Roots by Cholly Capps

A Little History of Your Rotary Club Everyone knows that our first President was Otto Sieplein and our second was Cleve Allen. But probably only Cleve knows that our third President was Dr. Roy T. Bovard.

President Roy, 1948-1949, with a definite proclivity for loud and colorful sport shirts enjoyed a busy and fruitful Rotary year. His year showed marked membership growth. Twenty two new members were added to the roster that year.

Records reveal that President Roy initiated an Indoctrination Committee (predecessor of Rotary Information Night) to instruct and inspire new members. He started the High School Scholarship Awards of $100., at Ponce de Leon Senior High (now we give the scholarships to Interact students at Coral Gables Senior High). Along with Dr. Keiser, he was instrumental in starting th Club's first blood bank. And, involved in the Youth Center even then, President Roy was the force behind our Club sponsoring a touch football project, furnishing uniforms and equipment for the Youth Center's team.

Isn't it interesting how our Club's past has been carried forward into the present, in one form or another. Makes you proud to be a Coral Gables Rotarian!