Rotary brings stories and smiles to students

By CECILIA PONCE DE LEON

Publisher

 

Members of the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead spent a heartwarming day with students at Lake Arrowhead Elementary School, sharing lunch, laughter and the joy of reading.

The visit began with Rotarians joining the students for lunch in the school library, where they pulled up tiny chairs and shared conversations that bridged generations. After lunch, club members fanned out to classrooms across the campus to read stories aloud to eager young listeners.

Each book the Rotarians shared included a special “Four-Way Test” sticker, a symbol of Rotary’s guiding principles of truth, fairness, goodwill and benefit to all. Volunteers discussed the meaning of the Four-Way Test with students, encouraging them to think about honesty, kindness and service in their own lives.

The event was made possible through the thoughtful coordination of Aylene Popka, whose efforts ensured a smooth and memorable day for both Rotarians and students alike.

As one participant noted, “There’s nothing quite like seeing a child’s face light up during story time.” The day served as a reminder of the power of community connection — and the lasting impact of sharing time, stories and values with the next generation.