Chronicle
The kick off of the second EAFK program, The Tournament of Champions, was held on September 25 in the sports field at Whitcomb Elementary with 700 excited students, their teachers and 13 bold Rotarians braving a very hot September afternoon.  Rotary President Sheryl Berg and Whitcomb Principal Mark Smith introduced the program.  It was not surprising how well the students recited the Rotary Four Way Test.  Four authentic knights donned in knight clothing riding real war horses performed, with the help of two teachers, several medieval knighting games.  But more important Sir Cass Garcia told the students how the knights lived by a code of high ethical standards and rendering service to others and they could become knights by demonstrating the same character traits and receive a special knight medallion.  The students have already begun the first character trait, Respect.   Thanks to Wayne Musial for standing in the hot sun and taking the great pictures. The Rotarians attending were: Wendy Holley and four kids, Sheryl Berg, Dr. Jack Bacon, Dr. Jean Walker, Micki Czarnik, Marilyn Musial, Jerrold Dewease, Jerry Smith, Kaci Hanson, Marc Schneider, John Swartwout, Bill Geissler, and Dick Hergert.

Thirty three students received recognition for their demonstration of the first virtue, Respect on October 15.  Two teachers were also knighted for their outstanding work with the students.  Rotarians assisted the teachers to make the process run smoothly.  A new feature was taking pictures at the time the student was knighted by Sir James.  Kanci Hanson took the lead for this.  Scott Rainey and Gary Renola send the family members in to meet the students at the knighting, with Marilyn Musial and John Branch handling the medallions and certificates.  Sir James performed the knighting  honors.  President Berg gently placed the tunic on the students and pointed them to the knighting stage.  Sir Jack Bacon escorted the student in his authentic court attire and protocol to the stage and the parents off the stage.  Jerrold Dewease, Paul McLarty, Bob Taggart, and David Coney hosted the parents while they were queued up waiting for their child.  Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District, observed the ceremony.  Wayne Musial took pictures for the Club.  Sir James, Principal Smith, and President Byrd encouraged the students to continue to practice the virtue Respect and Sir James related to the students why the knights were chosen to promote the ethical standards.  President Byrd presented Principal Smith with a book for the library, a program initiated by President Byrd during her tenure.  The students were well behaved, waited anxiously for the honoree to be called, and repeated the Rotary Four Way Test with enthusiasm.  Parents, family, and child united on the stage after the knighting with big hugs and sometimes tears.  The honorees sat in the honor chairs on the stage with balloons and all sorts of goodies from their families.  John Branch organized the photo sessions after the ceremony.  One of the most rewarding aspects of the program was when the teachers would remark that it was difficult to select only one student, implying that others were almost equally desiring.

The second program was not attended by the writer,  but reports indicated that it was similar to the previous one.  The third program, held on Spetember 14, was similar to the previous ones expect past president Marilyn Musial represented the Club instead of President Berg.  One additional emotional moment was when the students and adults sung happy birthday to Sir James.  He was totally taken back and said that he even wetted up. The fourth program wa similar to the others; the children families, and teachers remained excited.  Numerous students were siblings of students who were selected previously and some received a second award.  Parents continue to praise Rotary for the program.  The fifth program was much like the previous ones with still much excitement as the student name was called, and continued praise for the program from the parents. Club Member, Jerrold Dewease,  was knighted.

The final program for the year was just as exciting as any other one, in fact it appeared that more family and friends were present for this one.  Flowers, stuffed animals, and inflatables were in abundance.  President Berg, Principal Smith, and John Branch  received knighthoods.  Encouraging aspect of  the program were families who have had one or two students
previously receive an award this year or last year.