PHILIPSBURG:--- On Saturday March 8th, 2014 at a very impressive ceremony among their parents, friends and members of the St. Maarten Lions Club, Sint Maarten Leo Club welcomed no less than 22 (twenty-two) new Leo Club members to their fold. The Sint Maarten Leo Club now boasts of a total of 48 members.
The Induction Ceremony was conducted by Past District Governor Lion Wally Havertong, PMJF. Before taking the oath of membership these 22 new Leos were addressed by PDG Wally Havertong, who placed the emphasis on the fact of being privileged of joining this International Organization.
He stressed on the fact that their development as Leos will be three fold. First through their Logo LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY Leos first develop their own skills, moral values, their talents and in particular a sense of responsibility of designing the community based projects which should benefit the community at large and in particular their own peers, this will be their leadership role in the club.
Secondly they are to gain a great deal of experience in planning, working as a team and being responsible for the execution of community projects, fundraising projects and building a great self-esteem.
Thirdly membership gives them a great opportunity to develop their own future when tomorrow they go abroad to further their studies. They will have the necessary Leadership skills, have gain a certain amount of experience of standing on their own feet and an opportunity to pass these qualities on to others of their peers.
After the responsibilities of membership had been read to the prospect Leos, they jointly took the oath of membership.
All parents of the newly inducted Leos were then called forward to pin their son or daughter with their Leo Membership Pin and to dress them with the Leo Vest.
Leo President Leo Talia Schaminee gave quite an inspiring speech speaking in particular of how the Leo Club had developed her own skills of speaking in public and so many other skills she had gained during the years as a Leo.
Keynote speakers Leo Jasmine Grannum and Leo Brandon Celestine spoke of how they enjoy executing community projects in particular helping the elderly and the less fortunate in the community.
The Leo Pledge and Objectives form an integral part of Leo Club meetings and were eloquently read by 9 Leos and the newly inducted members.
Leo Club Advisor Lion Lisandra Havertong, MJF thanked all parents for entrusting their young children to her responsibility. All 48 youngsters she considers as being her own children with whom she continues to enjoy great fellowship and at the same time helping them to develop into responsible young people.
The St. Maarten Leo Club will meet on every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month at the Lions Civic Center at 11.00am. Lion Lisandra Havertong is the current Leo club advisor.
Young people, age12 to 18 years who would like more information about the St. Maarten Leo Club can contact Lion Lisandra Havertong at 5548666.
Lions clubs sponsor approximately 5,800 Leo clubs in 140 countries. While helping others in their community, Leos develop leadership skills and experience teamwork in action. For more information about the Leo Club Program, visit the Youth Programs section of the Lions website at www.lionsclubs.org.