Two students awarded Rotary scholarships

“Rotary is known for service to the community, and part of that commitment is mentoring young people,” said Linda Hicks, chair of the Scholarship Committee of the Rotary Club of West Chester. In an effort to better connect with high school Interact clubs, the West Chester club has begun offering scholarships to Interact members in the three West Chester high schools. “It is hoped that these students will become future Rotarians and adopt our motto of ‘Service Above Self,’” added Hicks.

The scholarships are given annually to two students whose essays note their community service and volunteer activities, and include a statement of the positive impact of these activities on them and their community. The scholarship committee evaluates the essays based on the years of voluntary involvement, leadership roles, and the number of hours and months spent in these activities.

This year’s winners, each receiving a $3,000 award, are Holly Brady, a senior at East High School, and Brynn Connell, a senior at Rustin High School. Holly has been involved in volunteering and community activities since she was a high school freshman. She has volunteered at Interact events, such as the East Goshen Pumpkinfest, tree lighting, as camp counselor at their Summer Camp, and Neighbor to Neighbor program. She says that community involvement has given her a sense of inclusion and “being a part of something bigger than just me or my school.”

At East, she is co-president of KARE and Alex’s Lemonade Service Club. She participated in the Best Buddies Program, and learned about other cultures by leading a school supplies collection drive for Micronesian students. Helping with the Rotary Club’s Chili Cook-off, she saw people of all ages working together to make a difference. Letters of recommendation cite Holly as intelligent, hard-working, positive, energetic, with a concern for and wiliness to serve others.

Brynn began volunteering as a youngster when her family cooked dinner for and donated Christmas presents for children in need. She has volunteered with the New Christians in Service summer camp, and Gaudenzia House, entertaining children while their mothers are in treatment. She has packaged meals for the West Chester Food Cupboard and Stop Hunger Now, and provided food to impoverished communities worldwide. Leadership roles provided her opportunities for mentoring middle school youngsters on the importance of serving others. “Serving the community has shown me the impact that just one person can have,” she said.

Joining the Interact Club at Rustin, she is serving as President, and helped organize bake sales to raise funds for fabric, and the sewing of pillowcases for children with cancer, a flower sale, packaged meals for women at Safe Harbor, and has recruited new members who are eager to help their community. Letters of recommendation cite her as compassionate, dependable, considerate, professional, and an excellent leader.

In closing, Hicks quoted a past president of a Rhode Island Rotary club, “If we train our youth properly, we need not have any fear as to the future of the world.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO Two students were each awarded a $3,000 scholarship from the Rotary Club of West Chester at a recent meeting. Pictured with the students are (from left) Matt Connell; Maureen Wallace, assistant principal, East High School; Kristin Connell; Georgette...