By Rhonda Hancock and Neville Buchanan: A new focus this year is the video essay scholarship highlighting the Mary Rose Mission as the topic of the video. Applicants were asked to make a 2-3 minute video highlighting the MRM, its purpose, any background information that would help people in our community understand the need it fills and the growing problem of food insecurities in our area.
The video essay winner, Courtney Jo Young, is a sophomore at Walton-Verona High School. She is very tech savvy and is also very community-minded, so this was a perfect project for her to do. Courtney Jo is the daughter of Magistrate Bobby Young, so she understands the need to get involved in our community and help others less fortunate than herself. Courtney Jo was accompanied to the Rotary Club meeting by her sister, Alexandra, her mother, Jackie and her father, Bobby. Courtney Jo said in her presentation that she is going to make a difference and change the world, and there is no doubt that she will! She received a $500 scholarship.
The other two yearly scholarships are the Florence Rotary Club Scholarships. Two $2000 scholarships are given each year to deserving Boone County high school seniors who are pursuing post-secondary degrees. This year, six of the seven Boone County High Schools were represented. Each Boone County high school selected one student from their pool of applicants who represented their school and Rotary International ideals best. Each of these students filled out an application, highlighting their academics, leadership skills and community service. Once selected to represent their school, each went on to be interviewed by the Florence Rotary Club Scholarship Selection Committee. The members of the Scholarship Selection Committee were: Adam Howard, Co-Chair, Rhonda Hancock, Co-Chair, Janice Flanagan, Dr. Herb Booth, Paul Feuss, and Barbara Rahn. The decision was very difficult to make since each of the six students were truly exemplary. The winners were selected based on their academic standing, character, community service, leadership abilities and how they communicated these in an interview setting.
Kara Kerns was selected to receive one of the 2014 Florence Rotary Club Scholarship. The award is in the amount of $2000 and will be used to further her education at Northern Kentucky University after graduating from Boone County High School this June. Kara is only 17 years old and has already been involved in many community service projects. The one she is most passionate about is the Cincinnati Dream Center. She and several NKU students go to Over-the-Rhine and Price Hill to minister to the kids in these lower income neighborhoods a few times a month. She helped organize the group that began with 2 members just a few months ago; now the group exceeds 50 participants! Kara has been active as a student mentor, kindergarten assistant, and worked at Walgreens. Kara will be majoring in elementary education and special education and hopes to be an outstanding teacher in order to help every child reach their full potential. Kara was accompanied by her father, Jim and her high school counselor, Katie Parks. Kara truly is an wonderful example of America’s youth at its best!
Tim Peterson was selected to receive the second of the two 2014 Florence Rotary Club Scholarships. Tim is an Eagle Scout, an active member of Hebron Baptist Church, and an outstanding student. Since Tim started Scouts in the second grade, he has been involved in many community service projects. He has worked tirelessly on many church related projects and scouting projects. For his church, he has helped with Vacation Bible School, and at school he has helped upgrade the media program. He seeks out opportunities to serve and does so with a high-degree of commitment and passion. Tim simply loves to serve people. His presentation to the club highlighted several community service projects he has not only participated in but also organized and led. For example, he placed flag on veterans graves in honor of their military service, and helped beautify area green space. Tim will also be attending Northern Kentucky University in the fall after graduating from Conner High School. He will pursue a degree in Computer Engineering in the College of Informatics. Tim is a student with a bright future ahead and one that will impact his community for many years to come.
Congratulations to all three of the scholarship winners. Each one is so deserving!
Photography by Paul Feuss.
