The final leavers’ assembly at Mellor Community Primary School was a happy time. For the eighth year in a row, pupils received certificates from Leicester Novus Rotary recognising their good citizenship. You can read about it here
And, as every year, the school’s deputy head teacher Asif Esat helped Novus member Pam Spokes co-ordinate the awards scheme.
But the 2024 assembly brought a shock to Mr Esat, who is normally in complete control and knows what to expect.
Pam presented Asif with his own medal and certificate. This award is named after the founder of Rotary, lawyer Paul Harris, who founded the first Rotary club in Chicago, USA, in 1905.
Pam told the surprised, but delighted, assembly: “The Rotary Club of Leicester Novus first started awarding Rotary Stars to pupils at Mellor in 2016. We were able to continue during Covid-19 lockdown, when parents and carers were asked to nominate children.
“The club also helped during that time by providing laptops and tablets to help children working from home. Asif has been my contact since the beginning and, along with everyone at Mellor, has always made me feel very welcome.
“In recognition of everything he does, Rotary would like to present Asif with a Paul Harris Fellowship – a special award named after the founder of Rotary, which is given to Rotarians and others for service to the community.
“When I asked Head Teacher Nik for permission to make this award during assembly, she replied: “I think the special award for Asif is truly fantastic. He is a bit of an unsung hero, always looking out for others, with the children at the forefront of everything he does!”
Afterwards, Novus president Jim Matthews said: “Sadly, I have not yet met Mr Esat, but I know from what Pam and others have told me that he has been a huge help to Novus Rotary and a wonderful example to the children he clearly cares for so deeply. I hope this Paul Harris Fellow award will be remind him of how highly esteemed he is by Rotary and all t Mellor.”
Last edited: 11:05 on Friday, July 18, 2024
