Dan Watson was the delegate for Pilot Club of Great Bend at the 101st Pilot International Convention and Leadership Conference held in Bellevue, Wash. Joining Dan at the convention was Rhonda Knudson, and Barbara Watson, the club past President. Pilots worldwide attend this convention each year and make new Pilot friends, renew old friendships, as well as celebrate outstanding achievements by member clubs. 

The Great Bend club, for the second year, won international awards at the Gold Level: First Place – Outstanding Volunteer Hours; first place - Outstanding Pilot Club Visibility; second place – Pick Me up Project; and first place – Outstanding Pilot Club Overall.  

Dan commented, “These awards are appreciated beyond measure, and well deserved by our caring and dedicated members whose mission is to make Great Bend and Barton County better communities.”

The dynamic Pacific Northwest energy inspired and invigorated our 2023 conference. The convention had engaging speakers and workshops ensuring members would leave energized, equipped, enlightened, and empowered to share with Pilot friends and our respective communities our mission to “Do More, Be More and Care More.”

From the opening ceremony, the business sessions and informative workshops to the President’s Tea Party and installation of international officers for 2023-2024, it was very informative and enjoyable for the 484 attendees who included Pilots, Co-Pilots, Anchors and Navigators.

During the weekend Pilots were entertained by outgoing PI President Rhona Espinoza and husband and Co-Pilot Rudy Espinoza of Pilot Club of Belen, Southwest District. The convention culminated in the installation banquet for Pilot International officers and the incoming Pilot International President Holly Baker, Pilot Club of Moline, Midwest District, on Saturday night. 

Pilot’s mission is to influence positive change around the world. Brain related projects are an important focus. With that in mind the service project at the convention this year was for Bellevue Life Spring where Pilot members filled more than 2,000 bags of hygiene kits to be distributed to 27 schools for students and families in need in the Bellevue area.

To learn more about Pilot Club and its mission or for information about joining Pilot as a volunteer go to www.greatbendpilotclub.com/or “Like” The Pilot Club of Great Bend Facebook page.