Welcome to the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
<div>Welcome to the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, PA</div>
Run/Walk in honor of MOM! Run with MOM! Walk with MOM! Bring home a trophy to MOM! And also help support the Elizabethtown Rotary Club and local charity projects!
Anyone can enter, regardless of age. Runners & Walkers Welcome to travel this beautiful course. A Classic 5K Run/Walk. Walkers are very welcome.
Elizabethtown Area High School is proud to recognize its April Rotary Club Students of the Month: Ella Stricker and Logan Bircher. This honor celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community involvement, highlighting their contributions to the school and broader community.
Ella is the daughter of Brian and Carrie Stricker of Elizabethtown.
Ella is a dedicated scholar and student leader at Elizabethtown Area High School. A member of the National Honor Society, she exemplifies excellence in scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Her passion for science has earned her several prestigious honors, including being named a finalist at the 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair and receiving the North Museum Science and Engineering Fair Grand Champion title.
She competes at the regional and state levels in the Science Olympiad Club, specializing in Earth sciences, chemistry, and physics, and has earned multiple medals. In the Envirothon Club, she placed first in the Forestry category in 2024. Ella has also received the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award and recognition for outstanding achievement in Honors Science and Honors Intro to Python Programming.
An accomplished athlete, Ella is captain of the varsity field hockey team and led the Lady Bears to back-to-back Lancaster Lebanon Section Two Championships in 2023 and 2024. She has earned a place on the Lancaster-Lebanon League All-Academic Team. Beyond athletics, she performs as a Violin 1 section player in the orchestra and serves as Research Committee Co-Chair for the Human Rights Club, helping organize drives that support disadvantaged communities and women in need.
Ella is also committed to community service. She co-chaired the May Day Committee in Student Council, helping coordinate a school-wide service event with four local organizations. She has volunteered with Elizabethtown Community Housing & Outreach Services and Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services and works as a lifeguard and swim lesson instructor at Willowood Swim Club.
Looking ahead, Ella plans to attend a four-year university to study Earth Science, Geoscience, Geophysics, or Astrogeophysics. With aspirations to pursue a PhD, she is eager to contribute to meaningful scientific research and discovery.
Logan is the son of Brian and Allison Bircher of Elizabethtown.
Logan is an engaged and well-rounded student at Elizabethtown Area High School, actively participating in academic and extracurricular programs reflecting his strong interest in science, environmental stewardship, and personal wellness.
He is a member of the Science Club, Science Olympiad, and the Envirothon Team, where he collaborates with peers to explore real-world environmental challenges. Logan also competes as a member of the school’s track and field team and was recognized with the team’s Competitive Heart award. His dedication in the classroom has earned him numerous Academic Excellence awards in Environmental Science, Honors Biology, Zoology & Botany, Mind & Body Wellness, Fitness for Life, and Photography. He is consistently named to the school’s Honor Roll.
Outside of school, Logan is passionate about community service and environmental advocacy. He has participated in local stream cleanups and promotes awareness of environmental issues through petitions and outreach efforts. He is also employed as an Attractions Operator at Hersheypark.
Elizabethtown Area High School is proud to recognize its March Rotary Club Students of the Month: Haley De Stefano and Steven McDonald. This honor celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community involvement, highlighting their contributions to the school and broader community.
Haley is the daughter of Michael and Kristin De Stefano of Elizabethtown.
A dedicated scholar, Haley is a member of the National Honor Society for exemplifying the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, and she has earned a place on the Honor Roll every year since 2022. Her teachers acknowledged her academic excellence with recognition in ninth grade Honors General Science during the Underclass Awards Program.
Beyond the classroom, Haley is an active leader in her school community. She has been a key member of the Elizabethtown Mini-THON since 2021, serving as both a Captain and Co-Overall leader, where she has played a vital role in organizing the event. She is also a dedicated member of the EAHS Student Council, helping to plan Homecoming dances and volunteering throughout the Elizabethtown community. Haley is also an accomplished athlete, competing on the Elizabethtown Area High School Varsity Track and Cross Country teams.
Her commitment to service extends beyond school. She was awarded the Do the Right Thing Award for her contributions to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Haley works as a Therapist Aide at CPRS Physical Therapy, assisting patients with rehabilitation exercises and handling essential office tasks. Additionally, she shares her passion for gymnastics as a coach at the Gymnastic Center of Hershey, helping young athletes develop skills safely and effectively.
