If you have not attended a District Conference, you are missing a big Rotary opportunity. District 5520’s 2010 Conference provided a chance to visit with old friends, make new friends, learn about the current status of Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio, find out about the latest projects happening in District 5520, and experience the joy of our Rotary youth.
Mark your calendars for April 14-16, 2011, and plan on being in Ruidoso for the 2011 District Conference.
Two highlights of District Conference were the Saturday morning Youth Exchange Talent Show and the recognition of this year’s accomplishments with the presentation of awards to the Clubs and Rotarians who have provided exceptional service during the year.
The Youth Exchange Talent Show features both inbound and outbound students who displayed a variety of talents and lots of energy. This year we were treated to a sit-down comedian, break dancers, a string duet, and a solo on the didgeridoo.
The Rotary Clubs of Taos-Milagro, Las Cruces Mesilla Valley, and El Paso were recognized as the Club of the Year in the small, medium, and large club categories.
The Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Tom Walker for his work with the District’s Matching and Simplified Grants. 
The Rotary Club of Ft. Stockton earned the Bob Wootten Award for the Club that has the most fun. 
Donna Pedace was presented the Shulte-DeLaHunt Leadership award for her work with the GSE program.
The success of this year’s District Conference would not have been possible without the leadership of Conference Committee Chair Pat Murray and all the members of the Committee. Thank you for the outstanding conference. Thanks, also, to all those Rotarians and their families who participated in the conference. You are what makes District 5520 outstanding in the world of Rotary.
And Thanks, to PDG Johnny Lane for taking these photos.
