The meeting on March 26, 2026 was opened by President Elect John Baciocco in President Scott Bailey’s absence, marking the first meeting he presided over.
The Rotary Club of Folsom recognized local educators and awarded its 2026 Teacher Grants during the club’s March 26 meeting, highlighting classroom projects that will benefit students throughout the Folsom Cordova Unified School District.
This year, 41 teachers from 14 schools received grants of up to $500 to support materials, equipment, and innovative learning projects designed to enhance opportunities for students.
Teachers were called forward by school and introduced by Rotarians Lisa Carlson and Vicki Bencken, who shared highlights of each project.
Grants were presented by Rotarians Bob Mange and Sonny DaMarto, who coordinates the teacher grant selection process for the Folsom Lake Rotary Club. FCUSD Superintendent Erik Swanson was also in attendance.
A hosted bar was provided for the evening, with drinks hosted by Rotarians Lisa and Dennis Carlson.
All of the guests’ dinners were sponsored by Carlson Agency Insurance Services Inc.
The Rotary Club of Folsom’s Teacher Grant Program began nearly three decades ago and has become one of the club’s signature efforts supporting local education. This year, the Rotary Club of Folsom partnered again with the Folsom Lake Rotary Club to award $17,000 in grants to teachers across the district.
Since the program began, Rotary has awarded grants to more than 400 teachers, providing over $175,000 directly to classrooms.
“Having seen firsthand how creative and dedicated our educators are, I know these Rotary grants help bring their best ideas to life in the classroom and make a real difference for students every day,” said Bob Mange, chair of the Rotary Club of Folsom’s Teacher Grant Program.
The evening also included a special recognition of Mange, whose career in education and service to the community spans decades. Mange served the district for more than 30 years as a teacher, coach, principal, and district administrator.
During the event, the Rotary Club of Folsom announced that the Teacher Grant Program will now be known as the Bob Mange Teacher Grant Program, honoring his long-standing leadership and commitment to supporting educators.
A proclamation from the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors was presented by Sacramento County Supervisor Rosario Rodriguez, a member of the Rotary Club of Folsom, recognizing Mange’s contributions to education and community service. A separate proclamation honoring Mange was presented on behalf of the City of Folsom by Vice Mayor Anna Rohrbough, also a Rotary Club of Folsom member, representing the office of Mayor Justin Raithel, who is also a member of the club.
Supporting students and educators has long been a priority for the Rotary Club of Folsom. Over the past 29 years, the club has contributed more than $500,000 to Folsom schools through programs including teacher grants, student scholarships, the Rotary High School Student Speech Contest, Rotary Youth Leadership Awakening (RYLA), a week-long leadership camp, and Rotary Youth Exchange. The club also hosts a Leadership and Ethics Conference for high school juniors and distributes dictionaries each year to all Folsom third graders. In addition, the club sponsors Interact Clubs at Folsom High School and Vista Del Lago High School.
The Rotary Club of Folsom remains committed to celebrating and supporting teachers, students, and educational programs in the community.
The Teacher Grant Award event and the recognition of Bob Mange were planned and organized by President Elect John Baciocco and President Elect Nominee Vicky Bencken, and they both did an incredible job making this event a huge success.
District Assembly
The Rotary District 5180 District Assembly is Rotary’s premier leadership training event designed to prepare incoming club officers and board members for a successful Rotary year. On Saturday, March 28, our club was represented at District Assembly by President Elect John Baciocco, President Elect Nominee Vicky Bencken, District Governor Designate Ryan Jantzen, and incoming Public Image Chair Samantha Davidson.
This year, Ryan Jantzen led the session on club membership, and it was interesting to hear the different ideas on how Rotary clubs promote membership.
There were many opportunities to attend different breakout sessions to further knowledge, hear from District leadership, and share ideas with members from other clubs. Members from our club attended different sessions and shared their ideas and what they learned with each other to help plan for a successful 2026-2027 Rotary year. It is highly encouraged for any Rotarian to attend—please consider attending next year!
Community Event:
Rotary Spring Concert Series
Starting Saturday, April 11, 2026, enjoy a Rotary-sponsored Spring Concert Series every Saturday from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Zittel Family Amphitheater in Historic Folsom for five weeks.
District 5180 Conference - REGISTER NOW!
Caesars Republic, South Lake Tahoe
May 1 - 3
Join Rotarians from across the district for a weekend of connection, inspiration, and celebration. Highlights include comedian Kay Frances, a Poker Run, Plunge for Polio, Rotary Speech Contest, dueling pianos, Awards Night, guest speakers, and more.
A special Friday Night Reception is available for $75 per person.
Register here:
https://tinyurl.com/D5180Conference
Hotel booking deadline: April 10, 2026
https://book.passkey.com/event/51058586/owner/14208/home
