Rogue Gateway Rotary

04/20/2026

Meet Braedan, a standout senior from Illinois Valley High School who has truly made the most of his high school years!

A dedicated athlete, Braedan has balanced both baseball and soccer while also stepping up as a leader on campus. He’s actively involved in Leadership, Interact Club, and ASB student government - making a lasting impact on his school community. His commitment to service hasn’t gone unnoticed, Braedan is our most recent recipient of the Student Above Self Award, recognizing his dedication to putting others first.

Outside of school, you’ll often find him giving back as a local Little League umpire or volunteering through Interact.

This fall, Braedan is headed to Willamette University, where he plans to study secondary education and history, combining his passion for learning with his drive to make a difference for future generations.

When he’s not busy leading or competing, Braedan enjoys swimming, traveling, and diving into all things history.

We can’t wait to see all the incredible things ahead for you, Braedan - your future is bright! 🌟

04/10/2026

We had the honor of hosting the Four-Way Rotary Speech Contest!

A huge congratulations to all of our participants for their hard work, courage, and outstanding speeches. Your dedication and confidence on stage truly impressed everyone in attendance.

Participants:
• Kaylyn — Hidden Valley High School
• Abby — North Valley High School
• Melody — Illinois Valley High School
• Hailey — Grants Pass High School

A special congratulations to Abby, our local winner, who will be moving forward to the next level of the competition! 🌟

We’re so proud to support young speakers as they grow their communication skills and share their voices with the world. Thank you to the judges, organizers, and families who helped make this event possible!

Here’s to continuing to build confidence, leadership, and community through public speaking!

04/03/2026

Yesterday's program was all about Jodi MacDonald. Jodi recently retired after a long, successful career in banking. To help her celebrate, we asked her to bring some friends and family, do a Vocational presentation for newer club members who might not know her well, and let us fete her.

Jodi is a long-time club member, who has served as President twice, as well as leading us in a variety of different service projects over the years. Her contributions to our club, as well as our community, have been numerous.

Congratulations on your retirement! We're so glad you will be staying in Rotary, and continuing your wonderful community work. Your contributions and leadership are greatly needed and appreciated.

03/21/2026

Please join us in giving a warm Rotary welcome to our newest member, Victoria!

We are excited to have her join our club and look forward to the energy, ideas, and community spirit she brings. Welcome, Victoria - we’re so glad you’re here!

03/21/2026

This week, we are proud to recognize Evelyn from Gladiola High School through our Service Above Self Award!

Evelyn is a senior who has made the most of her high school experience by participating in both a construction internship and a marketing internship - gaining valuable, hands-on skills in two very different fields.

She enjoys art, track and field, gardening, construction, and reading, showing a wonderful balance of creativity, activity, and curiosity.

After graduation, Evelyn plans to attend Rogue Community College and then transfer to Southern Oregon University to pursue a degree in urban planning or environmental science/ecology.

We’re excited to see all that Evelyn accomplishes in the future, congratulations! 🎉

03/11/2026

Last week our club had the honor of recognizing Melissa Vierra with Evergreen Federal Bank for her outstanding service to our community.

Melissa truly embodies the spirit of service. Through her work and volunteerism, she stays deeply connected with many nonprofits across our community, always looking for ways to support others and make Grants Pass a better place for everyone. Her dedication, generosity, and commitment to serving others make a real impact.

Thank you, Melissa, for the incredible example you set and for all you do for our community!

02/21/2026

This week our club was proud to present the Student Above Self Award to Lilly-Ann from North Valley High School 🌟

Lilly-Ann exemplifies what it means to put service above self. With a long history of leadership, she currently serves as ASB President, leading her peers with integrity, compassion, and dedication. Beyond her school campus, she represents Southern Oregon through her work with the Oregon Association of Student Councils, advocating for student leadership and engagement across the state.

Her commitment to service and her drive to make a difference continue to shine. Lilly-Ann plans to attend either the University of Hawaii or Willamette University, where she intends to pursue a career in law. We have no doubt she will carry the spirit of “Service Above Self” into her future endeavors.

Congratulations, Lilly-Ann! Our community is better because of leaders like you. 👏

02/13/2026

Please join us in giving a very warm welcome to Tackett, who was officially inducted into our Rotary family yesterday!

Tackett, we’re grateful you’ve chosen to be part of this club and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in our community and beyond.

Welcome to the fellowship, we’re lucky to have you! 👏

02/01/2026

164 kids. 164 pairs of new shoes. Proud to support kids at the Illinois Valley Boys & Girls Club. 👟

Members of the Boys & Girls Club and other local children went home with pairs of free shoes on Thursday, Jan. 22, courtesy of the Shoes That Fit program. “It’s been a fabulous program,” said Jodi MacDonald, chair of the local program, which is put on by Rogue Gateway Rotary.[Read More...]

01/30/2026

Today, our club was honored to recognize Lois MacMillan with the Rotary Vocational Award! ✨

This award celebrates a non-Rotarian who exemplifies Rotarian values and lives out Service Above Self through their profession and service to the community. Lois does exactly that in her role as a history teacher at Grants Pass High School, where she has inspired students through her passion for education, leadership, and civic engagement.

Throughout her career, Lois has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named the 2022 Southern Oregon Region Teacher of the Year. Additionally, she leads and advocates locally for the American Exchange Project, expanding students’ perspectives and fostering understanding across communities.

Lois’s dedication to education, service, and opportunity for young people makes her a shining example of Rotary values in action. Congratulations, Lois - and thank you for the profound impact you continue to make in our community!