Leo Schlueter (left) receives RCSL’s Rotarian of the Month plaque from Dave Ouradnik, RCSL’s March Rotarian of the Month (right). (Photo by Jon Lyons)
April 2025 Rotarian of the Month
Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) has named Leo Schlueter RCSL April 2025 Rotarian of the Month (ROM). March 2025’s ROM Dave Ouradnik presented Leo with the ROM plaque. With this award, RCSL acknowledges Leo’s support of the club’s education programs, especially Teacher of Month/Year awards, high school scholarships, procuring CUSD leaders as meeting program speakers, and more. Leo is often the facilitator of RCSL Fireside Chats in which new Rotarians receive information about Rotary International, club programs, and ways members can volunteer within the community and beyond.
Leo has been associated with Chandler Unified School District for over 28 years. For the past three years as executive director, Elementary Schools West Region, Leo has overseen CUSD elementary operations for the second largest school district in Arizona.
For more information about RCSL, see www.sunlakesrotary.com.
RCSL Education Chair Gary Kay and Ann Marie Filiere
February 2025 Teacher of the Month
Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) awarded its February 2025 Teacher of the Month Award to Ann Marie Filiere, CUSD Arizona College Preparatory Middle School robotics, 3D design, and modelling teacher.
Ann Marie has over 15 years’ teaching experience (as a second career). She received her teaching certificate from ASU and earned her bachelor’s degree in applied human ecology from Bowling Green State University. Per Reddy Manjula, who submitted the award application, Ann Marie is appreciated for her ability to facilitate each child’s growth by stimulating imagination and energizing each student’s spirit.
According to Gary Kay, RCSL’s education chair, the award selection is based on a teacher’s total years of service in the field of education; examples of how the teacher goes above the normal requirements and enhances student education; the respect shown for the teacher by his/her peers, students, and parents; and the teacher’s involvement in extracurricular activities and service in the community. RCSL awards a $700 check to the honored teacher: $500 from Earnhardt Auto Centers and $200 from TrustBank.
For more info about RCSL, see www.sunlakesrotary.com.
2025 RI Leadership Academy attendees (left to right): Ann Diamond, Kandi Skrabala, Jon Lyons, Dr. Diane Bruening, Ed Anderson, Judi Edmonds, Jim O’Connell, Roger Edmonds, Peter Meade, and Sharon Flood; not pictured: Kiamesha Guy
Rotarians Attend Leadership Academy
Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) was well represented at the 2025 Rotary International (RI) Leadership Academy held at the Paradise Valley Community College Conference Center. Various district leaders led sessions that addressed mental health initiatives, club websites, membership, peace building, grants management, treasurer essentials, fundraising, RI branding, club action planning/visioning, club meetings and committees, club bylaws, community service projects, Rotarian leadership education, Rotaract/Interact, golf tournaments, making meetings fun, international service, district leadership opportunities, getting to know RI district leaders and RI staff, and more.
It is highly recommended that Rotarians attend leadership conferences to meet fellow Rotarians, learn a lot about Rotary, and to feel at ease when transitioning into club leadership roles.
For more information about RCSL, see www.sunlakesrotary.com.