Rotascope

President's Message

John F. Kennedy once remarked, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future.” This profound insight resonates deeply with the mission of Roswell Rotary as we commemorate our 75th anniversary—a milestone marking decades of dedicated service and community building. This weekend, we proudly join the city in celebrating another significant milestone: the 75th Annual Roswell Youth Day Parade & Celebration on Saturday, October 4th.

This dual anniversary presents a unique opportunity—not only to honor cherished traditions but also to reaffirm our steadfast commitment to investing in the future of Roswell through its young people.

A Legacy Rooted in Hope

The origins of Roswell Youth Day trace back to 1950, when a visionary group of parents sought to create a day dedicated exclusively to celebrating and uplifting the city’s youth. What began as a modest community gathering has, over seven and a half decades, flourished into an enduring citywide tradition. By 1951, this vision gained formal recognition when the mayor designated the second Saturday in October as Roswell Youth Day. Since then, the parade has evolved into a vibrant expression of civic pride, with local schools, clubs, and youth organizations collaborating to build floats, march, and celebrate together.

Roswell Rotary has proudly partnered in this tradition for many years. Our sponsorship of floats, provision of vehicles, donation of materials and candy, and assistance with logistics exemplify how this event serves as one of our most visible connections to the broader community. Importantly, it reminds us that service to youth is not peripheral but central to Rotary’s mission.

The 75th Anniversary: A Milestone and a Promise

This year’s 75th celebration, themed “Growing Together,” carries profound significance. The theme encapsulates both the unity within our community and the boundless potential of our young people to emerge as tomorrow’s leaders. The convergence of these events is intentional and symbolic, underscoring Roswell’s identity as a city deeply committed to the partnership between civic institutions and its younger generation. As one Rotarian aptly noted, “We are exceptionally proud to collaborate with the City of Roswell on this youth-focused leadership initiative, especially during a year when both entities celebrate their 75th anniversaries.”

Building Tomorrow: The Roswell Youth Council & Rotary’s Role

An exciting development this year is the formal relaunch of the Roswell Youth Council (RYC), a collaborative initiative between the City of Roswell and the Rotary-sponsored high school Interact clubs. At a recent City Council meeting, each youth council member was paired with a city official or representative from the mayor’s office, fostering a mentorship and civic immersion program.

Throughout the 2025–26 academic year, the student council—comprising representatives from five public and private Roswell high schools—will:

1. Serve as youth ambassadors during the Youth Day Parade

2. Participate in leadership workshops focused on styles, collaboration, and civic service

3. Tour city departments to gain firsthand insights into municipal operations

4. Visit Roswell’s cultural, historical, and civic landmarks

5. Collaboratively select the theme for the 2026 Youth Day Parade alongside Rotary and city leadership

The RYC will convene regularly, bringing fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and vision to Roswell’s ongoing development. This initiative transcends ceremonial participation; it functions as a dynamic educational platform fostering civic leadership and community ownership. By engaging youth directly in decision-making processes, we affirm the value of their voices and sow the seeds for sustained civic engagement.

Looking Forward: Youth as Our City’s Greatest Investment

At the heart of Rotary’s philosophy lies the principle of Service Above Self. Yet, service, in its most profound sense, also signifies investment—investment in individuals, relationships, and the promise of tomorrow. The 75th Youth Day is more than a parade; it is a powerful symbol and platform for that investment. As we embark on this landmark 75th year, coinciding with Rotary’s own milestone, let us view Youth Day not merely as a moment to look back but as a launchpad toward the future. Let us renew our dedication to ensuring that every young person in Roswell has the opportunity, voice, and purpose to thrive.

May the 75th Frances McGahee Youth Day Celebration stand not only as a tribute to our rich history but as a bold declaration of confidence in the future of Roswell and its youth.

