Dawn presented the RYLA recipients at the Serve and Celebrate banquet last week from left to right.

The air was thick with more than just the morning humidity as volunteers from the Melissa Rotary Club, community member, and Melissa Interact arrived at the Summer Games. There was a palpable sense of purpose. Before the first whistle blew or the first medal was draped, our team was already on the ground, transforming an empty venue into a stage for champions.

Phase 1: The Foundation of the Games

Preparation is where the "Service Above Self" motto truly meets the pavement. Our volunteers spent the early hours unloading equipment, arranging staging areas, and ensuring every detail—from water stations to signage—was perfectly in place.

"It’s not just about moving tables; it’s about creating a space where the athletes feel like the superstars they are," noted one community volunteer while setting up one of the hundreds of flags

Scrubbing the tables for athlete's meals

Setting up the awards areas

Phase 2: A Spectacle of Spirit

As the sun sank lower, the energy shifted toward the Opening Ceremony. There is nothing quite like the Parade of Athletes. Our Rotary and Interact members stood alongside the lanes, cheering until their throats were hoarse. Seeing the joy on the faces of the delegations as they entered the stadium served as a powerful reminder of why we show up.

Getting ready for the parade of athletes.

Parade of athletes

Phase 3: Athlete Assist – The Heart of the Mission

The core of the day was spent in Athlete Assist. This is where the magic happens. Our volunteers were tasked with:

• Escorting athletes to their various heats and field events.
• Managing the "Ready Bench" to keep the schedule on track.
• Offering encouragement and high-fives at the finish line.

The bond formed between the Melissa students and the athletes was instantaneous. Whether it was a shared laugh before a long jump or a calming word during a moment of pre-race jitters, the Interact members stepped up with a level of maturity and empathy that made the entire community proud.

Phase 4: The Final Stretch

When the final events concluded and the last cheers faded, the work wasn’t over. While others headed home, the "Melissa Crew" stayed for the teardown. In true Rotary fashion, the cleanup was efficient and thorough. Boxes were packed, flags were folded, and the venue was returned to its original state—leaving behind nothing but the memories of a weekend well spent.

A Heartfelt Thank You To every Rotarian, community member, and student who gave their weekend to support Special Olympics Texas: thank you. You didn't just volunteer at a sporting event; you helped uphold a legacy of inclusion and bravery.

Until next year, Melissa remains proud to serve!

DG Mary Bedosky addressed the students, parents and Rotarians at the first Serve and Celebrate banquet encouraging students to continue with Rotary involvement after graduation.  RYLA recipients were introduced. scholarship recipients were presented with certificates and checks, Interact sashes presented, and other awards were presented.  The outgoing Interact board introduced the incoming board with various anecdotes and bits of advice.