The Rotary of Macomb meets Tuesdays at noon at the First Presbyterian Church.
April 28, 2026 President Elect Nick Knowles commenced the Rotary Club’s 42nd meeting by ringing the Rotary Bell at the First Presbyterian Church in Macomb. The invocation was delivered by Nick Knowles, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Todd Lester.
Ryan Van Dolah reported attendance: 26 members were present, comprising 49% of the club membership. With four guests in attendance, the total participation reached 30 individuals.
The attendees included Daphne Thorman and Kamie McKee, who served as speakers from Macomb FFA; April’s Junior Rotarians Collin Adams and Karsyn Trusley; and Rotary Exchange Student Thea Granheim from Norway.
Eight Rotarians contributed “Happy Money” in acknowledgment of recent noteworthy events. The 50/50 drawing took place, with Lynne Campbell having the correct ticket to win $50 by drawing the 9 of Hearts; however, she drew the 4 of Hearts, resulting in no winner for this week. Abbey Thorman introduced the speakers, Kamie McKee and Daphne Thorman, both alumni of the local FFA chapter.
They provided an overview of the FFA Alumni Association’s contributions to Macomb schools, emphasizing ongoing support for agricultural education through scholarships, community events, and fundraising initiatives provided with a food truck. Additionally, they underscored the significance of community engagement and highlighted the continued expansion of the FFA program, which now includes middle school students.
The FFA was reestablished in Macomb in 2015 and has since grown to include more than 150 members spanning both the middle and high school levels. The organization is accessible to all students, not just those with direct involvement in farming. Members participate in a range of activities including record keeping, public speaking, woodworking, baking, and flower arranging.
A primary objective of the FFA is to provide scholarships for students who may lack the means to attend state and national FFA conventions. The association also assists students in purchasing official FFA attire, such as the Blue Jacket, required for meetings. The speakers ended by highlighting the meaningful impact the FFA has had on local students.
The meeting concluded with the recitation of the “Four Way Test” and the sounding of the Rotary bell, encouraging all members to make Rotary Part Of Their Life – and to “Unite For Good”.
Interested in speaking at Rotary or becoming a member, contact Tom Stites at [email protected].
Pictured: Rotarian President-Elect Nick Knowles, Kamie McKee, Abbey Thorman and Daphne Thorman.
Kamie McKee and Daphne Thorman speak to the club about FFA Alumni Association.
