The Rotary Club of Huntley is part of Rotary International. Rotary was the first service club started in 1905. Rotarians take action to create lasting change, across the globe, in our community, in us. The Huntley Rotary Club was chartered May 17, 2000 and has contributed to many worthwhile projects locally and around the world.
Annual Thom Palmer Scholarship
$500.00 for student entering the field of Parks and Recreation
Deadline to Apply to your School Counselor: March 15, 2024
Thom Palmer, a charter member of the Rotary Club of Huntley, Illinois, USA, was a contributing participant, club President and Paul Harris Fellow. A long-time Huntley Rotarian established the annual $500 Thom Palmer Scholarship for a resident of Huntley who is graduating from high school and will enter the field of Parks and Recreation. Beginning spring of 2022, the scholarship will honor Thom and his tireless work and leadership with Rotary and the Huntley Park District.
Thom Palmer retired in December of 2021 after 23 years as the first Executive Director of the Huntley Park District. Thom holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University and a master’s degree from Aurora University. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional and has been a member and supporter of NRPA, IPRA and IAPD during his tenure. Thom began his career at the Crystal Lake Park District as a Recreation Supervisor and then on to the Oregon Park District as Superintendent of Recreation.
Thom led the HPD team in the acquisition and development of regional and neighborhood parks, as well as the creation of many programs and special events such as the Huntley Fall Fest. He was instrumental in the construction of the Stingray Bay Family Aquatic Center, the transformation of the old high school into a state-of-the art REC Center/Cosman Theater, purchase of the Pinecrest Golf Course along with the building of the clubhouse, development of the Tomaso Sports Complex, creation of the Deicke Discovery Zone (ADA accessible mega-playground) and the construction of the Ostrander Parks Maintenance Building.
Thom credits his success at the Huntley Park District to the Park Board of Commissioners (past and current) that had a great vision for the future of the Huntley area, a dynamic and creative staff, strong partnerships with local governmental agencies and the awesome residents of the fast growing and vibrant Huntley area community.
Thom strives to live by the words of John Wesley: "Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, by all the ways you can, in all the places you can, to all the people you can, for as long as you can."