Haley is a member of Elizabethtown Church of the Brethren.
After graduation, Haley plans to attend a four-year university to major in accounting, earn her bachelor’s degree, and begin a successful career in the field.
Steven is the son of Everald and Susan McDonald of Elizabethtown.
A distinguished student, Steven is a member of the National Honor Society for exemplifying the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character, as well as the National Technical Honor Society, which recognizes excellence in career and technical education, including skill development, leadership, service, and character. He has consistently earned a place on the Honor Roll at Elizabethtown Area High School and the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center.
Beyond academics, Steven is an active participant in Wrestling, Track and Field, and Link Crew, demonstrating both athletic skill and leadership. His excellence in wrestling has earned him recognition as a Wrestling Academic All-Star in 2023 and 2024.
In the community, Steven’s commitment to service is evident in his Eagle Scout Award, a prestigious honor that reflects his dedication to leadership, community service, and personal development. Steven works as a lifeguard for the Willowood Swim Club and Greater Elizabethtown Area Recreation & Community Services (GEARS), ensuring safety and supporting recreational programs in the community.
Steven attends Christ Lutheran Evangelical Church, where he serves as a Worship Assistant and is active with the Youth Group.
After graduation, Steven plans to attend Pennsylvania State University’s main campus to major in Nursing and pursue a healthcare career.
Elizabethtown Area High School is proud to recognize its February Rotary Club Students of the Month: Faith Musser and Austin Risser. This honor celebrates students who demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community involvement, highlighting their contributions to the school and broader community.
Faith Musser is the daughter of Doug and Katina Musser of Elizabethtown.
Faith’s academic excellence is evident in her National Honor Society membership and her consistent placement on the Honor Roll every semester since 2021. She has also been recognized with academic awards in Agriculture Mechanics 1, Honors Pre-Veterinary Science, and Agriculture Mechanics and Engineering.
A dedicated athlete, Faith is a member of the Elizabethtown Field Hockey team, serving as a Varsity Co-Captain. Her hard work and leadership have earned her numerous accolades, including the All-State All-Academic Team Award, Lancaster-Lebanon League All-Academic Team recognition, and Pennsylvania High School Field Hockey Coaches Association All-State Academic Honors. She was also named the Elizabethtown Optimist Club Student-Athlete of the Month and selected as a Lancaster-Lebanon League First Team All-Star.
Faith is a dedicated member of the Elizabethtown FFA Chapter, where she has taken on multiple leadership roles, including Chaplain, Secretary, and Vice President. Her commitment to agricultural education and leadership is reflected in her achievement of several FFA degrees, including Greenhand, Chapter, and Red Rose, with the esteemed Keystone Degree awarded during her senior year.
Beyond school, Faith is deeply involved in the Lancaster County 4-H Program, holding leadership positions in the Mount Joy Community 4-H Club and participating in the Lancaster County 4-H Swine, Goat, and Beef Clubs, as well as the Lancaster County Teen Council. She has contributed to numerous service projects benefiting ECHOS, UNTO, and Masonic Village since 2017.
Faith works at Lavender and Locks Flower Farm and is an active member of Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, where she has served on the Technology Team and as an Infant Nursery Helper since 2017.
Faith plans to attend Penn State Harrisburg to study Agriculture (Pre-Major) and play field hockey.
Austin Risser is the son of Eric and Heidi Risser of Elizabethtown.
Academically, Austin is a National Honor Society member and has been recognized for his achievements in AP Physics I, AP Computer Science A, and Spanish II. He has been nominated as a Scholar-Athlete and has maintained Honor Roll status throughout high school.
Austin has been a member of the Elizabethtown High School Basketball team for three years and serves as Student Events Co-Leader for the Student Welfare Agency Team.
His community involvement includes helping run youth basketball camps and volunteering through Etown Brethren in Christ Church, where he has participated in service trips, kids ministry, and the tech team.
Austin is employed at Masonic Village.
Austin plans to attend college to study Computer Science.
Elizabethtown Area High School is proud to recognize its January Rotary Club Students of the Month: Alison Fink and Dalton Fink. This honor celebrates students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement, highlighting their contributions to the school and broader community.
Alison is the daughter of Ronald and Jodi Fink of Elizabethtown.
