Chronicle
One of the most important service projects initiated for the year was the Early Act First Knight (EAFK) program at Whitcomb Elementary.  This project was the brainchild of Club’s President Marilyn Musial who has a passion for young people.  One of the values of a Rotary club is the education, experience, and influence of its members.  Such was the case with Club member Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District. With Dr. Smith’s assistance, Whitcomb Elementary, with its very capable principle, Mark Smith, was identified as the ideal school for the EAFK program to be administrated. The school had students with 26 different ethnicities, was a Title one school, and had a great need for this type of character builidng activities.  President Musial made a presentation to the Club’s Board recommending Whitcomb Elementary and the program was approved for Rotary Year 2012-13.  President Musial asked David Coney to be the school advisor.

According to the EAFK website, the program is themed around history’s champions of chivalry; role models of various eras and cultures who distinguished themselves through living by a code of high ethical standards and rendering service to others.  More than a student service club participated in by a few; it is a daily, mandatory course of study for each child, starting with the first day of Kindergarten.  It is a year-round character and service education program for elementary and middle schools that, for the first time ever, puts Rotary into mainstream public education every day.

The program consisted of the following aspects:
• A special celebration at Whitcomb Elementary was held outdoor on October 16 at 1:30 pm.  This was an activity with horses and real knights jousting and doing other activities with swords while on horseback.  Founder Dr. Randall Parr, a knight himself, kicked off the ceremony and then held the faculty orientation afterward the ceremony.  Training for the Rotarians followed the facility orientation.  See photo gallery 1 and photo gallery 2 of pictures by Club member Pam Culpepper.
• A service club is to be set up with yet-to-be projects named.  The students will get to decide which projects they want to support.  The service club will have faculty advisors and Rotary member support, David Coney. 
• November 29, 2012-Awards Presentation-Respect
• February 15, 2013-Awards Presentation-Responsibility
• March 21, 2013-Awards Presentation-Caring/Compassion
• May 2, 2013-Awards Presentation-Citizenship/Service
• June 6, 2013-Awards Presentation-Fairness/Honesty

The project started later in year 2012 than normal; therefore a herculean effort had to be made to get everything ready by November 29.  John Branch was given the task to get the props, certificates, and tunics made.  President Musial’s spouse, Wayne Musial, made the medallions.  Rosemary Lengefeld offered a room with tables at the YMCA to cut and assemble the tunics.

A group of Rotarians under the leadership of John Branch; Mark Smith, Principle of Whitcomb Elementary; and Tony Collins, Construction Overseer and Artist met at the cafatorium at Whitcomb Elementary on Saturday morning November 17 to build props (medieval castle) for the EAFK program at the school.  In about 4 hours the props had been made and painted with the base paint.  John Branch obtained the material and supplies, and brought them and most of the tools to the school.  The Rotarians were Jerry Smith, Mike Dennard, Bill Howe (Honorary), John Swartwout; Club member Kathy Dooley’s daughter, Rachel Dooley; and Jerrold Dewease (see photo of group).  Dr. Jack Bacon brought by a coat of arms shield which he had fabricated representing the Whitcomb coat of arms in England.  See photo gallery. The finishing work of adding the simulated stones and final assembly was done on Monday November 26 by John Branch, John Swartwout, and Tony Collins.  

The tunics were made at the Ed White YMCA courtesy of Rosemary Lengefeld.  The tunics had to be cut out and glued together.  Rosemary provided a room with tables so the material could be laid out, cut, and glued together.  Some were taken home and fabricated by the Rotarians.  The tunics were worked on November 19 through November 21 and from November 26 through November 28, from 9am to 3:30pm and again 5pm to 7pm.  Most of the work was done by President Musial, Wayne Musial, Scott Rainey, John Branch and Sheryl Berg, with the help of the YMCA staff.

