The Rotary Club of Welland has offered some form of Rotary Bursary since 1950, with more regular recipients beginning in 1963 – 62 years ago! Two students from each of the 7 secondary schools graduating classes in Welland and Port Colborne are selected by their peers and guidance office.
These students have been chosen by their peers and Guidance staff because they personify the motto of Rotary “Service Above Self” as well as following the Four Way Test: “Of all the things we think say or do: Is it the truth? Is it Fair to all concerned? Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? They have made worthy contributions to the life of the school and the community at large and possess the qualities, abilities and interests that make them worthy representatives of their schools. At the same time, achieving academic success.
This year’s recipients are Marvelous Orisabiyi and Zachary Snack (Welland Centennial Secondary School); Jordan Kumar and Owen Higgs (Eastdale Secondary School); Sophie Filion and William Hnatiuk (École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf); Aicha Kaba and Jöel Boweya (École secondaire Franco-Niagara); Sophia Seca and Ethan Rasch (Lakeshore Catholic High School); Trista Sammutt and Nathaniel Obeh (Notre Dame College School); and Aryonna Forney and Carlos Yang (Port Colborne High School).
The Rotary Club of Welland, in recognition of their integrity, selflessness and worthy contribution to the life of your school with the unwavering commitment to the needs of others, provides a certificate, along with a Gold Medallion and small bursary, which were presented to the recipients as part of their graduating program. Each school also has a permanent plaque indicating the recipients over the years.
At the Rotary Meeting on June 10th, we had the pleasure of meeting these remarkable young people in person. They were asked to present a summary of the accomplishments, participation, and contribution; however not of themselves, but of their fellow classmate. Repeatedly. they talked about dedication and involvement in not only school life, but community volunteerism. All recipients were driven to participate in many scholastic and athletic activities, mentoring younger students, and participating in the school’s leadership.
Media Contact: Kyle Huntingdon (905) 468-1659