This past month, our district hosted the Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest 🎀, highlighting the talent and character of students across our communities.

We are proud to share that Rayyan Farooqui earned 2nd Place at the District level πŸ₯ˆ. His speech reflected the principles of the Four-Way Test, emphasizing truth, fairness, goodwill, and actions that benefit all, a strong representation of Rotary values in action.

We also recognize Samantha Santillana, President of the Interact Club at Harlingen High School South, along with her sponsor, Mirna Garcia and Dr. Reyes of HCISD, for their continued leadership and commitment to youth service πŸ‘. Their work through Interact remains an important part of developing future leaders in our district.

This event aligned well with May as Youth Service Month 🌱, reinforcing Rotary’s focus on empowering young people and supporting their growth through leadership and service opportunities.

Sponsor, Mirna Garcia with President Samantha Santillana and Youth Service Chair, Jennifer Allen
President Victor presenting a token of appreciation to Rayyan
 
Rayyan giving his 4 Way Test Speech! 
 

 

We also had the opportunity to hear from Tom Plumb of the Port Isabel Rotary Club, along with Hector R. Mendoza, Mayor of Barrio El Centro, Trujillo, Colón, who provided an update on Hands to Honduras 🌎. For more than two decades, this initiative has delivered sustained, practical support through clean water systems, school construction, and community development projects across rural Honduras.

The presentation underscored the long-term impact Rotary partnerships can have beyond national borders, significantly improving access to education and essential resources for thousands of families.

In the accompanying photo, Roxy Shimotsu is also present. At the end of the program, Roxy shared that she was able to describe various places and meaningful experiences in Honduras and with its people, having visited back in the 1960s. She added that the Mayor was familiar with some of the families she had met, and together they reflected on how much has changed in the region since that time.

 πŸŒŸAn Evening of Legacy & Celebration πŸŒŸ
 
The Rotary Club of Harlingen
Proudly Presents:
 
"The Harlingen Walk of Fame
Induction Ceremony & Dinner"
 
Join us for an inspiring evening as we honor and celebrate four remarkable individuals whose service, vision, and leadership have left a lasting impact on the heart of Harlingen.
 
These outstanding honorees embody the spirit of dedication, compassion, and excellence that the Harlingen Walk of Fame was created to preserve and uplift.
 
2026 Inductees:
 
          
 
Established in 2010 as a centennial gift to the City of Harlingen, the Walk of Fame honors those whose enduring contributions have helped shape the fabric of our community and continue to inspire future generations.
 
We invite you to be part of this heartfelt tribute and evening of reflection, recognition, and community pride.
 
πŸ“ Harlingen Municipal Auditorium Lobby
1204 Fair Park Blvd, Harlingen, TX
πŸ“… Thursday, May 7, 2026
πŸ•  6 PM – 8 PM
 
🎟️ Tickets and sponsorships are now available, secure your place and be part of the celebration: https://square.link/u/xUleDeaf
 
🎟Fan Favorite – $50
General admission for 1 guest
Open seating
 
🌟Walk of Fame Sponsorship Levels

🌠 Rising Star – $250
  • Reserved seating for 2 guests
  • Name listed in event program
  • Recognition on social media (1 post)
🎞 Shining Star – $500
  • Reserved half-table for 4 guests
  • Priority placement in event program
  • Recognition on social media (2 posts)
  • Verbal recognition during the event
πŸŽ₯ Legendary Star – $1,000
  • Premier Reserved table for 8 guests
  • "Presented by [Sponsor Name]" inclusion in event program
  • Multiple social media posts
  • Verbal recognition during the event
  • Opportunity to provide a brief welcome/message