Annual Scholarship and Service Awards

 

Each year, the Rotary Club of Middletown presents scholarships to area high school students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and who also exemplify “Service Above Self”, the motto and core mission of Rotary.  Additionally, the Club recognizes two individuals for their dedication to community service with a Paul Harris Service Award.

 

This year’s Scholarship Award recipients are Dilawaiz Rao of Mercy High School (attending Mount Holyoke College in the fall); Jonathan Gonzalez, of Xavier High School (attending Catholic University in the fall); and Justin Renk, of Portland High School (attending Colgate University in the fall).   Dilawaiz Rao and Jonathan Gonzalez were awarded the Rotary Club of Middletown Scholarships, while Justin Renk was the recipient of the Arthur and Edythe Director Family Rotary Education Award.  Each of the recipients excelled academically and received numerous academic accolades.  Further, each demonstrated outstanding service qualities to their schools in leadership roles of various organizations, as well as to the community at large through many hours of volunteer service.

 

The two Paul Harris Award recipients for this year are Kevin Elak, the current Acting Health Director with the City of Middletown, and Patricia (Pat) Tucker (posthumously).  Kevin Elak was recognized for his leadership to the City of Middletown in addressing health and safety issues presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.  Pat Tucker was a Past President and 20-year active Rotarian and was recognized for her numerous contributions to the Rotary Club of Middletown.  Additionally, the Rotarian of the Year Award was given to all Club members for their dedication and continuous support to the mission of Rotary during the pandemic. 

 

The Rotary Club of Middletown is a longstanding volunteer service organization that serves the needs of the citizens of the greater Middletown area.  Implementing the mission of “Service Above Self,” the Club sponsors local grants to area nonprofit organizations that benefit their local communities.  The Club also assists area youth in developing leadership skills through the Student of the Month and Scholarship Programs, local youth Interact and RYLA Programs, and through the Rotary Youth Exchange Program.  The Rotary Club of Middletown is a proud sponsor, along with Liberty Bank, of the annual Turkey Drive, which provides a complete Thanksgiving dinner to participating local individuals and families.  The Club also sponsors initiatives that address literacy and food insecurity; clean water projects both on local and international levels; and polio eradication projects worldwide.  The Rotary Club of Middletown currently meets weekly at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate.