On June 1, 2017, the Rotary Club of Carlsbad hosted over 75 people at the Agua Hedionda Discovery Center to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Rotary International.  Carlsbad Rotary TRF Committee recognized three distinguished members of the community who have made a significant contributions in the areas of health, education and community service and honored them with a Paul Harris Fellows recognition.
 
As part of the ceremonial, DGE, Scott Carr, placed the Paul Harris Medallion on each person receiving an award.  Receiving the awards were:
 
Paul Harris Recognition in Healthcare - Dr. Hamid Movahhedian, Tri-City Medical Center
Dr. Hamid Movahhedian (Dr. Mo) has an absolute passion for caring for the fragile babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Tri-City Medical Center.  He cares for them as if they were his own children, remembering each child and their families personally - not an easy feat considering that he has cared for 12,000 babies and counting.  Not only has Dr. Mo saved the lives of countless children, he truly is one of the most generous and kind-hearted people you will ever meet.  Glen Newhart, Tri-City Medical Center's Foundation President said it best when referring to Dr. Mo: "He is an exceptionally caring person and an outstanding physician that has devoted his life to caring for NICU babies.  We are blessed by him."
 
Paul Harris Recognition in Education - Dr. Sunita V. Cooke, Superintendent/President, MiraCosta College
With over 23 years of experience in higher education as a faculty member and administrator, Dr. Sunita "Sunny" Cook has served as a community college president for 10 years.  She currently serves as Superintendent/President of MiraCosta Community College District.  MiraCosta College has four campuses that serve over 20,000 students in North Coastal San Diego.
 
Highlights of the last three years:  In 2006, Dr. Cook led the successful bond campaign (Measure MM), which will allow the MiraCosta Community College District to implement its Facilities Master Plan and construct career training facilities for science, nursing, health care, engineering, math, technology, and skilled trades as well as repair and renovate aged buildings.  Also, her plans include improving job training, counseling and support services for veterans.  She serves as the Chair of the San Diego and Imperial Counties College Association.  She was a leader in bringing a $13 million grant to San Diego County to align high school and college career pathways and partner with business to train the future workforce.
 
Paul Harris Recognition in Community Service - Lisa Rodman
Lisa Rodman has been a part of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation team for seven years.  She has 30+ years of business development experience, raising funds, building relationships, and developing markets in various settings.  She holds a BA in Communication from California State University San Marcos.
 
A Carlsbad resident since 1983, Lisa is passionate about building awareness of Carlsbad's most unique Lagoon, "The People's Lagoon."  Lisa is a member of Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary, Fund Development Chair of Hospice of North Coast Board of Directors, Chair for the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce's Sustainability Committee, member of the Events Committee for North County Philanthropic Council, Planning Commissioner for Carlsbad and she served 12 years as Carlsbad Unified School District School Board Trustee.