Alison is a dedicated and accomplished student with a strong record of academic achievement and extracurricular involvement. Alison has been on the Honor Roll throughout high school, earning recognition as an AP Scholar and induction into the National Honor Society. She has received multiple Underclassmen Awards in subjects such as Introduction to Health Sciences, Honors Human Anatomy & Physiology, AP Calculus AB, Honors Chemistry, and College in High School Psychology.
Outside the classroom, Alison excels as an athlete, serving as Captain of the Cross Country team and competing at the varsity level in both Swim and Track and Field. She is also deeply committed to serving others, mentoring through the Jumpstart program and contributing to the May Day Student Council Committee as a Chair member.
Alison's community service includes volunteering as a Swim Coach for the Elizabethtown Aquatic Club and Mount Joy Swim Team and assisting at the Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Alison works as a lifeguard at Willowood Swim Club and Gears Swim School and as a private swim lesson instructor. She is an active member of Mary Mother of the Church.
Alison plans to attend college to further her education and athletic career.
Dalton is the son of Ronald and Jodi Fink of Elizabethtown.
Dalton is a standout student who balances academic excellence with a commitment to athletics and community service. Dalton has earned Honor Roll recognition in ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades and is a member of the National Honor Society. He has also received multiple Underclassman Awards in subjects such as Honors World History and Forensic Chemistry.
Dalton's dedication to athletics shines through his leadership role as Captain of the Varsity Cross Country Team where he made the Lancaster-Lebanon Section 2 all-star team and as a member of the Varsity Swim and Baseball Teams. In addition to his athletic commitments, Dalton serves as a Culture Captain for the Student Lighthouse Team, mentors through the Jumpstart Program, and supports the Athletic Support Team.
Dalton's community involvement includes volunteering as a Swim Coach for the Elizabethtown Area Aquatic Club and Mount Joy Swim Team. He also contributes to the high school baseball team by assisting with the annual library book sale setup and serving as an instructor at its summer youth camp. Dalton is employed at Elizabethtown Sporting Goods and Willowood Swim Club and interns with Clear Wealth Partners Investment Strategies. He is a member of Mary Mother of the Church.
Dalton plans to attend a four-year university to pursue a degree in Business Administration while continuing his athletic career.
Elizabethtown Area High School announces its December Rotary Club Students of the Month: Addyson Hackman and Scott Creason. This program celebrates and recognizes student achievements by sustaining a culture of learning and belonging that values academic success and raises awareness of student contributions to the high school community.
Addyson is the daughter of Mike and Heather Hackman of Elizabethtown.
Addyson is a highly motivated and accomplished student who has consistently excelled academically and in leadership roles. Her dedication and achievements were recognized with her induction into the National Honor Society in spring 2024, a testament to her embodiment of the organization’s four pillars: scholarship, leadership, service, and character.
During the 2023-2024 school year, Addyson’s exceptional academic and leadership abilities earned her the prestigious Underclassmen Academic Leadership Award—an honor bestowed upon only two students. She has also received multiple underclass awards, excelling in subjects such as Intro to Python and 20th Century World History, further showcasing her commitment to academic excellence.
Addyson serves as Student Council Co-President, managing the council and overseeing events. She has also held roles as Publicity Secretary and Community Service Chair. Addyson has excelled in Model United Nations, representing countries such as North Korea, Russia, and Mongolia. She further demonstrated her commitment to personal growth by participating in the Attollo leadership program, where she achieved Scholar status.
Outside of school, Addyson dedicates her time to serving the community. She has volunteered at various events, including LIV-Etown, the Fall Fest, and the Daddy-Daughter Dance. Additionally, she has participated in Christmas celebrations at the Star Barn and other community initiatives. Addyson works as a server at the Clubhouse at Masonic Villages. She also works with Figments and Sprinkles and The Candy Unicornium. Addyson is an active member of Community Bible Church, attending youth group on Wednesday nights.
Looking to the future, Addyson plans to graduate in January and begin basic training in the Air Force. She then intends to pursue a college degree in Cybersecurity.
Scott is the son of Jennifer and Joseph Creason of Elizabethtown.
Scott is a well-rounded and accomplished student who has excelled in academics, athletics, and the arts throughout high school. A consistent Honor Roll student, he is a member of the National Honor Society and was recognized with the Jacqueline Meyers World Language Award for Spanish III in his junior year. Scott’s passion for music and theater earned him multiple accolades, including a Hershey Theater Apollo Award nomination for Best Lead Actor in a Play and an Honorable Mention for Best Lead Actor in a Musical.
