipient from Fullerton High School; Vicky Suh from Sunny Hills High School, Ronald Perez from Troy High School, and Nina Tran. from Fullerton College.

Maple School principal Glenda Thompson received a community service endowment from the club and took the opportunity to tell us a little more about little Maple school and how the efforts of her staff, teachers, and community involvement has made a difference to her unique school.

Dr. LeRoy Lawson from Hope International University received a donation from Fullerton Rotary.

President Wally presented a belated Rotarian of the Week honor to Shirley Kincaid for her work at the Top 100 dinners. Wally awarded this weeks honor to Kathy Frantz (Mike Escalante's secretary) for all the coordination, notification letters, and expertise in the serving line for the Top 100 dinners.

A Blue Ticket Opportunity was wasted by Buck Catlin when he couldn't remember which of the 7 original astronauts did not fly on one of the 6 Mercury space flights. Most everyone (except Buck) remembered it was Deke Slayton. Ray Hanson supplied the $10 consolation prize.

The Program

Fullerton Joint High School District Superintendent Mike Escalante began his presentation on trends in education by acknowledging the valuable and strong relationship enjoyed between the district and the Chief of Police, Pat McKinley. Mike pointed out how helpful this relationship is and how this type of report is not necessarily enjoyed in other areas of the country. Mike continued to illustrate the challenges of attracting the projected needed teachers for the next decade, as well as the relative dollar amounts provided for each student compared to that of thirty years ago. Mike pointed out that more Americans over 25 years old have a bachelor's degree today than had a high school diploma in the 1940's. Mike noted that having a 4-year degree today is about the same now as having a high school diploma then. That put a fine point on the challenges we are facing preparing today's students for college.