Youth Service Awards 2010

The Rotary Club of North Conway recently held a special dinner to present the Rotary Youth Service Award to eight Mount Washington Valley students, one from each Elementary/Middle School. Over 65 people attended to honor our future community leaders. "These awards are special", says Rotary Club Member Tom Holmes. "There are many opportunities for service and the residents of the Valley are known for their willingness to help each other. This attitude filters down to even the youngest among us. It is never too early to recognize good work from our young community members and these students exemplify the Rotary philosophy of Service Above Self."

The students, nominated by their principals and teachers, were volunteers ranging in age from 10 - 13. Activities they participate in regularly are too numerous to list but include helping with Meals on Wheels, volunteering to help younger students read in school, raising money for cancer research, helping at local day care centers, Girl Scout and Boy Scout service projects in the Valley, and donating time to helping animals at the local Humane Society.

The message Rotary wants to convey is that community members of all ages can work to shape our environment in a positive way. According to Evelyn Whelton, Rotary Club President, "These students are selfless. They set an example for all of us and we are very proud of them. It is an honor to be able to spend time with them, celebrating their hard work and dedication."

The awards were presented by Sherri Bernier, Rotary Club Member and event organizer. Families of the award recipients were encouraged to attend the celebration. Award recipients received a Certificate of Achievement, a Rotary Coin, Gift Certificates to the local movie theater and gift cards to Settlers Green. For more information on the Rotary Club of North Conway check us out at www.northconwayrotary.org.

Pictured are Rotary Club members Sherri Bernier and Evelyn Whelton with the 2010 Youth Service Award winners.