District 6900 Rotarians are understandably proud of the Georgia Rotary Student Program. This one-of-a-kind program was founded after all by members of the Rotary Clubs of Thomasville and Atlanta a mere 75 years ago. Along with our fellow Rotarians in Districts 6910 and 6920 we have been bringing nations together since 1946. The program began with only 4 scholars, and now we have more than 3,692 alumni from all over the world. The program’s purpose is to develop leaders who promote understanding and peace throughout the world.

A few weeks ago, Rachel Eadie (Edinburgh, Scotland), one of our D6900 alumni from the class of 2006-2007, shared a story that illustrates the enduring power of GRSP to build international goodwill and lifelong friendships, which is the foundation for genuine world peace.

Rachel reports that she just “randomly” bumped into two other GRSP alumni from 2006-2007 on the street while she was grabbing a coffee. I seem to recall they both attended University of West Georgia, while Rachel attended Columbus State University. Rachel visited Lina and other Colombian students from their class in Barranquilla in 2009, but she told me she had not seen Lina in ten years; she had not seen Connor in five years. However, Lina and Conner are “an item” now and moving to London together! Rachel says, “GRSP for life!”

In May this year Rachel took part in a Zoom program for the Rotary Club of Columbus. When asked to comment on the impact of the pandemic she said, “It’s a mess for everyone.” Then she added, “Be pleased that all us 2006-07 GRSP alumni are in touch and have been exchanging messages of global solidarity” throughout the pandemic. “Just like Janis [Comer] taught us.”

Photo captions: Conner, Rachel and Lina in Edinburgh, June 2021. Rachel and Lina with fellow GRSP alumni in Barranquilla, October 2009.