Rotary International photographer Alyce Henson had focused her lens on a Rotary-club sponsored health clinic in Niger when she paused and glanced behind her. That’s when she spotted a group of people gathered around a well, also sponsored by Rotary clubs. The striking photo that she quickly snapped became her best photo of the day.

“It’s important when you are focused on a single subject in front of you that you also turn around,” she said, recalling the moment. “Otherwise, you might miss something beautiful going on behind you.”

It was March 2006, several months after a devastating food crisis hit Niger, the world’s poorest country. Many other emergency relief teams were gone. But Rotarians were hard at work, trying to end the annual cycle of hunger. As of 30 June 2006, Rotarians worldwide had contributed US$700,000, and two new clubs had been chartered, including the first deep within the Sahara, the Rotary Club of Agadez.

Rotarians know how to hang in there for the long haul. After all, Rotary has been supporting polio eradication for more than two decades. That commitment is paying off: In February 2006, Egypt and Niger were removed from the list of polio-endemic countries.

It’s important when you are focused on a single subject in front of you that you also turn around. Otherwise, you might miss something beautiful going on behind you. - Alyce Henson

So many other milestones have happened over the past 12 months. As we close the Rotary year, we dedicate this issue of Interactive to documenting some of the most memorable moments. For example, in 2006 alone, the British disaster-relief group ShelterBox, founded by a Rotarian, responded to emergencies in about 10 countries around the world, bringing to 28,000 the total number of ShelterBoxes that have been distributed to 450,000 people during the past six years.

Another highlight was the rebuilding of Warren Easton Fundamental Senior High School, covered in our October 2006 issue, which became a symbol of hope – and headlines – for the devastated New Orleans community after Rotarians helped restore the historic structure ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

So, before launching into the Rotary year ahead, take a few minutes to pause and glance back at the beautiful moments that are just behind you.