Thank you PJ for the procuring, Dawn for the digging, and Gary for the photographing!
We are proud to serve our community.

At a recent gathering, the Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms honored the outstanding service of outgoing President Jermaine Rodney and inducted a new slate of officers and directors for 2026-27.
 
At the event, Rotary District 5330 Assistant Governor Bryan Sullivan swore in Anna Stump as the President of the service club for the 2026-27 year. Joining Stump on the executive Board were Secretary Jamie Wayt, Treasurer Sandy Smith, and Sergeant of Arms Dawn Benton.
 
Board Members and their areas of responsibility are: Club Foundation - Daniel Mintz, Club Membership - Raymond Welch Jr, Club service projects - Randy Councell, Club Public image - Gary Daigneault, and Club Young leaders - John Cole.
 
Rounding out the new board are Past-President Jermaine Rodney and President-Elect for 27-28 Elizabeth Bevan.
 
The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms, chartered in 1948, is the oldest service club in the Morongo Basin, they meet Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the desert meeting room. Visitors are welcome to come and learn more about important work of the local chapter of the international organization.

 
Photo:
From left, new Officers and Directors for the 29 Palms Rotary Club include, Dawn Benton, Raymond Welch jr., John Cole, Sandy Smith, Elizabeth Bevan (with her child), Gary Daigneault, Jermaine Rodney, Anna Stump, Randy Councell. (Rotary Club photo) 

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms continued its efforts to honor local educators and support education last week. The teacher and student of the year were recognized at a club meeting, and nine seniors from Twentynine Palms and Blackrock high schools were given generous scholarships.
 
At their meeting of May 20, 2026, Oasis Elementary Teacher Sherry Reyes and 5th grader Carson Riddlesburger were named teacher and student of the year respectively by Principal Dr. Mundy Viar.
 
In making the awards, Viar said, “Mrs. Cheri Reyes is an outstanding educator whose influence extends far beyond her classroom. She inspires both students and colleagues through her passion for learning, commitment to meaningful relationships, and dedication to supporting every child’s growth. She creates an engaging, welcoming environment where students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn, and her small-group instruction provides meaningful, targeted support that students
genuinely enjoy. Her calm presence, growth mindset, and unwavering belief that all students can succeed make her deeply respected and appreciated, and truly deserving of recognition”.
 
Introducing Riddlesburger, Viar said, “Carson is an exceptional student and natural leader who makes a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. A straight-A student, he consistently demonstrates responsibility, initiative, and a willingness to help others succeed. Carson is also a talented and creative writer, showcasing a strong command of writing mechanics and an imaginative perspective. Carson’s leadership, creativity, and dedication make him a standout member of the Oasis 5th grade team, and we are proud to recognize his accomplishments”.
 
Viar also introduced the new Community Schools liaison Ajene Holmes and Reyes’ partner-teacher, Aleana Craven. Reyes and Riddlesburger were honored with certificates and gift cards.
 
A few days earlier, Rotary Youth Services Chair John Cole attended Scholarship night at 29 Palms High School and warded scholarships to Jayden Alston, Azaria McKinnon, Katelyn Luke, Mikayala Vinzon, Dakimah Coleman, Ava Poteat, Yamili Yepez, and Adonai Patu. Blackrock student Ivanna Claus was also honored with a scholarship.
 
The Rotary club has made supporting education locally as one of their priorities and has been honoring individuals during the school year.
 
Chartered in 1948, the 29 Palms Rotary club is the oldest service club in the Morongo Basin. They meet most Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the desert meeting room.
 
Photo:
At their meeting of May 20, 2026, the Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms honored educators and a student from Oasis Elementary school. From left, Rotary President Jermaine Rodney, Community Schools liaison Ajene Holmes, Teacher Aleana Craven, Teacher of the Year Sherry Reyes, Student of the Year Carson Riddlesburger, Oasis Principal Dr, Mundy Viar, and Rotary Youth Services chair John Cole.

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms proudly honored excellence in education by recognizing Tyndale Wallace as Student of the Year and Emily Candelaria as Teacher of the Year from 29 Palms Elementary School.
 
Tyndale was celebrated for being consistently helpful, a natural leader, and a positive example who always shows up for others.
 
Emily Candelaria, a dedicated 5th grade teacher, was recognized for creating an inclusive classroom environment where real learning happens every day.
 
Presented by Principal Ms. Trejo, these honors highlight the incredible students and educators shaping the future of our community. Congratulations to both on this well-deserved recognition!
 
Chartered in 1948, the Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms meets weekly at noon at the Little Church of the Desert meeting room.

 
Photo:
At a recent 29 Palms Rotary Club meeting, from left, Rotary President Jermaine Rodney presents certificates and gift certificates to teacher Emily Candelaria and student Tyndale Wallace. Principal Ms. Trejo and Rotary Youth Service chairman John Cole did the introductions. 

The Rotary Club of Twentynine Palms continued its program of supporting local education by recognizing the “Student of the Month” from Palm Vista Elementary school.
 
At their meeting of April 29, 2026, the club welcomed Principal, Dr. Claudette Onumah, teacher Taylor Shortall, and student Oliver Carroll.
 
Dr. Onumah thanked club president Jermaine Rodney and the club for providing the avenue to honor teachers and students.  She introduced teacher Taylor Shortall who runs the extended learning program at the school and recently started a very successful cooking club at Palm Vista.
 
Shortall told the club she was very thankful to be part of a “very unique community” at the school and introduced Oliver Carroll as the student of the month. She described Carroll as, “Very quiet but always working behind the scenes”. She lauded his achievement of starting a chess club referring to him as a “True Palm Vista Panther”.  
 
Rotary Youth services chairman John Cole then presented all three with certificates and gift cards for their achievements.  
 
Founded in 1948, The Rotary club of Twentynine Palms meets Wednesdays at noon at the Little Church of the desert meeting room.  
 

 
Photo:
At their meeting of April 30, the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club welcomed representatives of Palms Vista Elementary school. From left. Club President Jermaine Rodney, Principal Dr. Claudette Onumah, Teacher Taylor Shortall, Student of the month Oliver Carroll, and Rotary youth services chair John Cole. (Rotary photo)

Please join us at opening night of the Rogers and Hammerstein musical, "Cinderella," with costumes, eats and drinks, and fun for all!