GSE is a project of Rotary International, whereby two Rotary Districts in different countries send teams of non-Rotarian professional people to each other*s area for a month-long intensive study of that country and their vocations as practiced there. The teams consist of four to six members plus a Rotarian team leader. They live in Rotarians* homes and visit businesses, historical and tourist attractions, and Rotary clubs in the hosting District.

Though little is required of a club in financial commitments, it is up to members to recruit possible team members and help educate them in anticipation of their visit. This club is proud to sponsor at least one team member nearly every Rotary year.

Club members also act as hosts to the visiting GSE team members, a privilege all too few can have, and provide transportation and entry to businesses and attractions in the area.

Though it is certainly not a requirement, many GSE team members later become members of Rotary in their home towns, and our club boasts four former GSE team members, all successful in their vocations and active in the club, as well as three former Rotarian team leaders.

This year's GSE team will go to Argentina in May, and we are actively seeking possible team members now.

Another program of Rotary International, Ambassadorial Scholars are college and graduate students who wish to spend a year or part of one in studying abroad. They choose the course of study and institution to which they want to go, and, if they are chosen, The Rotary Foundation will pay all their expenses for the year. This fantastic opportunity is afforded to very few, and the Rotary Club of Sarasota is proud that we have sponsored far more Ambassadorial Scholars than our share, due to active recruitment and interest by club leaders in the program.

S4TL is a week-long leadership training program for high school juniors organized annually by several Rotary Districts in mid- and southwest Florida. This award-winning program is capable of transforming the lives of these young leaders, and Rotary Club of Sarasota is proud that one of our members was a founding member of the committee and director of the program some years ago. We send two to four youngsters to the program each year.

A unique feature of S4TL is the ³rap sessions² when the high schoolers, divided into groups of 16-18, meet with Rotarians to discuss topics of interest to them. No holds are barred, and both groups learn from each other. Participation in the rap sessions is a privilege and shows us how bright is the future with such intelligent and active leaders coming up.

Rotary International makes provision for Rotary clubs to sponsor high school service clubs called "Interact Clubs". The Rotary Club of Sarasota has sponsored such a club at Cardinal Mooney High School for several years. The club has about 100 members, and they are active in the community. They hold several fundraising activities and use the funds for both local and international service projects. They also help with Rotary Club projects such as Pioneer Day.

Beverly Halstead, a teacher at Cardinal Mooney, is an Honorary Rotarian and wife of Rotarian Bill Halstead.