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Okemo Mountain School Head of School Speaks at Ludlow Rotary Club Meeting LUDLOW, VT — The Ludlow Rotary Club welcomed Mariel Meringolo, Head of School at Okemo Mountain School (OMS), as the featured speaker at its recent meeting. Meringolo shared the inspiring story of OMS, founded in 1991 to meet the academic and athletic needs of competitive winter sports athletes. Over the years, OMS has guided numerous Olympians and professional skiers and riders, earning a strong reputation for excellence both on the slopes and in the classroom. During her presentation, Meringolo emphasized OMS's deep commitment to community involvement. The school offers eight scholarships each year to students from towns within the Two Rivers Supervisory Union, helping make world-class training and education more accessible to local families. She also highlighted how OMS students have been giving back since the 2021–2022 season, volunteering with the Ludlow Elementary School snow sports program, skiing and riding alongside young students during their Wednesday afternoons at Okemo. In addition, OMS runs The Three Maples Summer Day Camp, launched in 2022 as a low-cost camp opportunity for local children. The camp has become a popular summer tradition, offering fun, adventure, and outdoor education for area families. Applications for OMS scholarships and financial aid are available online. Rotary Business and Community Updates In other business, the Ludlow Rotary Club presented a donation to the Mount Holly Fire Department, continuing its long-standing tradition of supporting essential local services and community organizations. The meeting also featured guest speaker Erin Ladd, the new Director of Planning and Zoning for the Town of Ludlow, who shared information about the town's Better Connections Grant application through the Vermont Department of Transportation. The initiative could bring funding for safer streets, improved pedestrian walkways, expanded parking, and the creation of a master plan designed to strengthen the local economy and enhance village life. Heidi Bates, representing the Black River Academy Museum, spoke about the upcoming Festival of Lights fundraiser — a festive four-weekend event featuring beautifully decorated trees. Visitors can purchase raffle tickets to win a tree of their choice, with the drawing and celebration scheduled for Wednesday, December 17. The Ludlow Rotary Club also welcomed Lori Wright as its newest member, continuing Rotary's mission of bringing together community leaders in service and fellowship. About the Ludlow Rotary Club The Ludlow Rotary Club is part of Rotary International, a global service organization dedicated to promoting goodwill, peace, and community engagement. The club meets Tuesdays at lunch to discuss local issues, coordinate volunteer efforts, and support programs that strengthen the Ludlow region and beyond. If you would like to attend a meeting and learn how you may 'Serve Humanity' while enjoying the fun and fellowship of others, please contact any Rotarian or drop a note to Ludlow Rotary, PO Box 216, Ludlow, Vermont.
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