Scott is deeply involved in the performing arts at the high school, participating in the Marching Band, Chamber Choir, Concert Choir, and Theater Department. He has played roles in both the Fall Play and Spring Musical every year and works with the school newspaper. His vocal talent has earned him selection to the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association (LLMEA) County Choir, Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 7 Choir, PMEA Region 5 Choir, and recognition as an Alternate for the PMEA All-State Choir.
In addition to his artistic endeavors, Scott is an athlete, competing on the Elizabethtown Area High School Men’s Volleyball Team and the Elizabethtown Mountain Biking Team, where he has participated since eighth grade.
Beyond school, Scott contributes to his community as a Choir Intern at Elizabethtown Area Middle School and as a coach at Rheems Volleyball Summer Camp. He also volunteers with the Elizabethtown Mountain Bike Team’s Boot Camp. Scott works part-time as a Cook’s Helper at Masonic Villages. Scott is an active member of Mary Mother of the Church Parish, participating in the Youth Music Ministry as a singer.
Looking to the future, Scott plans to attend West Virginia University to study Exercise Science, focusing on Strength and Conditioning. His ultimate goal is to open his own gym.
The Annual Christmas Tree sale fundraiser is our largest fundraiser and helps us raise in excess of $30000 that goes into community projects throughout the year. Our generous business sponsors pay for all the trees which allows the money spent by the customers to be entirely designated for community donations. Every physically able club member volunteers to work at least 2 set-up, sales, or support shifts during the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
November 29 - December 18 at the Giant Food Store parking lot in Elizabethtown
We gratefully thank our business sponsors for the 2024 Christmas Tree Sale.
The businesses listed below have purchased all of the trees so that the money you pay for your tree goes entirely for our community projects!
THANKS, GIANT, for allowing us to again use the parking lot and frontage space for our sale! Thanks also to Messicks Farm Equipment for the tree delivery, Hollinger Services for credit card processing and project fund accounting, Toshiba for printing services, Pine Creek Structures and Peace of Mind Self-Storage.
Click on the link in the side menu for Christmas Tree Safety Tips from our friends at the Rheems Fire Company.
Rotary year 2025-2026 WILL BE OUR 100th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
Our Centennial Committee has been hard at work planning for an amazing year of celebration which will include local projects to benefit the community, a major international project, updating the club history book , and a whopper of a Gala planned for January 2026. Join us as we celebrate the leaders of the past AND present who have given so much to the Elizabethtown Community!
One of the projects that the 100th Anniversary Committee and the Board approved was to purchase and place 3 heavy duty 9’ benches with our 100th logo in our community. Two of them were placed on the Conewago Trail. They are at the .5 and 4.5 mile markers so look for them as you hike or bike the trail. The County of Lancaster Parks and Recreation paid for and installed the pads and the benches at no cost to our Club. The other bench was placed behind the brick building on the United Churches Elizabethtown Area/ECHOES campus. The pad and installation for this bench was completed and paid for by BMK Construction of Elizabethtown at no cost to our Club. Stay tuned for more wonderful things as we get closer to our 100th.
Elizabethtown Area High School announces its November Rotary Club Students of the Month: Juliana Gillette and Brendan Fritz. This program celebrates and recognizes student achievements by sustaining a culture of learning and belonging that values academic success and raises awareness of student contributions to the high school community.
Juliana is the daughter of Gregory and Kelly Gillette of Elizabethtown.
Recognized as an exemplary student and leader, Juliana was inducted into the National Honor Society in spring 2024 for exemplifying the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. Her teachers acknowledged her academic excellence with recognition in Spanish 3 during the Underclass Awards Program.
Juliana serves as Class Secretary and holds officer positions in the Key Club, Human Rights Club, and Red Cross Club. She actively participates in Mini-THON and is a Stage Manager for the high school's theater program. Additionally, Juliana's involvement extends to the Chamber Choir and the Varsity Tennis and Unified Bocce Teams, highlighting her commitment to a well-rounded school life.
In addition to her school commitments, Juliana volunteers with Bear Bags, providing essential food assistance to families in need. She also balances her time working as a babysitter and as a Food Runner at Twisted Bine Beer Company. Juliana is a member of Saint Peter's Catholic Church.
Looking to the future, Juliana plans to attend a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She aspires to enter the healthcare field as a Nurse Practitioner, with the potential to work as a travel nurse to expand her impact.
