Page 23 - District 20-K1 Kings & Queens September 2021 E-Newsletter

RHs0P LIONS CLUB
honors Profiles of RHs0P leo CLUB
Leo scholars A successful 2020-2021

Sunday July 11, 2021, was the third anniversary During the second year of their nine year history, the RHSOP
Scholarship Award Ceremony for the graduates of Lions Club sponsored a Leo Club, under the expert guidance of
Richmond Hill South Ozone Park Leos Club. The Lion Mary Diakite, Leo Advisor. She has provided a forum for
beautiful Villa Russo in Richmond Hill, NY came nurturing youth leaders, encouraging humanitarian acts of
community service and providing individualized support.
alive with the happy sounds of laughter and cheer . This year, our graduating seniors who received $1,000
Parents, mentors and peers applauded and scholarship grants are Leos Leena Elemary, Aruna Budhram,
congratulated fourteen brilliant Leo scholars. for Emily Haffiz, Mahakpreet Kaur, Angelica Kopec, Katarzyna
their academic achievements as they embark on a Kruszewksa, Devika Murry, Zuzanna Pula, Klaudia
new college journey. SiemieniewIcz, Samantha Saroop, Chelsea Umrow and Mia
Verdon.
Each graduate was awarded a cash grant of $1,000 In addition, the Secretary’s Award was presented to Leo
plus various gifts to enhance their college Chelsea Umrow who has matured from a shy Leo into an
experience. The gifts were made possible by Leo effective leader who has served efficiently in various positions
Advisor Mary Diakite, MJF and co-Advisor Joylyn over the years.
Wheeler-Persaud. Included was a handmade Leo Aruna Budhram has emerged as one of the leading Leos in
blanket, crafted in each recipient’s favorite color, New York State, bringing much recognition to her home Club.
by Rev. Ivette Daysa, a member of Lion Mary’s She served as President of the RHSOP Leo Club and President
of the District 20-K1 Leo District Council. This year she will
Church. The cash grants were funded by members serve as Leo Vice President of Multiple District 20 Leos (New
of the Club and supportive business leaders. Other York State & Bermuda). We wish her great success in this new
donors to the Scholarship Awards Fund included position where she will continue her service journey even as a
Lion Mary Diakite, MJF: Founder of Cherish Every college student.
Child, Inc., Lion Todd Greenberg: Addabbo & Leo Leena Elemary, the current president was deeply
Greenberg Law Firm, Lion Bihari Lall, of GITTO disturbed about the plight of the civilian population in the
Farmers’ Market, Lion Christine Latchana: All middle eastern country of Yemen, which has been in the throes
Purpose Electric Corp, Lion Nick Agola: Sofia’s of civil war since 2014. She was especially distressed about the
Pizzeria, Lion Motie Phanisnaraine: Golden Arrow women and children who were suffering from a safe supply of
drinking water. She initiated a project to raise funds to support
Restaurants, Lions Joylyn Wheeler-Persaud, the Save the Children Charity.
Nalini Racktoo, Hack’s Halal and Gemini Lounge; In her closing remarks, , Lion Mary encouraged them to
Lion Ricky Singh; Mr. Vishnu Sawh, Vishnu Sawh continue to maintain loyalty to friends and family, especially to
Inc. those who have supported them during difficult times.
She expressed her gratitude to Lions Mitch and Chandi
Dignitaries included PCC Deborah Harrison, Lion Budhrami for opening their doors at short notice for Leos’
Sandy Fraser-Thomas, Leo District Chair, Ms. Pegi meetings and activities. The Leos appreciate Lion Todd for
Brown, Author of the book Next Chapter, Ms. always responding positively whenever his assistance was
Juanita Farnum, Director of Mary Kay Cosmetics needed.
and Ms. Olivia Quinto, Asst. District Attorney. An open invitation to become a Lion / Leo was extended.
Contacts are:
Lion Mary Diakite, MJF, Leo Advisor President, Lion Motie Phanisnaraine, MJF, 718-809-4087
Secretary, Lion Naidoo Veerapen, MJF, 917-714-7596
Imm. Past President, Lion Romeo Hitlall, PMJF, 917-749-7700
Membership Chair, Lion Todd Greenberg: todd@queenslaw.com
Leo Advisor, Lion Mary Diakite, MJF, 718-310-0346