Rotary dedicates Peace Pole at Seminole High School, presents computers, backpacks
SEMINOLE — The Rotary Club of Seminole led the dedication ceremony of a Rotary Peace Pole at Seminole High School on May 13 as part of a project with the school’s Interact Club and the Rotary Club of Seminole Lake.
The pole was installed at Seminole High on May 6 by Seminole Rotary past presidents Terry Collier and Claude McMullen, Seminole High School faculty member Javier Miranda, and Seminole Lake Rotary Club Public Image Chair Mike Braccio, who also built the pole. Seminole High School Interact Club President Maniya Dulin built three permanent benches to surround the pole.
Rotary Peace Poles are monuments featuring the message “May Peace Prevail On Earth” in multiple languages, serving as a symbol of unity and a commitment to community peacebuilding. Rotarians plant these poles in schools, parks, and public spaces. They represent a commitment to creating sustainable positive peace and serve as beacons of hope and reflection.
Collier served as master of ceremonies for the dedication and remarks were given by Seminole High School Principal Dr. Alana Brown, Rotary District 6950 Peace Committee Co-chair George Beyrouti, Interact Club President Maniyah Dulin, Seminole Lake Rotary Club Public Image Chair Mike Braccio, District Governor Becky Bennett, and dedication by Eloy Nunez, chair of Rotary District 6950 Peace Committee.
Afterward, members of the Rotary Club of Seminole donated 15 Lenovo laptop computers and 15 AER backpacks to be presented to graduating seniors at Seminole High School.
The laptops and backpacks were purchased as part of a Rotary grant organized by the Rotary Club of Seminole. Immediate Past President Mike Lurie and member of the board Alesia Warner made the grant presentation to faculty advisor Susan Sims.
Recipients of the laptops and backpacks were chosen by the school administrators based on academic excellence and need and will be attending post-secondary education next school year.
Student achievement
• Vamsi Jayanth Mekapati of Seminole completed requirements for a degree from Trine University at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
Junior Woman’s Club seeks new members
SEMINOLE — The Seminole Junior Woman’s Club is seeking new club members, women 18 or older from Seminole and surrounding areas. The club meets at 6:30 p.m. every fourth Thursday of the month at Lake Seminole Square, 8333 Seminole Blvd.
The group is dedicated to serving the community, particularly through programs helping children and veterans. Club activities include proving a meal at the Ronald McDonald House in St. Petersburg, the SJWC “Share our Spirit” food drive, which helps feed Seminole children during Christmas break, and its annual purse auction in April to raise funds for programs in our community.
Anyone over 18 and looking to serve our community together can join the club at a monthly meeting. To learn more, email GFWCSeminole@gmail.com, visit Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/seminolejuniorwomansclub, or call 727-687-3077.