KATHMANDU: A senior mountaineering instructor from Dolakha district is set to lead the Rotary Club of New York Queens as president for the 2026–2027 year.

During the Annual President and Executive Board Installation Ceremony, Pasang Sherpa was named president of the Rotary Club of New York Queens for the 2026–2027 Rotary year.

The event was attended by District Governor Lydia Wells, District Governor-Elect Rose Quaranta, Past District Governor Arnie Quaranta, and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Queensborough West, Rotary Club of South Queens, Rotary Club of Freeport Merrick, and Rotary Club of Historic Jackson Heights, among others. Outgoing President Karma Lama handed over the charge to Pasang Sherpa for the Rotary year 2026–2027.

“On this occasion, we celebrate Rotary's proud tradition of leadership transition, ensuring our club continues to grow, serve, and create positive change in our communities and beyond,” Pasang said.

This year's Rotary International theme is "Create Lasting Impact." Pasang said the theme reminds us that meaningful service creates sustainable change that benefits future generations.

According to Pasang, the club’s Community Service Priorities for 2026–2027 include: promoting access to clean and safe drinking water; supporting healthcare assistance initiatives; advancing hygiene and sanitation awareness; expanding educational opportunities for children and students; assisting economically disadvantaged families; building sustainable community partnerships; strengthening collaborative efforts by continuing the lifesaving blood drive and expanding community service initiatives with Rotary clubs, partner organizations, and local communities; and continuing to support the Hope in the Himalayan Heartbeats (HHH) project.

The club will also organize a life-saving blood drive on Sunday, July 5, as well as celebrate its 10th anniversary and host a Rotary Gala Dinner before Christmas, while continuing to expand its service projects and strengthen its impact within the community, Pasang added.

Pasang also congratulated the newly installed club executive officers and board of directors and looked forward to working together to strengthen the club and expand its service. The new board includes Karma Lama, Pemba Sherpa, Michael Ashkenazy, Dawa Sherpa, Arbin Poudel, Hans Raj Joshi, Kham Bhatta, Nabaraj KC, Guru Datta Parajuli, Gegye Rinpoche, Purushottam Khadgi, Aruna Baskota, Sekhar Giri, Urgen Sherpa, and Samikshya Baskota.