Exchange Students Attend Rotary Awareness Day at the State Capitol

 

The first-ever Rotary Awareness Day was held Monday, January 30, 2023, at the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul. The event attracted approximately 100 Rotarians from three Minnesota districts. Thirty-six high school exchange students visiting districts 5950, 5960, and 5580 who are part of the NorthStar Youth Exchange — including Vernon Castillo, City of Lakes Rotary’s exchange student — enjoyed the tours, speakers, box lunches and many, many group photos with legislative leaders. 

 

Event organizer Katy Koch Campbell, of the Rotary Club of Edina, welcomed the visitors inside the historic building's vault, located under the central rotunda on the basement level. Visitors were impressed with the major renovation that was completed on the building built in 1905.

 

"The purpose of Rotary Awareness Day is to socialize, tell our Rotary story to legislators, and to hear from them about state efforts related to our programs and values," said Campbell.

 

Several Rotarian legislators stopped by to speak to the group including Rep. Heather Edelson (DFL-Edina) who discussed the process for introducing and managing a bill through the Minnesota House of Representatives.

 

The full day also included a guided tour of the Capitol and adjoining buildings; the opportunity to join the public gallery to view the Minnesota Senate in session.