November 29, 2012 Awards Presentation for Respect
“Only a few moments are considered magical...this was one of them...”  President Elect Sheryl Berg and “It touches the fabric of the family........an incredible experience...”    noted Secretary Scott Rainey
It was a beautiful day the week after Thanksgiving when several Rotarians lead by President Marilyn Musial of the Rotary Club of Space Center gathered the morning of November 29 at Whitcomb Elementary in Webster, Texas with Principle, Mark Smith to conduct the first Early Act First Knight ceremony.   The cafatorium was cleared of tables except for chairs surrounding the outside walls which was reserved for guests and teachers.  On stage was a facade of a medieval castle beautiful painted by Tony Collins, a friend of Club member John Branch.  A large shield representing the Whitcomb family in England was mounted on the castle, and appropriately, will be the school’s coat of arms.   Dr. John Bacon had done the research and fabricated the shield accordingly.  Several lanterns with flicking lights hung on the castle wall.  A red carpet extended about 18 feet from the stairs to the stage to the center of the cafatorium and about five feet on the stage.  A table with medallions was on the left side of the stage and 20 chairs with gold covers were on the right side for the honorees to sit reflecting a sense of royalty.  A small table with a padded knee rest was at the end of the red carpet on the stage for the honorees to receive their awards.  Sir Williams, an authentic knight dressed as a knight, conducted the presentation honors.

The ceremony was broken into two parts with Kindergarten through the second grades meeting first.  The students sat on the floor.  These grades were the Pages.  The second group were grades three through five and were the Squires (grades three and four) and the Knights grade five. 

Principle Mark Smith introduced the program and guests, and acknowledged the work the Rotarian had done.  President Musial added her comments promoting the Objectives of Rotary and expressing her appreciation for the Club being part of such a worthy cause.  The children recited Rotary’s Four Way test.

The awards began with each respective teacher providing information about the student.  When the student’s name was called, she or he went to the end of the red carpet where President Elect Sheryl Berg tenderly donned the student with a tunic.  The student would then walk down the red carpet up the stairs to the stage and on to Sir Williams with fanfare music accompanying the honoree as she or he walked.  President Musial and John Branch had the honor of presenting certificates to the students with Sir Williams placing the medallion around the necks of the pages, squires and knights and for the knights tap the honoree on the shoulders with the flat his sword blade.  Rosemary Lengefeld and Jerry Smith were behind the castle arranging for the special guests to appear just at the right time.  Then surprisingly, mom and dad, grandparents, and siblings, with flowers, cupcakes, balloons, and others gifts, would come through the castle archway to greet the honoree.  Emotions ran high, with long hugs and tearing up, even the teachers and Rotarians.  Obviously this was a momentous occasion for the family as well as the students, teachers, and Rotarians present.  The honoree then sat in the gold chairs until the ceremony was competed. 

Principle Smith recognized two of the teachers for their dedicated work on the program, Lisa Hargrove and Kathy Kukura.  Also he awarded John Branch the Gold Hammer Award for his strong leadership in getting the props made and President Musial the Touch of Gold Award for her dedication and leadership throughout the entire project.

Overall the students were attentive and well behaved.  It was rewarding to hear them recite Rotary’s Four Way Test.  Principle Smith spoke to them in a soft, gentle manner and they were silent when requested to be silent and applauded when they were to applaud.  Only occasionally did a teacher have to single out a student for being restless.  The Rotarians were moved by the experience and most welled up during the ceremony including the teachers.  It was interesting to note that there were many candidates for the award by the teachers mentioning the difficulty in selecting just one student.  One never knows the impact such a program will have on the life of these young people; but having an impact on just one is well worth the effort expended by the teachers and the Rotarians.  The Rotarians who worked the day of were: President Marilyn Musial, President Musial’s spouse Wayne Musial, President Elect Sheryl Berg, Secretary Scott Rainey, Treasurer John Branch, Sergeant at Arms John Swartwout, Jerrold Dewease, photographer Bob Mitchell, David Coney, Jerry Smith, Bob Taggart, and Rosemary Lengefeld.

A thank you note dated December 1 from President Musial reads:
"I want to express my gratitude to all of you for your contribution to our first semester of EAFK at Whitcomb Elementary.  The big work has now been completed as we now have the tunics, backdrop, chair covers and knowledge to complete the school year in a very fine fashion.  Many of you spent hours working on this project.  I can’t begin to thank John Branch enough as he purchased most of the material and was our leader in getting the stage designed and constructed.  He followed that by helping a group of people finish the tunics.  I really could go on and on.

Special recognition also goes to Jack Bacon.  No one knew that Whitcomb had a crest.  He not only researched the crest, but constructed it.  I would imagine that years from now, the children at Whitcomb will still be proud of their crest.  Thanks to Rosemary Lengefeld who headed the team constructing the tunics.  Not only were Rotarians involved, but employees of the E. A. Smith YMCA, employees of Sheryl Berg’s office and Wayne Musial helped with the process.  Thanks to all.  What can I say about Bob Mitchell and Pam Culpepper who managed the pictures for the kickoff and first knighting ceremony?  The pictures were fantastic and they captured a fabulous event.

