Sherry Yardley, Rotary District 5340 Rotarian of the Year, receives her award from 2025–2026 District Governor Luis Carranza
(Michael Clancy)
The Encinitas Rotary Club has been named Best Medium-Sized Club in District 5340, recognizing its community leadership and philanthropic impact. Longtime member Sherry Yardley was also honored as District 5340 Rotarian of the Year, selected from among 3,000 Rotarians in the district, according to a news release.
District 5340, covering nearly 60 Rotary clubs across San Diego and Imperial Counties, presents these annual awards to those who best embody Rotary’s motto: “Service Above Self.”
The club earned top honors after a standout year of local and international service. Its work includes the Encinitas Wine & Food Festival, its flagship event, which this summer raised $133,000 supporting 17 local nonprofits and youth beneficiaries; hands-on outreach such as senior assistance, food drives, and coastal cleanups; and youth and global humanitarian programs, including Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Model UN, and international clean energy and housing initiatives, the news release stated.
Yardley was recognized for her leadership and dedication to District 5340 initiatives, and has helped raise the club’s profile and grow charitable grants for local nonprofits.
“Receiving the Best Medium-Sized Club award is a testament to the can-do spirit and energy our members bring every single week,” said ERC President Brian Driscoll in the news release. “And having Sherry Yardley recognized as Rotarian of the Year is the cherry on top. Her leadership, dedication, and spirit embody the very best of Rotary.”
Founded over 80 years ago, the Encinitas Rotary Club brings together business, professional, and community leaders for volunteer work and charitable causes in North County San Diego and abroad. The club meets Wednesdays at noon at the Encinitas Elks Lodge, 1393 Windsor Rd, Cardiff. Learn more at encinitasrotary.com.
Rotary District 5340 represents dozens of clubs across San Diego and Imperial Counties, uniting thousands of Rotarians around community service, youth development, disease prevention, and international peace.