by Barbara Rubin
Each October, The Rotary Club of Temecula recognizes members of the community who exemplify ‘Service above Self’ through their careers upholding high ethical standards. This year four exceptional individuals were chosen.
Real estate developer Bernard Truax serves as Chairman of the Board of Riverside Recovery Resources, a non-profit organization dedicated to discovering and recovering souls lost to alcoholism and drug addiction. The Minor Consent program is an outreach to troubled kids ages 12 to 18. Bernie believes that if he can reach these young people early he can save them from a life of crime and misery. 80% of participants tested clean and returned to finish school successfully after their 24-week program.
Trisha Sea is a teacher in the Temecula Valley Unified School District dedicated to nurturing the creative and emotional development of her students. Because of her own difficult childhood, she easily spots abuse and neglect in her students and works to get them the help and resources they need. In conjunction with local foster care organizations, she works to educate the community, raise funds and encourages foster children to “pursue their passions”.
The list of volunteer work and accomplishments of Jami McNees is very long. Jami serves as a Board Member of Our Nicholas Foundation, Ambassador of the Temecula Children’s Museum, and works on events benefiting Rancho Damacitas. She serves as a cabinet member of the Women’s Peer Connection and founded Genuine Girl, Inc., a non-profit organization to build confidence, courage and authenticity in teen girls. Most recently she founded ‘Wisdom of Women’ benefitting Oak Grove Center for Arts and Education.
Bud Kane has been a teacher at Temecula Valley High School since its opening in 1985. He was instrumental in establishing a successful high school football program at a time when there were only two public high schools. His record over his tenure is 174-84-1 including two CIF titles in 1990 and 1991. Bud recently retired as football coach but will continue to teach and coach softball. He has touched thousands of young lives in this valley during his lengthy service to our children.