I must say this event never would have occurred without the passion, knowledge, and time commitment of Tommie and Charlie Buscemi.  They got us started mid year and have stuck with us all the way.  I can’t thank them enough.

Whitcomb Elementary has been the perfect school.  It is unbelievable how much Principal Smith and others from the school contributed.  It was fabulous hearing the stories of respect and capturing the smiles on the children’s faces.

I could go on and on about each and every one.  All of you contributed so much.  I am so grateful that you chose this program to support.  I can’t thank you enough."

At the December 17, Club meeting, Principle of Whitcomb Elementary, Mark Smith and two of his staff; Counselor, Kristina Digman, and Third Grade Teacher Jackie Gress discussed how the Early Act First Knight program was beginning to influence, and improve, the behavior of the students.

The second awards presentation for ethical virtue “Responsibility” was held February 15.  The children receiving awards are listed on the program.   Sir James conducted the knighting ceremony.  This time a Rotarian dressed in knight clothing (Dr. Jack Bacon and David Coney) escorted the honoree to the knighting area.  Again emotions ran high when the students received the awards and family was there to greet them.  Particularly for this presentation as noted in President Musial thank you, “...the father in the military traveled many miles to share the moment with his daughter that he hadn’t seen in 1 ½ months.  He is stationed elsewhere.  I wish all of you could have seen the joy on her face when she came to the stage and saw her father standing there.  It was so heartwarming.”  Two teachers, Rosella Holifield and Jennifer Vargas, were knighted for their contributions to the program.  See photo gallery of the ceremony.

President Musial sent a thank you note on February 15 to those who helped, “Thanks to all of you for attending and/or participating in our EAFK program at Whitcomb Elementary. Every person that attended was important. Principal Smith and the teachers truly appreciate the support of SCR and all of you. I feel very fortunate to play a small part in something as impactful as EAFK. “

The Rotarians who worked the day of were: President Marilyn Musial, President Musial’s spouse Wayne Musial, President Elect Sheryl Berg, Treasurer John Branch, Jerrold Dewease, Dr. Jack Bacon, David Coney, Bob Taggart, and Rosemary Lengefeld.

The third awards presentation for ethical virtue “Caring/Compassion” was held March 21.  The children receiving awards are listed on the program.  Sir James was late and Dr. Bacon gave the introduction about knighting and challenged the children and teachers about caring and compassion noting that was a way of life for the knights also.  A Rotarian dressed in knight clothing (Dr. Jack Bacon and past president David Coney) escorted the honoree to the knighting area.  Again emotions were high when the students received the awards and family was there to greet them.  President Elect Berg continued with her loving care of donning the honorees with the knighting tunic.  Many parents commented to President Musial, and other Rotarians, after the ceremony about how appreciative they were to Rotary for instituting the program.  One wanted to be sure that the program continued next year.  One student, with her parents and a yellow carnation which she had received, came to President Musial and thanked her and said that she was going to keep the flower all day.  It was another heartwarming occasion.  Two teachers were knighted for their contributions to the program.  See photo gallery of the ceremony.

President Musial thanked the Rotarians who helped and who observed the third Early Act First Knight (EAFK) ceremony in the March 25 regular Club meeting. Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent, and Ann Hammond, Trustee, of the Clear Creek Independent School District also observed the ceremony. President Elect Berg noted that numerous parents approached her about the EAFK program, expressed their appreciation for the Rotary Club, and stated that the program was making a difference in the behavior of their children. Many asked if the program would continue next year.

The Rotarians who worked the day of were: President Marilyn Musial, President Musial’s spouse Wayne Musial, President Elect Sheryl Berg, Treasurer John Branch, Jerrold Dewease, photographer Bob Mitchell, Dr. Jack Bacon, past president David Coney, Art Oswald, and Rosemary Lengefeld (and an associate from the YMCA).  Those attending were Bob Mitchell, Bill Hughes, past president Dr. Vissett Sun, President Elect Sheryl Berg’s spouse Stuart, Jerry Smith, and Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendant and Ann Hammond, Trustee, of the of the Clear Creek Independent School District.
 
