Elgin Rotary Club awards scholarships during annual luncheon

The Rotary Club of Elgin honored more than 300 of the brightest high school students during its 88th annual Awards Day Luncheon Monday at Judson University.

The group recognized local high school students who earned straight A's during the first semester of the 2015-2016 academic year. Participating schools include: Burlington Central, Elgin Academy, Elgin, Larkin, Harvest Christian Academy, South Elgin, St. Edward Central Catholic and Westminster Christian School.

Four students were randomly selected for $1,000 scholarships each, funded through Rotary events and donations. They are: Timothy Hess, South Elgin; Sean Phelan, St. Edward; Victoria Teik, Elgin Academy; and Sarah Scheflow, Larkin.

"We will give another one to a senior in the Interact Club at South Elgin or Elgin High," said Rick Mogler, club president. "One of the big things that we like to recognize and support is education. It's important. I remember 25 years ago my daughter was a recipient of one of those scholarships. It's a neat tradition that we've done for a very, very long time. It's a pleasure to meet those students. They are all wonderful."

Manuel Barbosa, a retired federal judge for the Northern District of Illinois, gave the keynote address.