A special surprise awaited Fayette Rotary Club members when they delivered items purchased through the club’s “Classroom Wishes Come True” project at Daly Elementary School on Wednesday, Oct. 14. Some of the fifth graders had prepared a thank-you sign to welcome the visitors and show their appreciation for the classroom purchases.

Daly Elementary Principal Christina Argent also expressed her appreciation. “We are incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club for their generous donations and continued support of our students. Community partnerships like this make a meaningful difference in the lives of our children and help us provide opportunities for them to learn, grow, and succeed. We appreciate their investment in our students and our school!” she added.

The project was made possible by a $1,440 District Simplified Grant from Rotary District 6080, matched by an additional $1,440 from the Fayette Rotary Club. With total purchases expected to approach $3,000, the project is helping to meet a variety of classroom needs.

Through an online wish list, Daly Elementary teachers requested supplies and resources for their classrooms. The purchases were especially helpful this year because teachers needed to replace materials lost in the summer flooding. Items purchased included books, classroom rugs, math manipulatives, reading tools, classroom organizers, aprons and smocks for young artists, and various other items.

Because orders arrived at different times and teachers were eager to receive their supplies, Rotary members were able to help with deliveries just one day. Most of the requested items are already in use in Daly classrooms, where teachers and students are benefiting from the new supplies and resources.

The project reflects Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” by providing practical support for local educators and the students they serve.

The Classroom Wishes Come True project is just one example of how the Fayette Rotary Club partners with the Fayette R-III School District to support education, one of Rotary International’s areas of focus.

Earlier this month, the club continued another long-standing tradition by providing a dictionary to every third-grade student at Daly Elementary through its annual Dictionary Project. The program began in 2004 when then-club president Jamie Page launched an initiative called “Word Power,” which later became known simply as the Dictionary Project.

The club also recognizes four high school students each month during the school year as Rotary Students of the Month. The students are invited to a club meeting, treated to lunch, and provided an opportunity to share information about themselves. Students are also occasionally invited to speak to the club as program presenters. In addition, the club provides a scholarship to a Fayette High School senior planning to attend Central Methodist University.

Through these and other activities, the Fayette Rotary Club continues to support education and recognize the students, teachers, and schools that contribute to the community.