The fourth ceremony was another heartwarming event using the same process as before.  However the students were much more elated when a student was identified to be recognized.  Apparently the program has been well received by the students, not to mention the many compliments from the parents, family members, and teachers.  Of particular note is a comment from the knight, Sir James to President Musial.  “Sir James told me our program is unlike any others.  He’s awed by Sheryl’s graciousness when she puts the vests on the children and has them turn to their classmates and no one does the salute and walk from Sheryl to the stage as Jack does”.  A highlight of the ceremony is the recognition of the teachers who fostered the Rotary motto of “Service Above Self”.  Surprisingly to everyone President Musial was the recipient of the honor and was duly knighted.  The students, teachers, and guests rattled the rafters with applause.  President Elect Sheryl Berg reflected the feelings of the Rotarians who worked with President Musial ...”I may be speaking for all the team when I say that you have made us all extremely proud as you have forged this relationship with Mark Smith, the teachers, the CCISD administration and hundreds of children who have been influenced for good and positive values.  It is very rare that that we get to witness and be a part of recognition being given for such qualities as these and we are so privileged to be impacting these children's hearts and minds for a lifetime.  Congratulations on your being knighted into the gallery of members!!!!”.
A proud member of the team,
Sheryl

President Musial sent a heartfelt thank you note to those Rotarians who worked the fourth ceremony.

On June 3  twelve students of the Student Council, four teachers, and Principal Mark Smith of Whitcomb Elementary visited the Club during the regualr Rotary Club meeting; in fact the students assisted President Musial in conducting the Club meeting.  All this was part of the Early Act First Knight program.  The students led in reciting the pledge allegiance to the U. S. Flag; the Rotary 4-way Test; and calling Club members to lead in singing, saying the innovation, and introducing the visitors and guests.  Two of the students briefed the Club on what Early Act First Knight meant to them.  Principal Smith was given several books as a donation to the school's library.

The fifth ceremony was another great experience using the same ceremonial procedure as the other ceremonies.  The students (only kindergarten, first and second grades) were excited as ever when a student was identified to be recognized.  Of particular note was a comment from President Musial to Tommie Buscemi, District 5890 Early Act Committee Chair,  “Tommy, the whole morning was so exciting.  I asked Sir James to tell me how we can do better and he said we were very, very good.  He said that some Rotary clubs slip in their support with the programs for the last couple assemblies.  I think the level of support from the Space Center Rotarians and the staff at Whitcomb Elementary School has been fabulous, but it all began with you.  You planted the seed."

Principal Smith named two teachers who contributed to the success of the program and who were also knighted.  A pleasant surprise came to one of the teachers when her children and family appeared with a bouquet of flowers to honor her as well.  Rosemary Lengefeld, with her special finesse, replaced Sheryl Berg in donning the students with tunics.  Other Rotarians who worked were Dr. Jack Bacon, Dr. Vissett Sun, photographer Bob Mitchell, Jerry Smith, Scott Rainey, John Branch, Art Oswald, David Coney, Jerrold Dewease, and President Musial’s spouse Wayne.  Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent Clear Creek Independent School District, Precinct 8 Constable Phil Sandlin, Bob Taggart, Jim Saxe, and Ann Hammonds, Trustee of the Clear Creek Independent School District,  were also present.  Dr. Jack Bacon noted that as he escorted the parents of the  honorees off the stage that about one third had wetted eyes.  President Musial surprised each fifth grader with a token with the Rotary emblem enscribed on one side and the Rotary 4-Way Test on the other side.

The program as well as the Rotary Club of Space Center and Whitcomb Elementary were in the local news by Channel 13 TV News.  Constable Phil Sandlin arranged for the TV station to tape the program and put together a story line on it.  Several students, President Musial, Constable Sandlin as well as parents were interviewed.  The students were absolutely outstanding, articulate and answering the reporter’s questions with clarity and an understanding of the questions.  The story aired the same day.  See video.  See story line by  TV News 13 Deborah Wrigley.  A note from Tommie Buscemi expressed how everyone felt about the news video: "Congratulations!  Our whole family watched the ABC13 report about Whitcomb Elementary and Space Center Rotary, and we were all so very proud!  The students did a great job with their interviews.   Marilyn, you did a fabulous job and Jack (Dr. Jack Bacon) looked amazing.   Whitcomb Elementary and Space Center Rotary ROCKS!"

Principal Smith gave some prestigious awards to students in the fifth grade who excelled.  The awards were the Presidents Education Award which went to Muhammad Talha Hashmi, Alina Marjaui, Bethany Montgomery, and Katelyn Roberts.  Also the American Legion Award went to Elaina Marquez and Christian Gochour with runners up Talha Hashmi and April Tolentino.

