Naperville Rotary awards 15 students 'Service Above Self' scholarships
On Thursday, May 4, the Rotary Club of Naperville awarded $39,500 in scholarships to 15 students who prioritize "service above self" at the club's annual Pursuit of Life Awards.
The awards were presented at a luncheon event at Meson Sabika honoring the students and their families.
Scholarships were funded through generous donations from the Rotary Club of Naperville, Naperville Sunrise Rotary, Naperville Rotary Charities, Naperville Rotary Foundation, and members of the Slocumb family.
A total of 81 students applied, and 15 of those students were selected to receive scholarships ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.
"This year, we have a wide array of talented students receiving scholarships," said Maria Caselli, Youth Service Chair for The Rotary Club of Naperville. "In addition to several Honors Society members and peer and community service leaders, we also have a past Paul Harris Fellow recipient, activists, entrepreneurs, student athletes, a podcast co-host, a six-time record breaker in track and field, and an Eagle Scout. The one thing they all have in common is their dedication to serving others and making a positive impact."
"This scholarship provides me with the means to bring positive change to our community," said scholarship recipient Anika Manelkar, a senior at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora. "Your faith in me in giving me this scholarship does not go unnoticed. I am truly grateful for the chance you have given me to prove that the power of my hope and passion will go a long way to truly make a difference in our city, state, and perhaps even our country."
"This scholarship will help me to achieve my academic goals and also pursue my dreams of computer science at North Central College," said Nathan Purkis, a senior at Naperville Central High School. "This scholarship has not only provided much needed financial assistance; it also inspires me to keep working harder to continue my education. I'm confident that I can make the most out of this opportunity and use my education to make a positive impact on society."
This year's Pursuit of Life scholarship recipients are:
• Gavin Bohan, Naperville Central High School
• Rachel Boudeman, Naperville North High School
• Charlie Egan, Naperville Central High School
• Danny Eloe, Naperville North High School
• Allison Enright, Neuqua Valley High School
• Anika Manelkar, Waubonsie Valley High School
• Olivia Meyer, Naperville Central High School
• Srila Munukutla, Neuqua Valley High School
• Emily Negrete, Neuqua Valley High School
• Nathan Purkis, Naperville Central High School
• Skylar Russo, Naperville Central High School
• Sofia San Pedro, Waubonsie Valley High School
• Becca Scott, Naperville Central High School
• Lachlan Sorensen, Neuqua Valley High School
• Esha Thakker, Neuqua Valley High School.
The Rotary Club of Naperville would also like to thank the Metea Valley Jazz Combo and Apollo Men's a cappella group, for their excellent performances at the awards luncheon.
The club was founded on March 31, 1941 with 15 members. Today, the Rotary Club of Naperville has over 100 members who are dedicated to "service above self" and provides a wide variety of service projects in the community and globally. The club meets at 12:15 p.m. most Thursdays in person or on Zoom. Guests are welcome to join.
The Rotary Club of Naperville is a member of Rotary International, one of the first humanitarian organizations, and is a part of over 35,000 Rotary Clubs in more than 200 counties and geographical areas with 1.2 million members worldwide. The purpose of our fellowship is to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and to help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Rotary Club of Naperville includes members who are leaders in the fields of business, education, religion, nonprofit organizations, government, and many other vocations. Visit www.rotaryclubofnaperville.org for more information.