Names Rotarians of the Year,
And Names New Paul Harris Fellows
Kishore Idnani, Stephen Thompson and Elisia Lake Honored
Laura Hartman was Inducted as a Rotarian
PHILIPSBURG:--- The Rotary Club of St. Maarten held its annual Change of Board on July 10, 2024, at the Rotary Clubhouse in Belair with a small, intimate gathering of close friends and Rotarians. Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin will continue as President for the new Rotary year that began on July 1, 2024. Joining Sochrin on the Board of Directors is MP Sarah Wescot-Williams as Secretary, Kishore Idnani as Vice President of Club Service, Robert Judd as Treasurer, Stephen Thompson as Foundation Chair, James Ferris as Immediate Past President and Interact Chair, Danny Ramchandani as Fundraising Chair, Melanie Daboul as Public Image Chair, Adelena Chandler as Wellness Chair and Laura Hartman as Disaster Relief Chair. The Board was administered the oath of office by Rotary District 7020 Assistant Governor Elisia L. Lake.
During the ceremony, Sochrin recognized two Rotarians who were constantly by his side to provide counsel, advice, and guidance. He named Past Assistant Governor and Foundation Chair Stephen Thompson and Vice President of Club Service Kishore Idnani as "Rotarians of the Year." Sochrin went on to say, "Both of these gentlemen have been with me every step of the way during this past year. I am proud to call them both friends and name them Rotarians of the Year."
In addition to being named Disaster Relief Chair, Laura Hartman was inducted as a new member of the Club. Hartman is a retired Professor and lawyer from DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. She has called Sint Maarten home since 2016 and leads the School of Choice in Haiti. President Sochrin said, "Laura Hartman will be a magnificent addition to the Rotary Club of St. Maarten. She has already made a huge difference by organizing our joint project with other regional Rotary clubs to raise funds for the survivors of Hurricane Beryl."
In returning to a time-honored tradition, the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten names two Paul Harris Fellows each year at its Change of Board. A Paul Harris Fellowship is a recognition of a contribution made to the Rotary Foundation or a contribution made to the Rotary Foundation in honor of a person who has made a significant contribution to their community. This year, the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten recognized Immediate Past President James C. Ferris for his efforts to lead the Club. In a surprise move, the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten recognized its Assistant Governor Elicia L. Lake as a Paul Harris Fellow for her lifelong membership in the Rotary family and her enduring efforts to support all of the Rotary Clubs on Sint Maarten, St. Martin, St. Barthelemy, and Anguilla. Foundation Chair Stephen Thompson presented both Paul Harris Fellows.
In closing of the Change of Board, President Jeffrey "Dr. Soc" Sochrin stated, "The Rotary Club of St. Maarten will celebrate its 53rd birthday next March. I look forward to celebrating Rotary on Sint Maarten, and I am certain that our best days are yet to come."
For more information about the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, please contact the Rotary Club of St. Maarten Press Officer at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the website www.rotarysxm.com.
