Courtney Blankenship (center) chats with Dr. Melissa Pratt and Mike Herron.

Courtney Blankenship is a junior psychology major at Tennessee's Lee University, and part of her training includes "hands on" experience in Christian ministry.

So the Middletown (Ohio) native signed on for a rigorous internship program with Dr. Melisssa L. Pratt in the Teays Valley Church of God faith community.

Among the multiple duties assigned by her minister mentor is service through Rotary, a bonus which may have been revealed to Blankenship for the first time today.

Following a hearty reception by the Rotarians, Blankenship spoke at length and without advance preparation on her summer duties which include youth work, counseling observation, music and church administration.

President-Elect Mike Herron complimented her on her impromptu remarks, and generously agreed to allow her to assist with Rotary service projects during the course of her stay in Teays Valley without paying Rotary dues.