As usual President Musial expressed her appreciation for those who helped: “Thanks to all of you for coming today.  Your presence is part of the reason why this program has been such a success.  I couldn’t be more thrilled about the support you’ve given, in your way, to the Whitcomb Elementary School.  I am very hopeful that in some little way the students will remember the lessons learned from EAFK and the Space Center Rotary Club.”

A special kick off celebration was held at the school playground on October 16 with the first ceremony November 29.  This was an activity with horses and real knights jousting and doing other activities while on horseback.  Founder Dr. Randall Parr, a knight himself, kicked off the ceremony discussing the ideals of chivalry and the knight’s code of high ethical standards, and then held a faculty orientation after the ceremony.  Training for the Rotarians followed the facility orientation.

The project started later in year 2012 than normal; therefore a herculean effort had to be made to get everything ready by November 29.  John Branch was given the task to get the props, certificates, and tunics made.  President Musial’s spouse, Wayne Musial, made the medallions.  Rosemary Lengefeld offered a room with tables at the YMCA to cut and assemble the tunics.  A group of Rotarians under the leadership of John Branch; Mark Smith, Principal of Whitcomb Elementary; and Tony Collins, Construction Overseer and Artist met several times at the cafetorium at Whitcomb Elementary to build props (medieval castle) for the EAFK program.

A typical ceremony consisted of five honorees selected from each of the six classes gathering in the cafatorium.  See listing of all of the students.  The student’s teacher would read how the student demonstrates the character virtue for the month and then call the student’s name.  The student would go to the center of the floor, be donned with a knight’s tunic by Rotarian Sheryl Berg or Rosemary Lengefeld, and then walk down a red carpet leading up to the stage escorted by Squire Bacon to where the knight was standing.  A medallion was place on the student’s neck by President Musial and Sir William or Sir James knighted the student.  To the surprise of the student, family and friends with balloons, candy, flowers, and stuffed animals would appear through the castle door.  The moment was so touching that many, including teachers and Rotarians, wetted up.

The students work hard during the month to be recognized.  Each morning the students recited the Rotary 4-way test and were taught daily age appropriate lessons on ethics, life skills, and service.  One rewarding aspect of the teachers’ presentations was...“it was hard to pick just one”.  Many parents have approached President Musial and thanked Rotary for the program and believe that it will have an enduring impression on the students.

Five ceremonies were completed with each one as exciting and as emotional as the other right down to the last one.  An important observance by the knight who conducted the ceremony was stated in a note from President Musial to Tommie Buscemi, “Tommy, the whole morning was so exciting. I asked Sir James to tell me how we can do better and he said we were very, very good.  He said that some Rotary clubs slip in their support with the programs for the last couple assemblies.  I think the level of support from the Space Center Rotarians and the staff at Whitcomb Elementary School has been fabulous, but it all began with you.  You planted the seed."

The last ceremony as well as the Rotary Club of Space Center and Whitcomb Elementary were in the local news by Channel 13 TV News June 6, 2013.  Precinct 8 Constable Phil Sandlin arranged for the TV station to tape the program and put together a story line.  Several students, President Musial, Constable Sandlin as well as parents were interviewed.  The students were absolutely outstanding; articulate and answering the reporter’s questions with clarity and an understanding of the questions.  See video.  A note from Tommie Buscemi expressed how everyone felt about the news video: "Congratulations!  Our whole family watched the ABC13 report about Whitcomb Elementary and Space Center Rotary, and we were all so very proud!  The students did a great job with their interviews.   Marilyn, you did a fabulous job and Jack (Dr. Jack Bacon) looked amazing. .... Whitcomb Elementary and Space Center Rotary ROCKS!"

Each student’s recognition was an memorial moment in its own way and with its own fanfare.  However all had the same basic ingredient, elation that mom and dad and many times grandparents would be there to share in the honor.  One memorial moment as stated in President Musial thank you note, “...the father, with his dress military uniform on, traveled many miles to share the moment with his daughter that he hadn’t seen in over a month.  He was stationed elsewhere.  I wish all of you could have seen the joy on her face when she came to the stage and saw her father standing there.  It was so heartwarming.”  Dr. Jack Bacon noted that as he escorted the parents of the honorees off the stage that about one third had wetted eyes.

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