Rotary Club Laredo appoints new president and officers

The Rotary Club of Laredo celebrated the inauguration of its new president and officers during its regular meeting on Wednesday, July 11, at the Embassy Suites.

In the absence of former President Mayra Pena, Deputy District Governor Rogelio Trevino handed over the gavel to Paul Torres, who will lead the club for the 2024-25 period.

Torres also received the banner featuring Rotary International’s new motto, “The Magic of Rotary,” which aligns with the district motto, “Be a Dreamcatcher.”

“Let us be dream catchers in Rotary so that we can capture the magic of Rotary in our dreams,” Trevino said. “This symbolism is connected to all of Rotary’s focus areas.”

Torres also received a stole from District Governor Zehra Surani, who is originally from Pakistan and incorporated some elements of her culture.

“The stole was lent to us to wear on official occasions,” Trevino said.

In addition to Torres, other board members appointed include:

• Marissa Guerrero, secretary.
• Juan Pablo Gonzalez, Treasurer.
• Mayra Pena, former president.
• Luis De La Garza, Satellite Chairman.
• Catalina Dickerson, Program Chair/Public Image.
• Rogelio Trevino, Polio Plus Chairman.

Other board members include Patricia Abrego, John Stabile, Richard Perales and Ed Gonzalez.

Torres said he is honored to lead the Rotary Club of Laredo and is confident that, together with the officers and the support of all club members, he will achieve Rotary’s noble goals.

“We at Rotary are here to help people,” he said. “The Laredo Rotary Club is a group of big-hearted people who love to help others.”

He said his plans include establishing communication channels with other Rotary clubs and organizations that can benefit from Rotary’s services and projects.

“It’s a win-win situation because we can help, but they can also help with our mission,” he said. “The most important thing is to help each other so that together we can reach a larger population.”

His projects include collaboration with veterans organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“It’s about recognizing our talents and putting them at the service of the Laredo community.”

He said there are many people in Laredo who want to help but sometimes don’t know where to turn.

“Together we are strong and I hope to follow in the footsteps of all presidents before me and continue their excellent work,” he said.

For more information about the Laredo Rotary Club or to get involved in its various projects, contact Paul Torres at 956-324-8115.