Merritt Island Breakfast Rotary Club

09/24/2026

09/04/2026

Regular Meeting - 02 September 2026

PROGRAM
The meeting featured a presentation by Farrah Shakurian and her team regarding Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Brevard County, emphasizing the need for community awareness and industry partnerships.

Brevard County CTE Programs
• Overview: Career & Technical Education (CTE) provides hands-on training and industry certifications to prepare students for the workforce.
• Scope: 49+ programs across 15 high schools (all but West Shore) and 5 post-secondary schools.
• Focus: Practical skills, employability (teamwork, communication), and industry-aligned training.
• Program Examples:
• Automotive: 6 programs, including outboard marine and a new diesel program.
• Maritime (Rockledge HS): A 4-year program with ~125 students/year.
• Certifications: Logistic Technician, Basic Boater's License (working on OSHA/Fortress).
• New Asset: A 180° vessel simulator, potentially usable for Coast Guard certification.
• Community Engagement Opportunities:
• Awareness: Help promote CTE programs to parents, students, and businesses.
• Tours: Participate in organized visits to CTE facilities.
• Internships: Connect businesses with students for real-world experience.
• Success Metric: 170 of 240 applicants were placed last year.
• Advisory Boards: Join to provide industry feedback.
• Ballot Initiatives: Support the half-cent sales tax extension and military bill renewal.

08/25/2026

RIP Dolly

💙💛 A life of music. A legacy of service.

Today, we join people around the world in remembering Dolly Parton — an extraordinary entertainer whose impact reached far beyond the stage.

Dolly believed deeply in the power of reading and the possibilities it could create for a child. Through her Imagination Library, children receive free books from birth to age five — and for many years, Rotarians have helped put those books into little hands.

Dolly’s Imagination Library began in 2009 with a goal to advance early childhood literacy. Rotary clubs across the world embraced the mission, helping bring the program to hundreds of communities and thousands of families.

It was a partnership that made sense. Dolly understood something Rotarians understand, too: What we have matters most when we use it to make life better for someone else.

Her music brought joy to generations. Her generosity opened doors. And somewhere today, a child will open a book because Dolly Parton believed that child deserved one

Dolly has created a lasting legacy that will continue for many decades to come. Thank you, Dolly, for the music, the laughter, the books — and a lifetime of putting service into action. 💙💛

07/12/2026

Out-Going President Zack presents awards to Club members for the years effort.

07/09/2026

Jenny Pruett, Founder/Executive Director of "Freedom Fighter", presents to Club Member Kelly, a check for the Club's effort in the recent parking of cars during the "Thunder on Cocoa Beach" weekend.