The Rotary Club of Lexington’s annual Holiday party with deserving students from Booker T. Washington Elementary School took place during the last meeting of the year on December 11. Eighteen students were hosted by Rotarians to a delicious lunch of chicken strips, mac and cheese and Christmas cookies. The Holiday Luncheon committee, chaired by Carrie Patterson, provided each student with a gift bag (for their toys), crayons, coloring book, and juice boxes! Several Rotarians, dressed in the Holiday spirit, served as table hosts to make sure each student was well cared for.
Before Santa, played wonderfully and enthusiastically by Rotarian Wynn Stephens, arrived to conclude the program, President Jim Richardson concluded his last meeting as interim president, and thanked everyone for giving him the opportunity to reconnect with the Club. He originally served as President in 2000-01. Jim noted that the past three months have been very rewarding and that he experienced the “Apex of Humanity.” As his last official duty, he gave the oath of office to Bill Wilson, who will serve as interim president from January to March, 2026. Ex-president Jim then got Rotarians, guests, and students into the Holiday Spirit– as if they weren’t already – by singing such songs as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, Let it Snow, and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. Enter Rotarian Santa Wynn and the fun began in earnest with each child receiving two gifts that were coordinated by our beloved Resource Officer at Booker T. Washington, Monica Hall. Good food and good fun was had celebrating the Holiday Season with deserving students – the Apex of Humanity indeed.
– Paul B. Chewning
