-The meeting started with a moment of silence for Lion Dave Heller who passed away in April. A Lion for over 50 years, Dave was responsible for the Athlete of the Month/Athlete of the Year program and his tireless efforts in support of teen sports on behalf of the Lions will always be remembered. You can quote me (Lions Club President Jennifer Christensen)
– The Athlete of the Year award winners are selected by student vote. The Lions Club conducted school-wide balloting in May. There were a record number of votes this year: 417
-This is the first time in the 21-year history of the Award that there were two winners: Jack Iuliano/Football and Cian Galligan/Track.
-Sixty people attended the dinner which was held at The Osborn in Rye, including Superintendent Dr. Eric Byrne and Principal Pat Taylor. Also attending were County Executive George Latimer and County Legislator Catherine Parker, both members of the Rye City Lions Club.
-Guest speaker Dr. Jamie Yedowitz, the first winner of the Athlete of the Year Award, was introduced by Lion Pat McCarthy, who had introduced her when she won at the first Awards Dinner. She talked about growing up trackside with her father, Jim Yedowitz who passed away in January. She gave a shout out to her coach John McGee who was present with athletes of 2018.
-The Rye City Lions Club is the oldest service organization in Rye. It’s mission is to provide support for organizations that help the blind and visually impaired, and support school athletics.
-A check for $500 was presented to Guiding Eyes for the Blind in honor of the student athletes.
