Beverley Levine
Beverley Levine has a passion for the Rotary Club and a strong commitment to helping the club grow.
With a decrease in membership due to “aging” members, Levine said the club was “in danger of folding,” leading her to step into the role of president, starting in July.
“Membership has dwindled over the years, but (I’m) just really hoping to revitalize and bring the Rotary Club back to where it can be,” said Levine, Oglethorpe County’s school superintendent.
Outgoing Rotary Club president Jeff Welch said Levine will “shepherd” the group, help organize meetings each second and fourth Friday of the month and serve as a point of contact.
“She basically volunteered,” Welch said. “We were in a situation where we did not have a president-elect, and I had to ask the club, ‘What do y’all as a club want to do?’”
Levine said she plans to start a chapter of the Interact club with Sara Hughes, the school system’s director of federal programs and grant writing, where students can volunteer for community service and also provide Rotary members a chance to serve.
One of the projects between the club and Interact will involve a grant for raised flower beds and planting a garden for the Oglethorpe County Senior Center, she said.
Welch said the club has given roughly $13,000 each year to other community service projects, including Community Christmas and ShelterBox, and also sponsored local Boy Scout troops.
OCES, OCMS and OCHS students are also recognized monthly by the organization with $100 checks and a certificate for academic achievement. Additionally, one student is honored as student of the year with a certificate and $1,000 scholarship.
Welch, who was the superintendent of the Oglethorpe County School System from 2003-2009, added that Levine will serve until next year, when OCHS teacher Jennifer Yauck will take over the role.
“You can quote me as saying, ‘I think she’s crazy,’” BOE chair Becky Soto said. “She’s very passionate about what (the Rotary Club) does and how valuable it is to our community.”