The 2022 Pilot International Annual Convention and Leadership Conference was held in Rochester, New York at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center from June 29 through July 2. The theme for the Convention was, “Challenges, Choices, and Changes for a New Century.” Great Bend Pilot members congratulate the newly installed Pilot International President, Rhona Espinoza, and her team and pledge their support to all of them. This was the 101st Anniversary for Pilot International. 

A delegation of four members, headed by President Barbara Watson, attended from the Pilot Club of Great Bend. Watson was joined by Renee Johnson, Mary Cramer and Daniel Watson.

The Pilot Club of Great Bend was recognized at the highest Gold membership level with several awards. The chapter placed exceptionally well in all categories:

• First in Community Service

• First in Service Hours with club members logging over 12,000 volunteer service hours this past year

• First in Visibility

• Second in Pick Me Up projects

The highlight was the club’s recognition as Outstanding Pilot Club chapter overall. All four attendees were able to walk across the international stage and accept awards for the club’s outstanding accomplishments and service this year. 

Club President Barbara Watson commented, “The convention experience was awesome. Pilots had a wonderful time learning, sharing and spending time with each other at all the events, as we renewed friendships and made new friends with Pilots from around the world.” 

As they begin this new Pilot year the Pilot Club of Great Bend will continue to “Do More, Care More and Be More” in the community. To learn more about Pilot club contact Joyce Beadles Fry or Nancy Schuetz, membership chairs, to join in their mission to improve the quality of life in the community.