The Rotary Club of Belleville honoured high school student graduates who have been chosen by their schools' bursary committees because of their kindness to others which naturally blends into the Rotary motto of Service Above Self. Kindness can be large as the generosity of a rich foundation or small as in a smile or a meal, random as a hello to a stranger. Kindness does not know age and has no limit. Kindness describes the quality of the human heart. Rotarian John Smale, Chair of the Student Bursary committee was pleased to introduce some of the recipients today. After reading their transcripts, he was in awe at the breadth and depth of their acts of kindness in their volunteering, organizing, reaching out, teaching, mentoring and all without the want for recognition. Previously presented at the student's high school graduation, it was decided this year to have the students attend a Rotary lunch, be introduced to the world of Rotary and hopefully to pursue membership in Rotary in their future. John also introduced Rotarian Jill Vanderkooy, who will be taking over the Student Bursary program next year and thanked her for helping to pull together this new approach. Jill is a strong supporter of youth and a valuable asset to continue and grow this long standing club program. The students spoke in alphabetical order of their school name. Pictured here are students with proud parents, Rotarian John Smale, Rotarian Jill Vanderkooy and President Karen Baker.
Centennial Secondary School recipient Cameron Weaver spoke about his involvement with Tutor Crew, a program that allows students to access free tutoring from student volunteers. Cameron is the president of the program and has had the privilege of seeing firsthand the difference that extra academic support can make in someone's education, making a real impact. Prior to involvement in Tutor Crew, Cameron was part of Student Council where leadership and teamwork were part of the learning curve. Cameron learned how to make change happen, even in small ways. Cameron thanked the Rotary Club of Belleville for this Service Above Self award and recognition.
Eastside Secondary School recipient Addie Cater through the example of her mom, helping others has always been a part of who she is. Addie estimates that she has done well over 300 hours of community service during her four years of high school from volunteering at her dance studio and working with the Girl Guides of Canada, to helping with grade nine orientation and Relay for Life initiative. She is glad to have had the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others, even if in a small way. Thank you for that opportunity. Addie promises to use this opportunity to pursue a career that will allow her to continue helping others.
Quinte Christian High School recipient Anna Woodrow was also recently a Mayor of the Week under the Rotary program and was pleased to be returning once again. Anna feels a community can be built through connecting with a simple conversation. A simple conversation can change and reveal so much about a person and with mental health being so important in today's world, a simple "how are you" can really make a difference. Realizing the importance of these connections and checking in on people, Anna created a devotion group at her school. Many topics are discussed and a casual safe space allowed students to make new friends and feeling more comfortable at school.
St. Theresa Secondary School recipient Lena Shannon sees service above self as much more than a motto, but a commitment to look beyond our own needs and step up when our neighbours and communities needs us the most. Over the years, Lena has organized school fundraisers, mentored local youth and lent her time to community recycling efforts and through those, she has learned that service isn't always about grand gestures, but about showing up, consistently, quietly and with compassion. Lena's third period class does recycling for the whole school every Thursday, learning that recycling isn't just about reducing waste, but about showing the school and her peers that every small action matters and that we all have a role in protecting the place we live in. Lena's experience assisting in running Relay for Life was one of her most rewarding. As well, Lena had the privilege of connecting with students through mentoring Grade 9 students as a senior at the school. More often than not, Lena walks away with more than she gave, with incredible moments that will stay with her and deepen her love for this community.
Nicholson Catholic College recipient Catriona Currie was unable to attend today because she was representing her school at a Science Fair, but her speech was read by Rotarian Jill Vanderkooy. Catriona first began volunteering with her local Sparks unit in Grade 5 and from there realized that she enjoyed working and volunteering with children. She spent time with kindergarten children and did a co-op placement in a Grade 10 classroom. Last year she want on a mission trip to Jamaica, what an amazing opportunity that was! Last summer, Catriona began lifeguarding and teaching swimming lessons at the YMCA. All of these opportunities have helped her recognize the importance of uplifting the voice of youth and assisting them for their own future.
Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf recipient Vaylena Sauve was unable to attend, but Rotarian Jill was happy to read her cheerful speech. Vaylena feels she was very fortunate to have a deaf family and because of that, feels she was able to be more involved with the deaf community. At a young age, Vaylena's mom started hosting events to bring hearing people in touch with deaf people to learn about their culture, their language and Vaylena is still very involved in this collaboration. She is also involved planning school events that requires much of her time and effort. Service Above Self to Vaylena means making sure that everyone else is comfortable, having fun, being happy and creating good memories. It also means putting others first, not always easy to do, but something that Vaylena focuses on as best she can. A little kindness can go a long way.