District 5495 Rotarian of the Month

December 2025 – Curt Ward

Curt Ward is nominated for Rotarian of the Month in recognition of his exceptional dedication, longstanding service, and leadership within Rotary. 

Curt has proudly served Rotary for more than 35 years, beginning with the Marshalltown Rotary Club (1990–2014) and continuing with the Gilbert Rotary Club since 2014. His commitment to Rotary’s mission is evident through his extensive leadership roles, including Club President, Club Secretary, and Club Foundation Chair. He has also served as our district Bylaws Committee Chair.

Beyond club leadership, Curt has been deeply committed to youth service as an Interact Advisor at Perry High School, helping mentor and inspire future leaders. His generosity and dedication to The Rotary Foundation are reflected in his recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow through PHF+4.

Curt also strengthens Rotary by sponsoring new members and fostering lasting relationships across clubs and communities. He consistently exemplifies the Four-Way Test and the principle of Service Above Self.

For his tireless service, integrity, and positive impact, Curt Ward is truly deserving of recognition as Rotarian of the Month.Type your content here...

 

November 2025 – Dave & Tara Dacus

Dave and Tara Dacus of The Rotary Club of Gilbert embody the very essence of Rotary — service above self, quiet leadership, and heartfelt commitment to making a difference.

Dave, a Rotarian since 1990, has served in nearly every leadership role imaginable, including Club President, District Governor, Secretary, Treasurer, Scholarship Committee Member, Rotary Foundation Chair, and District Finance Chair. His lifelong dedication to Rotary’s mission has inspired countless others to lead and serve. A Major Donor and recipient of the Presidential Citation, Dave’s legacy of service continues to shine brightly here in Arizona as a valued member of the Rotary Club of Gilbert.

 Tara, who joined Rotary in 2008, has also shown exceptional leadership as both Club President and Club Executive Secretary. She has received the Presidential Citation, is a Paul Harris Fellow, and has sponsored multiple new Rotarians into the Gilbert club.

Together, Dave and Tara are true advocates and cheerleaders for Rotary. They are leading the Gilbert Club’s newest initiatives—Adopt-a-School and the Pennies for Polio project—demonstrating their continued dedication to service. They graciously open their home for meetings and events, attend nearly every social, meeting, and fundraiser, and generously share both their time and resources. Their commitment to family, youth, and community shines through in all that they do.

Most important, Dave and Tara consistently live out the values of the Four-Way Test, serving as role models and inspirations to all Rotarians. For their unwavering dedication, positivity, and leadership—extending even beyond their lengthy and tireless service in a previous district—we proudly honor Dave and Tara Dacus as District 5495 Rotarians of the Month for November.

October 2025 – Wendi Lancy

Wendi Lancy of the Rotary Club of Prescott-Frontier has been named District 5495 Rotarian of the Month for October.

Wendi is the Service Project Coordinator for the club and goes “above and beyond” on every project she handles. Her club does about two projects a month, but she handles all details with grace and ease. No matter how busy she is, she always has time to share a story, listen to club members and offer help if needed.

According to her club President Linda Sweeney, Wendi is honest, gracious, thoughtful and an inspiration for all in our club. In addition to being the Service Project coordinator, she heads the club's yearly signature fundraiser – Grapes4Good. She regularly offers her home for social events and makes everyone feel welcome.

September 2025 -- Cameron Moses
 

Cameron Moses of The Rotary Club of Lake Havasu City has been named District 5495’s Rotarian of the Month for September.

The award recognizes unsung heroes in Rotary and those who exemplify “Service Above Self.” Cameron was nominated by Assistant Governor Becky Goldberg.

Cameron spearheads the club’s Student of the Month program and he also meets with high school students to help assist them with interview skills. He is extremely involved in the community and was voted the club’s Rotarian of the Month in July.

Cameron also serves on the Lake Havasu City Council and owns a local restaurant. According to Becky, he is always willing to step up and assist – especially with students and young leaders. He is currently setting up a leadership program to help teach others how to be a good civic leader.

 August 2025 -- Polly Cady
Polly Cady is the unsung hero of District 5495’s Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) program, and she embodies the true spirit of Rotary—service with heart, humility, and a relentless commitment to helping others grow.
 
Polly is a member of the Rotary Club of Mesa West and the district’s current chair of the Rotary Leadership Institute.
 
As RLI Coordinator, Polly tackles what many would call a logistical nightmare and turns it into a smooth, inspiring experience. She’s the one traveling all over the state, often juggling last-minute changes, printing materials, coordinating facilitators, and greeting attendees with a warm smile that says, “You’ve got this!”
 
But Polly’s impact goes far beyond event prep. She understands that leadership isn’t just about holding a title — it’s about everyone having a chance to step up and make a difference. She actively encourages all Rotarians — new and seasoned alike—to embrace their potential and get involved. Through her patient mentorship and infectious enthusiasm, Polly breathes life into Rotary’s “Service Above Self” motto every single day.
 
Recognizing Polly means celebrating the power of quiet, steady leadership. She makes a tough job look easy, moving behind the scenes with a graceful finesse that most of us can only admire. Her dedication is unwavering—no task too big, no detail too small. She’s constantly innovating, finding ways to improve the RLI experience and making sure every session leaves Rotarians feeling energized and connected.
 
Polly’s commitment doesn’t stop at logistics; she’s a connector, a mentor, and a cheerleader for Rotary values. She invites new members, champions leadership growth, and is always ready to lend a hand—even when no one’s asking. If Rotary had a “secret weapon,” Polly would be it. For all this and more, she is the perfect choice for Rotarian of the Month.
 
Polly Cady was nominated by Kaley Mudge of the Rotary Club of Mesa West.
July 2025 -- Roger and Judi Edmonds
 
District 5495's very first Rotarian of the Month for 2025 are Roger and Judi Edmonds, members of the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes.
 
 
Both Judi and Roger were part of the district's most recent wheelchair and mobility device distribution in Mexico. The Edmonds traveled with the district's Interact representatives to Cordova, Mexico for several days to assist in the repair and distribution of mobility devices collected in our district. The devices were distributed to those in need.
 
Assistant Governor Ed Anderson, who nominated the Edmonds for the recognition, said the two helped develop the project and worked diligently with others to make the distribution project a success.
 
Roger is also a recipient of his club's Rotarian of the Month honor as well.
 
Congratulations to both Roger and Judi!!
The Rotarian of the Month program recognizes and celebrates outstanding Rotarians in District 5495 who are making a meaningful difference in their clubs and communities — especially those who may not hold formal leadership roles but embody the spirit of “Service Above Self.”
 
Program Goals:
  • Celebrate the unsung heroes in our clubs
  • Elevate promising Rotarians who demonstrate Rotary values
  • Inspire others by sharing their stories district-wide
  • Strengthen club culture and recognition
How It Works:
  • One Rotarian will be recognized each month (July–June)
  • Club Presidents or Assistant Governors are invited to submit nominations by the 15th of each month.
  • The selected honoree will be spotlighted in the District 5495 Newsletter, social media, and at upcoming district events

    Submit Nominations To:
    Teresa Haire
    District 5495 Rotarian of the Month Program
    d5495Admin@rotary5495.org
 
Rotarian of the Month Guidelines