Oakland High Educator Art Yasso Receives Rotary's Highest Honor

Jul 31, 2018 at 09:55 pm by bryan


(Murfreesboro) On Tuesday (7/31/2018) Oakland High School's Art Yasso received Rotary International's highest honor by being made a Paul Harris Fellow during the Murfreesboro Rotary Club's luncheon at the Stones River Country Club.

Murfreesboro Rotary Past President and Interact Coordinator Becci Bookner sponsored Yasso.

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Art Yasso was suprised with the recognition and did not realize that he was there for this purpose. He told NewsRadio WGNS . . .

Bookner said, "Art is the faculty sponsor for Oakland High School's DECA as well as Rotary Interact Clubs. He has created a unique environment at Oakland that allows both DECCA and Interact students to work together and support the opportunities in both of these exceptional school activities. One of the challenges he faces is that both organizations have community service project requirements. He is actively seeking projects for these outstanding students. The Murfreesboro Rotary Club is truly blessed to have such a commitment from Mr. Yasso for supporting Rotary's Service Above Self projects with these amazing students. I do believe Rotary President Melissa Cassidy will find a great resource for volunteers who are Oakland Interact members as she plans her Rotary year and service projects."

Bookner recalled, "When Butch Vaughn became principal at Oakland High School, he asked Mr Yasso to be that faculty advisor for our club's Interact program. At that time Mr. Vaughn commented, 'There isn't a more dedicated faculty member than Art Yasso.' He was so right. Art has been working with Interact under all the time constraints of the school day, academic requirements and all the almost limitless options for students as far as clubs and community service projects."

Bookner concluded, "We are most grateful for Art's wonderful attitude and strong support of his students. He loves teaching and he loves these young people! It was on display at Tuesday's meeting as he engaged Ryan Siebert and Kiley Dibble. He is so proud of them! I am so personally proud to have this opportunity to work with an outstanding teacher and wonderful person. It is an honor, indeed, to support Rotary and Interact with the great people at Oakland High School."

The Rotary Club has sponsored Interact at Oakland High School for over 30-years. The group has been focused on helping this community since it was founded on October 1, 1919. The Murfreesboro Rotary Club celebrates its 99th year in two months, and was the first civic club in Murfreesboro.

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