Philadelphia Rotary Speaker Project a big hit at Liguori Academy
What began as a small pilot during the height of the pandemic in spring 2020, blossomed into a 16 career presentation program by Philadelphia Rotarians for 11th grade students at Liquori Academy.
Kicking off this year’s presentations — which were mostly virtual — was Inspector D. F. Pace from the Philadelphia Police Department with some frank talk about the challenges and rewards of being a police officer in a large and complex city with 7,100 officers and civilian personnel. Despite the many difficulties of long hours, overnight shifts, community unrest and neighborhood violence, Pace, who is also a Rotary Peace Fellow, emphasized how much he loves his job because he can directly help people.
Inspector D. F. Pace, Philadelphia Police Department
Pace also described to the students that one of his biggest mistakes was grabbing onto the rear end of a car that he stopped after the driver began fleeing the scene. He was dragged several blocks at high speed until the car crashed and the impact forced him underneath. It could have seriously injured or killed him.
One 11th grade student remarked later, “I never really looked into law enforcement but after the talk yesterday I was really impressed by it. I know that being a police officer is hard especially in Philly. Thank you for being brave, courageous, fearless, and responsible.”
“It was so wonderful for the students to learn about your work and all that you do for our community,” said Mary Theresa Martin, Liguori’s Workforce Development Manager. “We really appreciate you taking the time to speak with our students and giving them an opportunity to ask questions.”
The Rotary Club of Philadelphia learned last year how to adapt to changes caused by the pandemic and fulfill its mission. Liguori Academy is a private nonprofit high school that is committed to serving the Philadelphia community with a quality education. Located in the Port Richmond section, 100% of the students receive some financial assistance. The school emphasizes individual learning and college and career readiness through its curriculum and Career Readiness Program.
In addition to law enforcement, this year’s presenters possess a wide range of professional backgrounds that encompasses law, medicine, real estate, education, accounting, non-profit management, sales, consulting, architecture, scientific research, and entertainment.
Martin, who coordinates the program at Liguori, requires students to research the presenters’ backgrounds and develop meaningful questions in advance of the sessions which were designed to offer both practical professional advice and inspire the school’s juniors. Students get to learn first-hand what the career possibilities are and what it takes to be successful in that field.
“This is a Philadelphia Rotary service project of the highest caliber, opening student eyes and minds to requirements and opportunities and challenges in the world of work,” said Joseph Batory, Youth Service Chair, Rotary Club of Philadelphia. “It adds up to a most meaningful and practical side of education at its best.”
The Philadelphia Rotary has a presence for youth groups at three sites: An Interact club for high school students at Liguori Academy and West Catholic Prep, and a Rotaract club for students at the University of Pennsylvania. Rotary sponsors these youth clubs and mentors and guide them to carry out community projects while developing leadership skills.
“I want to thank the students and the Philadelphia Rotary for allowing me to engage with the youth of today, which has always been my passion,” said Lt. LaMonte Adams, “…I hope that I was able to insert some value into their lives, with words of encouragement and motivation.” Like Pace, Adams is also a Rotary Peace Fellow.
“Thank you so much for providing such amazing speakers to share their experiences with our students,” said Martin. “Every member of the Rotary Club of Philadelphia who joined us has had such an amazing story to tell and so much wonderful advice to share with our students.”
What follows are just some of the very positive comments from the students:
“Thank you for taking the time out of your day to speak to us about your life and things you had to face. I really enjoyed listening to your information. Wow!”
“Sharing your life experiences has allowed me to expand my career interests and connected me to your experiences.”
“I learned that in planning my future, I should decide what I want to accomplish first and then select a job to match.”
“Thank you for talking to our class. It was great to hear about some possibilities I might want to do after high school. Thank you for answering all of our questions too.”
“I learned so much about sales and non-profits. It was interesting and informative. Also, thank you for explaining to us what you do in your work and how to do it.”
“It’s really great to hear and learn about different careers and opportunities. Thank you for taking time out of your day to teach us.”
“The information you shared about your careers is priceless. This was learning at its best!”
“It was interesting to learn that in sales you need to be able to get through a lot of no’s to get to a yes.”
“It was valuable to learn that you can change about mind about a career even if you have been doing it for years.”
“Thank you for speaking to our class. I had a lot of questions I asked you, and I appreciate you answering all of them.”
“You really inspired me to do better and to keep pushing.”
“Your speech has taught me so much about the work world. I never knew that there were so many job opportunities. Thank you for sharing such inspirational words with us.”
Thank you to the presenters: D. F. Pace, Inspector, Philadelphia Police Department; Elizabeth Cieri, Executive Director, Communications & Development, Foundations, Inc.; Brian Madalion, District Manager, Inspirity; Darren Sudman, Founder, Unless Agency; Justin Zucca, Managing Director, Corporate Tax Incentives; Christopher Larcade, President, Synergy Sales Consulting; Karon Massado, Real Estate Sales, Compass Aragona & Associates; Luke Dale, Architect; Lt. Lamonte Adams, Philadelphia Police Department; Samuel Saitie, Pharmacy Intern, Temple University Hospital; Dr. Greg Fridman, CEO, AA Plasma, LLC; Cassidy Duckett, Judicial Law Clerk, U.S. District Courts; Lisa Leonard, Voiceover Artist, Lisa Leonard Help & Healing VO; and Lonce Scott, Field Director, Boy Scouts of America.