Meet Megan Bittinger, a dedicated Rotarian whose journey with Rotary began in 2018. She will serve as Club President starting July 2025, bringing extensive leadership experience from both club and district roles. Megan previously led the Bozeman Rotaract Club, inspiring young professionals through service and fellowship.
Megan believes Rotary is about more than service hours: “I love seeing the impact people can have... small acts of good that compound into something greater,” she says.
Her leadership, community spirit, and passion for connection continue to inspire those around her. We’re proud to have Megan stepping into this important role.
Every year, the Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club brings smiles to second graders across Gallatin County through its beloved Book Giveaway. It’s a true win-win: students get the thrill of choosing two brand-new books to take home and cherish, while Rotarians experience the joy of witnessing their excitement firsthand.
This year, club members visited over 20 elementary schools and connected with more than 1,300 second-grade students—distributing over 2,800 books in total. A wide variety of titles were offered, including a special selection in Spanish, ensuring every child could find something to spark their interest.
Students chose their books based on personal preference, and in some cases, even had to negotiate with classmates over who would take home a particularly popular pick! Local teachers helped suggest the titles, and thanks to generous support from The Country Bookshelf, the books were thoughtfully curated and purchased.
After the event, the Rotary Club was delighted to receive heartfelt letters from the students. Their words of gratitude served as a touching reminder of just how meaningful a book can be to a child.
Partner Spotlight - Country Bookshelf
Without the partnership of the Country Bookshelf, our annual Book Giveaway wouldn’t be the same. Thanks to their support, we’re able to provide an incredible selection of books for second graders across Gallatin County.
Founded in 1957, the Country Bookshelf is a thriving, women-led independent bookstore that generously supplies books for the Giveaway at a reduced cost. Their commitment to fostering a love of reading and building community makes them the perfect partner for this program.
As a vibrant hub for cultural growth and connection, the Country Bookshelf continues to make a meaningful impact—and we’re excited to work with them again this year!
Kids Fishing Day
Since 2010, our annual Kids’ Fishing Day has been a much-anticipated tradition for local families — and this year’s event on Saturday, May 17 at Glen Lake was no exception. With sunny skies and eager young anglers, the event welcomed approximately 159 children ages 4 to 12 for a cost-free, fun-filled day of fishing, food, and prizes.
Thanks to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, all participants were exempt from license requirements for the day, and children had the opportunity to fish for perch, trout, bass, and more. For those without their own equipment, loaner fishing gear was readily available.
From 10:00 a.m. to noon, the lake buzzed with excitement as kids cast their lines, some for the very first time. A team of 27 dedicated volunteers helped distribute goodie bags filled with snacks, offered guidance, and ensured a safe and memorable experience for all.
Following the morning of fishing, families gathered for a complimentary lunch and raffle prize giveaway, generously supported by Murdoch’s and Daniels Gourmet Meats and Sausages. Their donations, along with support from other sponsors, covered everything from bait and gear to food and supplies — making it possible to keep the event free and enjoyable for everyone.
A heartfelt thank-you goes out to our volunteers, sponsors, and the families who joined us. We’re already looking forward to reeling in even more memories next year!
2025 Bozeman Sunrise Scholarship Winners: Five Bozeman Seniors awarded with $2,000.00 scholarships
Student of the Year Scholarship Winners
Two of the scholarships were awarded through the Rotary Student of the Month program. Seniors are first nominated by Bozeman High School staff based on their demonstration of leadership, civic duty, volunteerism, and academic success. From these nominees, the Rotary Youth Services Committee selects the top one or two students who best exemplify these qualities to receive the scholarships.
Sawyer Drake: To me the most meaningful aspect of this scholarship was being recognized with such amazing classmates! Every person that I stood with at the Rotary meeting has left a meaningful impact on our school and community and I’m so grateful to be recognized alongside them. I plan to attend Montana State University in the fall. Read more about Sawyer here.
Gabe Johns: Being selected to receive the Rotary scholarship is meaningful because I have had a really enjoyable time helping students and the community during high school. To get a scholarship because I was doing the things that make high school fun is a great feeling. I plan to attend Montana State University to study biology and chemistry. After this I would like to attend dentistry school. Read more about Gabe here.
Scholarship Winners
Three of the scholarships were awarded to outstanding seniors at Bridger Charter Academy. These scholarships are intended to support students who have demonstrated resilience in overcoming significant challenges and who continue to face obstacles in pursuing higher education. Recipients were nominated and selected by academy staff based on their perseverance and potential.
These funds may be applied toward tuition and expenses at a university, community college, trade school, or for professional certifications and training programs.
Evelyn Larson
Riley Rubusch
Nela Ward
Evelyn: It means a lot to be able to accept a scholarship to aid and further my education. This scholarship is also a recognition and celebration of my hard work as a student at BCA and BHS and I am very grateful. I will be attending Montana State University Farrier School.
Riley:The most meaningful aspect of this scholarship to me is that it gives me the help financially to pursue higher education and possibly be the first person in my family to ever go to college. I am planning on taking a gap year and then going to school for law or political science.
Nela: The most meaningful aspect of this scholarship is the recognition from my teachers and the Bozeman Schools Foundation. I have worked incredibly hard in high school to get to where I am, so the recognition from the staff that have helped me get to this point means so much. I will be attending MSU to study Conservation Biology and Ecology.
Join Us for Play For a Purpose – July 29!
Mark your calendar for Tuesday, July 29, 4–9 PM at Outta Bounds Golf in Manhattan! Bozeman Sunrise Rotary is excited to be part of this fun, family-friendly event. Enjoy golf games, great food and drinks, and good company—all while supporting a great cause. 20% of all bay rentals during the event go directly to Bozeman Sunrise Rotary.
Bring your own clubs or use those provided—just come ready for a great time! Click here to reserve your bay and learn more.
Hope to see you there!
Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club members are dedicated to improving our community and the world in which we live. Through projects such as the ones mentioned above our work reaches many. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities click here to email our president with your contact information. You will hear from us soon!
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