When I think back on this past Rotary year, what stands out most isn't any single project or milestone — it's the people. This newsletter's theme Growing Today, Leading Tomorrow resonates with me, because it captures something I've always believed: that the work we do in service to others changes us just as much as it changes our community.
This year, I watched our members show up for one another and for Bozeman in ways that genuinely moved me. I saw friendships deepen, new voices step forward, and ideas take root that I know will grow into something remarkable.
Serving as your president has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I mean that from the bottom of my heart. To every member who gave their time, their energy, and their passion this year — thank you. You are the reason I believe so deeply in what Rotary is and what it can be. The future of this club is in the very best hands.
Growing Today, Leading Tomorrow
Bozeman Sunrise Rotary is committed to helping young people in our community learn, grow, and thrive. Our youth programs span early childhood through high school, offering students support and opportunities to help them succeed.
We invest in youth through a variety of initiatives, including:
An annual Book Giveaway where we distribute books to 2nd grade students throughout Gallatin County
Kids Fishing Day, opportunity for children to learn new skills, enjoy the outdoors, and share a fun experience
Two “Student of the Year” scholarships for Bozeman High graduating seniors
Three scholarships for Bridger Charter Academy graduating seniors
BHS Interact Club, empowering teens to serve their community
Rotary believes in the power of young people to change the world. By investing in their success today, we help strengthen our communities and build a brighter future for everyone.
Read more about some of these programs below.
Books in Every 2nd Grader's Hands
Imagine a child's eyes lighting up when they realize a brand new book is theirs - to keep, to read, to love. That moment happens every spring through Sunrise Rotary Club's 2nd Grade Book Giveaway.
Every year, the Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club helps inspire a love of reading by giving second graders across Gallatin County the chance to choose brand-new books of their own. This year’s Book Giveaway reached more than 1,300 students, creating lasting memories and plenty of smiles along the way. Read more about this program.
Epic Day of Service
Rotary’s global EPIC Day of Service brought clubs together worldwide for a coordinated day of community service. More than 2,500 Rotary clubs and 75,000 Rotarians, volunteers, and partners worldwide for one powerful day dedicated to making the world a better place.
In Montana, 38 Rotary and Interact Clubs participated, making a big impact all across Montana.
Our Epic Day was dedicated to hosting Kids Fishing Day.
Rotary’s global EPIC Day of Service brought clubs together worldwide for a coordinated day of community service. In Montana, 38 Rotary and Interact Clubs participated, making a big impact all across Montana.
Bozeman Sunrise Rotary participated by hosting the 15th Annual Kid’s Fishing Day, a free community event that drew strong participation and perfect spring weather at Glen Lake Rotary Park.
The combination of community spirit, enthusiastic volunteers, and ideal conditions made this year’s Kid’s Fishing Day a great success.
Families left with smiles, memories, and plenty of fish stories to tell.
Event Highlights
Over 280 children and families attended
Fishing poles and bait were provided
Rotary volunteers assisted young anglers around the lake
A complimentary hotdog lunch was served
Raffle prizes
Other activities included a Pollinator Garden and self-guided tours at Glen Lake Rotary Park
Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today
Bozeman High School Scholarship Winners
The Bozeman Sunrise Youth Services Committee proudly supports future leaders in our community through the Bozeman High School Student of the Month awards. Bozeman High Staff are asked to nominate rising Seniors who exemplify leadership, civic duty, volunteerism, and academic success. The Youth Services Committee selects the finalists.
The Youth Services Committee is pleased to announce Heidi Huber and Audrey Schaub were chosen to receive a $2,000 scholarship for life after high school.
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.
Kiely Orr
Paola Ayala
Kayla Kronske
Empowering Young Leaders Through Interact
From delivering Halloween treats to supporting children’s medical care across the globe, Bozeman High School Interact students are making a powerful impact through service and leadership. Through creative fundraisers, community partnerships, and hands-on volunteer efforts, these students are learning what it truly means to put “Service Above Self” into action.
Supported by the Bozeman Sunrise Rotary Club, Interact members are not only helping their local community, but also making a difference internationally through projects that support children in need. Along the way, students are building leadership skills, compassion, and a lifelong commitment to service.
Discover how these young leaders are inspiring positive change both close to home and around the world.
Small Changes, Big Impact: Journey Toward Less Waste
From the home of Bill and Nancy MacBride
What if a few simple changes at home could cut your household trash nearly in half and help protect our environment for our children and grandchildren?
Over the past several months, Nancy and I have been experimenting with practical ways to reduce waste, rethink consumption, and keep more material out of the landfill. From composting food scraps to finding alternatives for hard-to-recycle plastics, we’ve discovered that small habits can lead to surprisingly big results. In this article, we share what has worked for us, the challenges we’ve encountered, and a few easy ideas that anyone can try.
