Batavia Lions Club names two scholarship winners

The Batavia Lions Club is pleased to announce the awarding of two Humanitarian Service Scholarships to Batavia High School graduating seniors Kiersten Wydra and Katherine Polick.

Each winner will receive a $2,000 one-time award.

It is given to a deserving senior who has shown outstanding selfless dedication, and a willingness to serve as a volunteer for the needs of others.

Kiersten Wydra, going on to the University of Illinois, Champaign, plans to major in special education. She has volunteered at the Marklund Center, Ronald McDonald House, worked with special needs children, raised money for CHIP-IN and community programs, and served as Batavia High School Key (service) Club Vice President.

Katherine Polick plans to attend Hope College, Holland, Michigan, in the fall majoring in engineering. Throughout her years in high school, she has worked with special needs children, Key Club projects in the community, and volunteered with student assistance programs in Ecuador and Mexico.

The Batavia Lions Club is part of Lions Clubs International, the world's largest service organization, serving in over 300 countries.

The 30-member volunteer group of men and women receives no state or federal funding, and funds raised by the club can only be used for vision, hearing, and community needs.

The Batavia Lions have served as volunteers for the Valley Sheltered Workshop, United Way, Batavia Riverwalk, Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry, Batavia Park District, and vision screening.

Club funds have supported community vision and hearing programs, equipment needs for Batavia first responders, Batavia Historical Society, Scouting, Youth Baseball, the Batavia Access Toy Drive, CHIP-IN, Batavia Food Pantry, trunk-or-treating for children, and a high school scholarship program.

The Batavia Lions Plant Day, a fundraiser for over 35 years, has been the primary funding source for the high school scholarships, but it was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Because the club membership is solidly behind supporting and encouraging youth volunteerism, and, not wanting the scholarship program to fail, the members donated over $3,600 to keep the program viable.

Adults interested in supporting the Batavia Lions Club community programs or becoming a Lion member may contact Club President Mike Minella at (630) 215-8963.