Investing in Youth, Strengthening Community

One of the Rotary Club of Crested Butte’s greatest priorities is supporting young people, and this past school year was filled with opportunities to do just that.

We were fortunate to host Mati, an exchange student from Argentina, for the entire school year through Rotary Youth Exchange. Mati quickly became part of our community, and before heading home in June, he joined us to share stories and photos from his travels throughout the American West. His experience highlighted the lasting friendships and cultural connections that the Rotary Youth Exchange program creates.

The Club was also proud to invest in the future of local students through scholarships. This spring, we awarded more than $20,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors as they prepare for college and the opportunities ahead. In addition, we presented a $5,000 scholarship to a student who exemplified Rotary’s Four-Way Test of the Things We Think, Say, and Do:

  • Is it the Truth?
  • Is it fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  • Is it beneficial to all concerned?

These principles have guided Rotarians for generations, and it was inspiring to recognize a young person who lives them every day.

Our youth-focused efforts didn’t stop there. The Crested Butte Community School’s Interact Club, sponsored by Rotary, launched a thoughtful service initiative called “Kindness in the Community Drops.” Interact members identified local groups whose hard work often goes unnoticed and took time to thank them. Among these groups were the Mountain Express bus drivers and Ski Patrol. Students delivered handwritten notes and goodie bags filled with cookies, candy, and chocolate to Mountain Express bus drivers and created a thank-you poster and delivered homemade baked goods to the Ski Patrol team at their home base.

From international exchange and scholarships to local acts of gratitude and service, this year’s youth programs demonstrated the positive impact young people can have when given encouragement and support. The CB/Mt CB Rotary Club is proud to help create opportunities for the next generation of leaders, and we look forward to seeing what these remarkable students accomplish in the years ahead.

We couldn’t give away so much funding for the community without our annual fundraiser, the Great Rubber Duckie Race, and you! Race Day is on Sunday, August 2, 2026 at 2 PM, and you get your tickets online at crestedbutterotary.org/duck-race.  Local community and virtual support will help us sell more tickets, race more ducks, and support more community members!