We are Rotary

What a wonderful night at this year’s Miss Tustin Scholarship Competition! The entire evening was beautifully done, and kudos to Jen Kohlenberger and her committee for once again putting together such an impressive event. The evening was also a little bittersweet as Miss Tustin 2025, Jenelle Huerta, prepared to pass the crown after an incredible year representing our community. We were especially touched during Jenelle’s look back at her year when two of the highlights she mentioned had a special Rotary connection: Read Across America, when she joined us at Heideman Elementary School, and Lobsterfest, complete with a photo from the event! It was wonderful to see our club’s activities included among her favorite memories as Miss Tustin. Congratulations to Samantha Arroyo, who was crowned Miss Tustin 2026! Samantha holds a special place in our Rotary family, as she was our club-sponsored contestant last year and went on to become first runner-up. How exciting to see her return this year and take home the crown! And we couldn’t be prouder of Melanie Chavez, our club-sponsored contestant this year, who earned a place on the Miss Tustin Court, along with Veronica Chapman, sponsored by Tustin Area Man and Woman of the Year. Congratulations to all three young women! One of our favorite moments came after the competition when Jonathan and I went to congratulate Melanie. She thanked us for Rotary’s support and then told us she plans to come back and compete again next year—and asked if Rotary would sponsor her

Our August 13 Rotary meeting was all about supporting and encouraging young people in our community! 🎓🔬🎹

We were pleased to welcome Paul Pooler, Assistant Director of the Achievement Institute for STEM Scholars (AISS), who shared with us the important work this Santa Ana-based organization is doing to prepare high-achieving, economically disadvantaged students for college and careers in science, technology, engineering and math.

AISS provides students with a two-year program that goes far beyond the classroom, offering hands-on STEM experiences, mentoring, college preparation, life and professional skills, networking opportunities, and exposure to STEM careers. It was inspiring to learn how they are helping students turn their interests and abilities into opportunities for their futures.

We also welcomed Melody Chavez, the Rotary Club of Tustin–Santa Ana’s sponsored candidate for Miss Tustin! 👑 Melody shared a little about herself and treated us to a video showcasing her talent—playing the piano. 🎹

We wish Melody the very best as she takes the stage at the Miss Tustin Scholarship Competition this Saturday! We’re proud to be cheering her on! 💙💛

A great meeting highlighting education, opportunity, talent, and some pretty impressive young people in our community!

Rotary District 5320 Governor

District Leadership Forum

On Monday, August 10, Rotarians gathered at the Fountain Valley Senior Center for our new District Governor Monica Peters’ first District Leadership Forum. It was a great evening of networking, socializing, and connecting with fellow Rotarians from throughout the district.

The evening’s program focused on the power of social media and how clubs can use it to share their stories, promote their service projects, and increase their visibility within the community.

Thank you to Naomi, Jonathan, Roger, and Laurie for attending and representing the Rotary Club of Tustin-Santa Ana. It’s always great to see our club represented at District events!

Rotary District 5320 Governor