PHOENIX, AZ (January 12, 2026) – The Arizona America250 Commission, in partnership with the Dougherty Foundation and Rotary Clubs across Arizona, announced the Civics Legacy Semi-quincentennial Scholarship, a new statewide award recognizing Arizona students who demonstrate exceptional civic knowledge, engagement, and leadership ahead of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.

“The Semiquincentennial is a moment to celebrate our nation’s history and invest in the young Arizonans who will shape its next chapter,” said Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. “This scholarship honors students who embody active citizenship and contribute meaningfully to their communities.”

The Dougherty Foundation, a longtime supporter of civic education and community-based leadership initiatives in Arizona, partnered with the Arizona America250 Commission to help inspire the next generation of engaged citizens and public servants.

“Civic understanding and participation are essential to a strong democracy,” said Joyce Medina Harper, Dougherty Foundation Executive Director. “Through this scholarship, we’re proud to support students who are not only learning about our system of government but actively working to strengthen their communities and Arizona’s future.”

Rotary clubs across Arizona are key partners in the scholarship, reflecting Rotary’s century-long commitment to education, youth leadership, service above self, and civic engagement at the local and global levels. Through both financial support and community involvement, Rotary members help connect students to real-world service and leadership experiences.

“Rotary has always believed that strong communities are built through education, service, and ethical leadership,” said Jim Schmidt, District Governor. “Partnering with Arizona America250 and the Dougherty Foundation on this scholarship aligns perfectly with Rotary’s mission to invest in young leaders who will shape the future of our state and our democracy.”

The six District 5495 clubs providing scholarship funds: The Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Rotary Club of Paradise Valley, Rotary Club of Peoria North, Rotary Club of Mesa West, Rotary Club of Sun City, Rotary Club of Fountain Hills.

Together We Serve & Thrive

Join Rotarians from across District 5495 for an unforgettable experience filled with inspiration, connection, hands-on service, celebration, and fun. From dynamic speakers and meaningful breakout sessions to hands-on service opportunities and a magical Saturday night celebration, this conference is designed to energize and unite us as we shape the future of Rotary together.

Register today and be part of something special:

https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50335/Events/district-conference-may-2026

A New Year Begins — Let’s Begin With WE

As we close the chapter on 2025 and step into a brand-new year, we do so with hope, gratitude, and anticipation for what lies ahead. A new year invites reflection—but even more importantly, it invites intention.

So I’ll start with a simple question:

What will you do today, tomorrow, this week, and this year to strengthen your club, grow Rotary, and increase the joy and happiness of every member?

Rotary thrives when people feel connected, valued, and energized by purpose. When we work together, we enjoy Rotary more. When we focus on each other, we increase engagement. And when we lead with heart, we naturally invite new friends to experience the fellowship and service that make Rotary so special.

This year, our district and club leadership teams are grounding our work in a powerful leadership framework from Begin With WE by Kyle McDowell—the 10 WE’s. These principles remind us that Rotary leadership is not about position, but about behavior, trust, and shared responsibility.

WE do the right thing. Always.
Even when it’s difficult. Especially when it’s difficult. In Rotary, we are grounded by the Four-Way Test. It helps us determine what is right and ensures that what we do is truthful, fair, builds goodwill and better friendships, and is beneficial to all concerned. It isn’t always the easiest path—but it is the one that earns trust, strengthens relationships, and inspires others to rally behind us consistently and authentically.

WE lead by example.
Our actions speak louder than any agenda or goal. If our behavior is worth replicating, others will follow.

WE say what WE’re going to do—and then WE do it.
Trust is built through commitment and follow-through. Rotarians depend on one another. We don’t let each other down.

WE take action.
Taking action and making a mistake is acceptable. Being idle is not. Innovation requires courage, and courage requires psychological safety. When people feel safe, they take bold steps forward.

WE own our mistakes.
We are not judged by our missteps—but by how quickly we correct them and whether we learn from them. Mistakes are human. Growth is intentional.

WE pick each other up.
Strong teams lift one another, creating space for authenticity, creativity, and connection. No one succeeds alone in Rotary—and no one should feel alone.

WE measure outcomes, not activity.
Busy does not always mean effective. If something does not meaningfully contribute to impact, it deserves thoughtful examination.

WE challenge each other—diplomatically.
Healthy teams question the status quo with respect and data, not opinion. Every Rotarian has a responsibility to help us be better.

WE embrace challenge.
Growth never happens in comfort zones. When challenges are grounded in experience and facts, they are not personal—they are opportunities.

WE obsess over details.
Details matter. A lot. They are the difference between average and excellent—and excellence is what our communities deserve.

As we begin this new year, let’s recommit ourselves to leading with WE. Let’s focus on creating clubs where people feel inspired, supported, and proud to belong. When we do that, service multiplies, membership grows, and Rotary’s impact deepens.

Together, WE will thrive—in our clubs, in our district, and in the lives we serve.

Happy New Year, Rotarians! Let’s make it a great one—together.

Jim’s Journey: From Joining Rotary to Changing the World

When I moved from the San Francisco Bay Area to Mesa, Arizona, I joined Rotary for the same reason many do — connection. At 28, I was the youngest member of my club, surrounded by community leaders, business owners, and mentors I deeply admired. I joined for the business network… but I stayed because Rotary became family.

I had little time, little money, but a few talents I could share. My club put me right to work — as treasurer — and soon taught me something far more valuable than business: the joy of civic generosity. (I was already paying tithes to my church, so I had learned generosity early.) From the very beginning, I sacrificed to give $100 a year to The Rotary Foundation (TRF). It wasn’t easy, but it mattered. That small act became the first seed in a lifelong journey of giving and gratitude.

The Power of Commitment

Years later, my club saw leadership potential in me and invited me to join the board — a seven-year path to the presidency. By the time I became president, our eighth child had just been born. Life was busy, yet Rotary gave me energy. I found joy in serving alongside people who believed in something bigger than themselves. With a large family, a growing tax practice, and community responsibilities, Rotary was my constant — a place where service made everything else in life richer.

After my year as president, I returned to serving quietly. I wasn’t asked to take on district leadership, and I had plenty to fill my days: family, faith, and work. But Rotary remained at the core of who I was. I kept giving to TRF each year, knowing those small gifts — my time, talent, and treasure — were helping others here and around the world.

Rediscovering Purpose

Thirty years later, I looked at my giving record and realized I had given about $3,000 to TRF — a lifetime of steady, modest generosity. And then it hit me: It would take forever to reach Major Donor level at this pace. That realization sparked something in me. I had more to give — not just money, but passion and purpose.

By then, our children were grown, and I had built a successful career. I had some appreciated investments — and being a tax professional, I knew the best way to give them new life was to share them. So I donated those assets to TRF. It wasn’t just about the deduction or even the impact — it was about what happened in my heart. The act of giving changed me. It deepened my connection to Rotary and to humanity itself.

“Together, we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change—across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.”