Young People of Roswell
Mayor Kurt Wilson-Youth Day Parade, Youth Council, Your Role



Mayor Kurt Wilson will be the featured guest speaker at the Roswell Rotary Club’s luncheon on October 2, 2025, where he will speak about the amazing focus the City gives to the Youth of Roswell- our future leaders.  All community members are invited to hear his presentation on  Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 12:00 at Roswell Area Park, Bill Johnson Community Activity Building, 10495 Woodstock Road. 

Born and raised in Alabama, Mayor Wilson’s journey to public office is marked by discipline, service, and entrepreneurship. From earning the Soldier of the Year accolade in the U.S. Army to rising through the ranks in corporate America, Wilson’s career reflects a deep commitment to leadership and hard work. His transition from business executive to small business owner and eventually to Mayor of Roswell underscores his belief in the American Dream and his desire to help others achieve it. His personal story, grounded in faith, family, and perseverance, continues to shape his approach to governance and community engagement.

Mayor Wilson’s commitment to honoring military veterans at every City Council meeting reflects a core value of service that resonates with the Rotary Club’s mission. His upcoming address offers an opportunity for Rotarians to engage directly with the Mayor, ask thoughtful questions, and gain insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Roswell. Whether viewed as a visionary reformer or a disruptor of tradition, Mayor Wilson’s presence promises a candid and compelling look at the evolving identity of Roswell and the leadership guiding it forward.

Board Member Spotlight

Joining Rotary in 2004, Dave Schmit served as President 2013-2014, then spent many years at the district level as Assistant Governor and advisor to three district governors.

His career has been focused on managing complex projects in the construction and real estate development industry. His company, Schmit+ Associates, develops walk-able communities in and around town centers and works with community leaders searching for holistic solutions to create transformational change. 

Married to Rena for 44 years, they have 2 sons, Conner and Jared. Conner works as a project manager in Dave’s company and Jared is working on opening a restaurant/bar next year. 

Fun fact: A sports buff, Dave has spent 12 years of marathon/10k running, for 10 straight years finishing in the top 1000 at the Peachtree Road race. He has also coached a nationally ranked high school team out of East Cobb Baseball, recognized nationally as a premier youth baseball program.

Tuesday Sept. 30
Women in Rotary Event

The picture above is of the women members of Roswell Rotary Club.(Missing a few who were absent that day)

All of the North End clubs attend Women in Rotary, so it's a great chance to network with other clubs and an excellent opportunity to bring a prospective member to see what Rotary is all about!

Our upcoming event will be on September 30th from 5:30 to 7:30

• Location: American Legion 201 Wills Road Alpharetta. GA 
• There will be appetizers and $5 wine
• Bring a $5 Publix or Kroger gift card to support Meals by Grace
•  Please RSVP to Lori Kirn lori.kirn@fairwaymc.com

Please Help with Supplies
Youth Day Parade Float

The beginning of the Interact year focuses on the Youth Day Parade!  This local tradition will be celebrating it’s 75th birthday as our Roswell Rotary Club is too!  Our float entry is being designed and built with a committee lead by RRC Member Joe Gillespie. Joining him: 

• New RRC member Jay Pittroff,
• RHS Construction Teacher Kevin Squiers and Youth Parade Veteran Jack Wyche.  
• Candy/Trinket Coordinator - Priya Crumpton
• Youth Day Parade Costume Coordinator - Frederick Levy 

With the competitive spirit natural to Roswell Rotary, Joe and his crew have an aggressive design that will celebrate our twin 75th anniversaries.  

The middle and high school student members of our Interact Clubs will be building the float after school the week prior but all clubs will be riding on or walking along the float during the parade.  It is always a fun time with phenomenal community spirit.  Join us! Thank you for your support! 

Can you help?  

Please bring three bags of candy to the meeting Thursday. (not chocolate because it melts!)

Thank you so much!!!

Polio Plus Tailgate Party

Tailgating with a PURPOSE! Enjoy a fabulous tailgate in Athens while helping to raise money for Polio Plus AND meeting Rotarians from other clubs who love to tailgate. More details coming, but save the date NOW!

Last Week at Roswell Rotary