Youth Director Edgar Saenz emceed a very full program moving briskly through jazz music, singing, theater, jokes, and a plethora of honors.

Guests were entertained by the new jazz ensemble from Westchester High School . Senior member Lloyd Hild kicked things off leading a sing-along of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'."

The Interact Dinner is where our club recognizes neighborhood youth who have excelled in academic achievement and community service.

Westchester Rotary Club awarded nine arts scholarships to seventh and eighth graders from local schools. The club awarded six stipends to the winners of the Rotary 4-Way Test Essay Contest. This years champion essays were created by Rebecca Levy of Westchester High School and Victoria Soto of St. Bernard High School .

This year's winner of the Kriston Palomo Scholarship was St. Bernard senior Leah Wigington. In its twelfth year, the scholarship honors the memory of Kriston, a much loved young man who died suddenly during a baseball game at the high school. His heart lives on in the chest of an organ donee.

Four youth grants were announced to deserving Westchester groups that had special projects for the betterment of community youth. Among the recipients was Karen Long, principal of Westport Heights Elementary School , accepting a check that will pay for buses for its field trips to enrich the educational experience of its students. Robyn Martin, president of Del Rey American Little League will use the Rotary funds to buy a new PA system for American Field. Rotarians are proud to make a difference in their community.

Wednesday night, we proclaimed Rotary to scores of parents and community members and showed why we're the friendliest club around.