Today, we would like to acknowledge Victoria Rotary, Northside Rotary and the Downtown Rotary clubs for their dedication and devotion in supporting our Early Act First Knight (EAFK) program in 14 of our elementary schools - Aloe, Chandler, Crain, DeLeon, Dudley, F.W. Gross, Hopkins, O'Connor, Rowland, Schorlemmer, Shields, Smith, Torres and Vickers.

Early Act First Knight is a national schoolwide service club for kindergarten through fifth-grade students and is sponsored by the local Rotary clubs. We are extremely appreciative to all three of Victoria's Rotary clubs for their support of VISD and their continued service as a "Champion for our Children."

The mission of EAFK is to create an understanding of peace through the active participation of its students, so the students may then in turn provide goodwill and service throughout our community and across the globe.

Students are taught to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual, which then builds respect for others. Each student learns the virtues of caring, respect, empathy, responsibility, tolerance, citizenship, compassion, friendship and leadership while in the EAFK program. The students also learn the Rotarian Four-Way Test, which states: "Of the things we think, say or do - Is it the truth?; Is it fair to all concerned?; Will it build goodwill and better friendships?; and, Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

These virtues and the four-way test are incorporated as a part of the curriculum and discussed daily with our students. It is clearly evident through our recognition ceremonies that the EAFK program provides a positive impact on student success, and we are looking forward to expanding this program throughout the rest of our elementary schools in the near future.