Tuesday, October 21, 2008 Rotary, YMCA Welcome International Scholar

L – R: Patrick Chapin, Frank G. Berlin, Sr. Branch Executive Director, Vivian Chang, Lee Ann Chung, Sarasota Downtown Rotary.

This school year, 16-year-old Vivian Chang is exploring the American way of life in addition to the regular studies of a high school student. The Taiwan native is attending SMA on a prestigious International Ambassadorial Rotary Scholarship sponsored by the Downtown Sarasota Rotary. The scholarship includes Vivian’s attendance at the Sarasota Military Academy for one year. In addition, the Sarasota Family YMCA has granted her a complimentary membership during her stay. Rotary member Lee Ann Chang joked that the YMCA membership would help Vivian keep off any extra weight that the American diet may allow the student.
According to The Rotary International, the scholarships are intended to further international understanding and friendly relations among people of different countries and geographical areas. These scholarships are funded by private grants to then be distributed through The Rotary Foundation and represent a continued faith that today’s Ambassadorial Scholars will be tomorrow's community and world leaders.
For more information about the Sarasota Rotary Club, please visit their website at http://www.rotarysarasotakeys.org/index.htm.

The Sarasota Family YMCA is nationally known for innovative programs and outstanding facilities. From youth shelters to fitness centers, we continue to follow our guiding mission in everything we do: We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities. We continue to develop collaborations and core programs to meet the changing needs of the community. For further information, visit our website: www.sarasota-ymca.org.
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