Noon Rotarians Learn About the Cross

(FROM LEFT: DREW HANFLAND, GRACIE PASSALACQUA, CHRISTY HAKMAN, GREG SAPP)

Effingham Noon Rotarians heard the past, present and future of the Cross at the Crossroads during their gathering on January 10.

Christy Hakman of the Cross Board served as the guest speaker. Hakman shared about the Cross' beginnings and its completion in the fall of 2001. The dedication occurred just days following 9/11. Hakman shared about the uncertainty surrounding the dedication of the Cross and the hopes that a couple hundred people would attend. Instead, more than 2,000 were present for the dedication, and the impact of the Cross has grown from there.

Hakman shared about additions planned to the Cross grounds including more statuary regarding the life of Jesus, a bandshell, and walking paths.

Noon Rotarian Greg Sapp served as weekly program chairman.

There were two Rotary student guests in attendance. One was Gracie Passalacqua from St. Anthony High School, the other was Drew Hanfland from Effingham High School. Gracie is the daughter of Kate Passalacqua and is a member of the National Honor Society and is an Illinois State Scholar. She plays volleyball and tennis, works on the school newspaper and the social media team, and is a member of several clubs at SAHS. Drew is the son of Jill Hanfland and Andy Hanfland. He is a member of the DramaTICS, jazz choir, art classes, and multimedia. Gracie plans to attend college at UIUC, majoring in English and Political Science. Drew plans to open a creative studio following graduation that will house his work including art and woodworking and to provide collaborative space for other artists. He thinks he could further his education in the arts and teaching.