Our Club's Changeover dinner was happy and sad. Happy, because it's a new Rotary year, new President, new Board, Paul Harris Fellow awards and all the usual Changeover activities.
Sad because we said "goodbye" to our most recent Youth Exchange Student, Jonas, who was heading for home in Germany a couple of days after the dinner.
Chris Angus was Jonas' counsellor during his stay and he noted how much Jonas has changed since his arrival almost 12 months ago.
Jonas was leaving us, no longer a quiet shy teenager, but a young man on his way to a great future - confident and well-rounded after his time with Rotary in Australia. Chris presented Jonas with an Akubra hat to take home as a farewell gift from our Club.
Jonas had the opportunity to address the Club and provide us with some insights about the things he has learned, seen and done during his visit - as well as attending school, of course!
We know his parents will notice a lot of changes in the young teenager they left in our care last year, and most likely Jonas' pink hair just might have been the first thing!
Thanks to all the host families who supported Jonas and to the Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends who made his visit so special.
We miss you already Jonas and we wish you every success in your future. We know it will be bright!