The Rotary Club of San Saba will be hosting their 28th annual Honor Student Banquet, Monday evening, May 17th. The banquet, held at the Civic Center in Mill Pond Park, will begin at 6:30 p.m.

The banquet recognizes every high school student in the three county high schools that have maintained a 90 or better grade point average for this academic year. Those students will be presented a medal for academic excellence. In addition, seniors that have qualified in all four years will be presented a shadow box in which they can display their medals.

The Club will be presenting a scholarship to a senior that has been a four-year honor student from each school and who shares the Rotary Club’s commitment to community service.

Rich Alcorn of the Austin area will provide the keynote address. Rich is a captivating speaker with a myriad of experiences in his life.

"I am one of those folks who is always seeking to learn more! I have always been interested in learning! I love the learning channel and the discovery channel on TV, and I enjoy reading books and magazines, exploring the world we live in, and more! I think in Proverbs somewhere we find where King Solomon says, ‘A wise man thirsts for knowledge’." Says Rich about himself. "I am one who can sit down and converse with a scientist, an engineer, a doctor, or just about anyone! Whatever your career or interest, we have something to talk about. And as I look upon the different races of people in the Earth, I am amazed at how wonderfully different we all are! God made us that way! And each of us has a gift, a service, a "knack" for something that the other has a need for. Each race, and more importantly, each and every individual in life, has a special talent - a gift, that sets them apart from everyone else! That makes you unique! That makes you special! And, having the heart of a father, another gift from God, that fascinates me!"

"Through life, I have worked as a radio D.J., a newscaster and as a sportscaster. I have been a clerk, a farm equipment operator, a cattle rancher (cowboy), computer network admin., and network designer. I have also worked as a realtor, a Nextel sales manager, writer and columnist, pc repair tech, and I have even worked in construction! Sure, I can operate just about any piece of heavy equipment, and did so on alot of equipment in the military. I worked in communication and navigation electronics, intercoms, etc. and studied various forms of leadership. I have found that people often want to hear me talk about it. I’m really not sure whether it’s the stories, or the cowboy, or what, but they seem interested in what I have to say. I love to meet these folks and talk with them, and to get to share what I’ve learned in life ..."

Rich will share an uplifting motivational message to the students to help them find their place in our world. In addition, The Four Way Test Award will be presented to a non-Rotarian community member that displays the ideals of Rotary in their community life. The "Four Way Test", "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?", is the set of ideals which all Rotarians strive to exemplify in their business lives.

Also recognized at the banquet will be "Rotarian of the Year". This year’s honoree is a club member with a long family heritage in the community and the club.

All qualifying students will receive an invitation either in the mail or through their school administration office. Students are the guest of the club. Parents, family, friends, teachers and administrators are invited. The cost of the meal for non students is $10.00.

Any member of the community that has a desire to be involved through "Service above Self" in our community is invited to come be a part of The Rotary Club of San Saba. Meetings are noon each Thursday at Pepperbelly’s.