Rotary Club of Columbia

08/11/2026

🥅⚽️The Columbia Rotary Club is pleased to announce that soccer sign ups are live! All kids ages 3-13 are eligible and encouraged to sign up with September 1st being the birthday cutoff. Soccer flier reminders are being distributed to schools this week.

We will try to get out in front and answer the questions that come up each season. ⬇️⬇️

What is the last date to sign up?
September 4th❗️
Please share this information with so there are no kids left out. We must close signups in order to create teams and order uniforms.

I signed up, when will I hear from my coach?
Coaches should be provided their team information by the second week of September. The goal is to have coaches contact their teams by September 13th❗️ to begin practicing. If you have not heard from a coach by that date reach out for assistance.

Speaking of coaches….can I do it?
Please, anyone who is willing and able to coach take the time to sign up and register to do so. You don’t have to know Soccer (very few around here do). You just have to be willing to help organize and lead some kids.

When are the games?
Our schedule will run from October 5th - November 20th. That’s 7 weeks. Teams should anticipate playing 1 or 2 games per week. Games are played on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays.

How much does it cost?
$55 per child plus the processing fee.

Can I sponsor a team?
Yes!! Sponsorships are $250 and the sponsors name is printed on the uniforms. You can have this added during signups online for convenience.

Me or someone I know would like to referee!
Great! Please contact us so we can get your information.

That should just about cover it. Please click the link below and get your soccer stars signed up!

Linktree. Make your link do more.

07/17/2026

The Columbia Rotary Club welcomed University of Southern Mississippi Head Football Coach Blake Anderson as our guest speaker.
Coach Anderson shared his vision for building a Southern Miss football program rooted in faith, hard work, discipline, and service. He explained that his priorities are to be “a Christian first, a husband and father second, and a football coach third,” and that those values shape the culture he is creating for his players.
The team’s three core values are selfless, tough, and accountable. Coach Anderson spoke about teaching his players to serve others, fight through adversity, and take responsibility.
He also emphasized the importance of academics and proudly shared that the football program currently has the highest GPA in school history. His players are also participating in community service throughout the area, with the goal of making Southern Miss a national leader in giving back.
On the field, Coach Anderson promised a fast-paced, aggressive, and exciting style of football. More importantly, he said fans will see a team that is well-conditioned, unselfish, hardworking, and prepared to compete for all 60 minutes.
Coach Anderson invited everyone to come spend a Saturday in Hattiesburg, support the Golden Eagles, and be part of rebuilding a program the entire community can be proud of.
Thank you, Coach Anderson, for sharing your inspiring message with our club. We look forward to watching the Golden Eagles grow, serve, and compete under your leadership!

07/13/2026

We celebrated the passing of the gavel as our Rotary Club begins a new year of service.
A heartfelt thank you to our outgoing president, Manson DuBose, for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to our club over the past year. Your hard work and steady guidance have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for all you’ve done to strengthen our club and our community.
Congratulations to our incoming president, Wiley Cleland, as he begins his year of service. We look forward to your leadership and the exciting opportunities ahead as we continue Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self.

06/30/2026

Today, our Rotary Club had the privilege of hearing from Susan Wallace and Russ Edwards, dedicated volunteers with the local Food Pantry, who were invited by fellow Rotarian Anna Durr.
Susan and Russ shared how the Food Pantry has faithfully served our community since 1996, providing hundreds of families each month with boxes of nourishing food. This incredible ministry is made possible through the generosity of local businesses, churches, and individuals who donate food and financial support.
Just as important are the volunteers who give their time each week; whether helping pick up donated food and supplies or assisting with organizing and distributing items to those in need.
If you have even one hour a week to spare, or know someone who does, your time could make a real difference in the life of a neighbor. Please consider reaching out through the Food Pantry’s page to learn how you can help.
A heartfelt thank you to Susan and Russ for sharing their inspiring story and for the compassion and dedication they, along with so many volunteers, show our community every day. Also, pictured is fellow Rotarian Gary Smyly who also gives of his time volunteering at the Food Pantry.