Brendan is the son of Matthew and Carrie Fritz of Elizabethtown.
Brendan Fritz is a proud inductee of the National Honor Society, where he was recognized for his scholarship, leadership, service, and character. He has consistently achieved Honor Roll status, reflecting his dedication to academic excellence.
A passionate musician, Brendan actively participates in the school's music programs, including the Chamber and Concert Choirs, and the Concert, Marching, and Jazz Bands. His talents also extend to his roles in high school musicals and plays. Brendan's exceptional performances have earned him multiple Hershey Theater Apollo Awards, celebrating his achievements as both an Outstanding Supporting Actor and Lead Actor in plays and musicals. He was also recognized as a Beyond the Footlights Performer, showcasing his commitment to theater and excellence in performance. Brendan has also participated in the Lancaster-Lebanon Music Educators Association County Choir and the Pennsylvanian Music Educators Association District and Regional Choirs.
Beyond his school and artistic pursuits, Brendan works as a Conductor and Station Master for Hershey Trolley Works, gaining valuable experience that combines his love for performance with community engagement.
Brendan plans to attend a four-year college to major in Vocal Performance and Anthropology.
Elizabethtown Area High School announces its October Rotary Club Students of the Month: Tessa Cronin and Noah Breneman. This program celebrates and recognizes student achievements by sustaining a culture of learning and belonging that values academic success and raises awareness of student contributions to the high school community.
Tessa is the daughter of Rob and Kathy Cronin of Elizabethtown.
Tessa is an outstanding student and leader, having been inducted into the National Honor Society in the spring of 2024 for exemplifying the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. She was honored with the 2024 A.P. Language and Composition Award and has received multiple academic recognitions, including the Career and Finance Award in 2023 and the Honors U.S. History Award in 2022. Tessa has also been a consistent Honor Roll student.
Tessa’s athletic achievements are equally impressive. She was the EAHS Women’s Varsity Swimming High Point Scorer for 2024 and qualified for the PIAA District 3 Championship Swim Meet in 2023 and 2024. She is an eight-time medalist at the Lancaster Lebanon League Championship Meet and earned varsity swim letters for three years. In field hockey, Tessa was named to the First Team Lancaster Lebanon League Section Two All-Star team in 2023, was the Varsity Defensive Most Valuable Player, and has been a varsity letter earner and starter for four years.
Tessa is also deeply involved in school and community activities. She is a Jump Start Program Mentor, a Mini-THON Captain, a Student Council Representative, and has chaired the school-wide May Day Community Service Committee for three years. She also serves as captain for both the Varsity Field Hockey and Swim teams. In addition, Tessa is gaining valuable professional experience through her internship at Nikolaus and Hohenadel Attorneys LLP.
Beyond school, Tessa plays for the PA United USA Team in field hockey and has been a member of the Elizabethtown Aquatic Club since 2012. She volunteers as a coach for the 12 and under swimmers at Elizabethtown Aquatic Club and has competed with the Willowood Bluefins Summer Swim Team since 2012. She has been recognized as the 2023 Willowood Swim Lessons Instructor of the Year and the 2024 Willowood Lifeguard of the Year.
After graduation, Tessa plans to attend a four-year college, where she hopes to swim or play field hockey. Following her undergraduate studies, she aspires to attend law school.
Noah is the son of Jason and Stephanie Breneman of Elizabethtown.
Noah's academic excellence has earned him recognition as a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, one of the highest honors a student can attain. Less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors are selected as semifinalists, representing the top-scoring students in each state. He is also a member of the National Honor Society for exemplifying the four pillars of scholarship, leadership, service, and character. At the underclass awards program, Noah's achievements were recognized by the high school faculty with academic excellence award in Health
A dedicated student and leader, Noah is the EAHS Sea/Air/Land (SEAL) Team captain and has competed in various math and coding competitions against other schools. In his senior year, he became a member of the EAHS Link Crew and is a varsity athlete on the Elizabethtown Mountain Bike Team.
Outside of school, Noah contributes to his community through his involvement at Community Bible Church, where he regularly attends the high school youth group and volunteers at the summer Junior Camp. He also finds time to work, serving as an employee at Kinsey's Outdoors and as a worker for the Philly Cheesesteak: On The Roll food truck. Noah's passion for mountain biking extends beyond competition; he rides and races with the 717 Cycling team and independently in his spare time.
After graduation, Noah plans to pursue a four-year college education in mechanical engineering.