05/22/2026

Tuesday, our Rotary Club had the privilege of hearing from fellow Rotarian Ben Stewart, who presented an informative and moving program on the history and significance of Memorial Day.

Ben reminded us that Memorial Day is much more than the unofficial start of summer. It is a day set aside to honor and remember the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. Their courage, dedication, and love of country secured the freedoms we enjoy today.

He also shared that President John F. Kennedy, in his 1963 Memorial Day Proclamation, called upon Americans not only to honor our fallen heroes but also to pray for peace throughout the world. That message remains as meaningful today as ever.

As we approach Memorial Day, let us pause to remember those who gave their lives in service to our country, express our gratitude to their families, and join in praying for lasting peace.

We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

05/06/2026

Our Rotary Club enjoyed hearing from Jenn Thornhill, Main Street Columbia Events Manager, and Megan Sauls, acting president of the Main Street Association, as they shared exciting updates on several upcoming community events happening in downtown Columbia.

They highlighted the upcoming Makers & Mudbugs event on May 9th featuring a 5K, vendors, and plenty of crawfish fun for the whole family. They also shared details about Columbia’s Freedom Festival coming June 26-28, honoring our veterans, first responders, and patriots with special tributes and community activities.
Jenn and Megan also told us that planning is already underway for the Columbia Food & Music Festival, which continues to grow bigger and better each year and has become one of our community’s favorite events.

We appreciate Jenn and Megan for all they do to help promote tourism, support local businesses, and bring our community together through these outstanding events!

04/28/2026

Columbia Rotary Annual Scholarship Luncheon!

Today, our club had the privilege of awarding $1,000 scholarships to five outstanding students in our community. Congratulations to:

• Mallorie Claire Blocker – West Marion
• Arianna Rayelle Bourne – East Marion
• Jaci Leigh Thompson – Columbia High School
• Noah Clinton Fortenberry – Columbia Academy
• Alana Marie Nagy – Woodlawn Preparatory

These recipients were selected by our scholarship committee, led by Mr. Gary Smyly, and were presented their certificates by Mr. Smyly alongside Rotary President Manson Dubose.

Each student shared about their service projects and their plans for the future, and we could not be more proud of the dedication, character, and leadership they represent.

We wish each of them continued success as they take the next steps toward their goals!

04/22/2026

We were honored to welcome Emily Leitzinger, District Governor-Elect for District 6840, to our Rotary meeting this week!

Emily joined our current President, Manson Dubose, and incoming President, Wiley Cleland, to share highlights from the training for incoming District Governors and Presidents. It was inspiring to hear about the strong fellowship, collaboration, and preparation taking place across our district.

Emily reminded us that we are part of something much bigger! A global family of 1.2 million Rotarians committed to putting Service Above Self and working together to Create Lasting Impact.

Her energy, enthusiasm, and genuine passion for Rotary were contagious, and she left us all encouraged and motivated to continue making a difference in our community.

04/15/2026

Rotarian Chris Smith invited Mrs. Emily Rayborn and members of the Paw Print staff Karaline Davis, Lizzy Speights, and Emma Moree to join him and Coach Bilderback in highlighting the Wildcats’ Championship season.
Coach Bilderback and Chris shared how this outstanding team showed resilience all season long, never giving up and staying focused on the goal of making the next play their best one.
Chris, who serves as a commentator for the live game broadcasts, also recognized the incredible work behind the scenes. He emphasized that those broadcasts wouldn’t be possible without the dedicated students on the Paw Print staff, led by Mrs. Rayborn.
Being part of the Paw Print staff gives students a unique opportunity to learn valuable skills while staying involved in the excitement of school activities and it shows in the quality of their work!

04/10/2026

We were honored to have 10th Chancery Court Youth Court Referee Renee Porter speak to our Rotary Club this week about the important work being done to support children and families in our community.
She shared exciting news that Marion County is the first in the state to receive a grant to fund a Family Navigator position. This role will serve as a vital connection point in helping families access key resources, strengthening support systems, and working as a liaison between parents and CPS to help keep children safe and families together whenever possible.
She also highlighted volunteer opportunities available right here in our community for those who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families.