We are accepting applications from High School Seniors for our Rotary Scholarship program. Each year we award scholarships to Valley students that are planning to attend college, a university, technical school or continuing education program. If you know a youth who you feel would benefit, please share the link to our applications. For more information contact Sondra at mfjak@mtaonline.net.
We raise money from our Rotary Uncorked event each year for scholarships and for local organizations such as My House. To get involved, our next Rotary Uncorked event will be held in October 7th 2023.
We are looking for High School Seniors who have a strong commitment to Community Service and strong Leadership skills.
This year, nine students will be awarded scholarships:
One $3,000 Service Above Self Scholarship
One $2,000 Menard Outstanding Leadership Scholarship
Four $1,000 Outstanding Service Scholarships
Three $1,000 Outstanding Leadership Scholarships.
There are two applications available. One for Service and one for Leadership. Please share with everyone you know who either is or has a High School Senior. They can attend a High School, Charter School, private school, Career Tech, or be a home schooler. They must be attending either a college, university, trade school, or other continuing education institution.
We want to make sure we give to as many students as we can. The MatSu Rotary 5Khas been the fundraiser for these scholarships. Because of the great sponsors and the participants, along with many tireless volunteer hours by Rotarians, we are able to give so many scholarships.
Contact Roxie Mayberry at 907-414-3634 or Sondra Kaplan at 907-227-3486 for more information.
Last year, five well deserved students were awarded scholarships totaling $12,000.
Rotary Community “Service Above Self” Scholarship $5,000 — Jacob B. Davis. This scholarship, named for the motto of Rotary, ‘Service Above Self’, is awarded to students based on community service and need. Jacob worked throughout high school and volunteered in many capacities in the community. Including in the setup and organization of the holiday events for children at the Elks Lodge. He helped with the yearly football Luau Dinner and “Team Sweeps” (local businesses that need their parking lots swept in the spring). Jacob spent many hours in mentorship through the local Youth Athletics programs. He played guitar for five year for the school band and events. He stated, “I plan to incorporate community service into my career by volunteering with athletic organizations and pursuing an internship to help sports programs with athletic training during college.” Jacob plans to attend the University of Idaho and go into sports medicine.
MenardScholarship for Outstanding Leadership $3,000 — Ashton Lund. This scholarship is named in honor of a lifelong Wasilla resident and Rotarian, Curtis C. Menard II, whose legacy inspires us to embrace life, serve our community, and practice our faith enthusiastically. Ashton served in the Student Government, on the National Technical Honor Society, Health Occupation Students of America, Science Olympiad, and the Ocean Bowl. She speaks fluid Spanish and hopes to work with underprivileged children. Ashton plans to attend the Union University in Tennessee, where she will study Biomedical Engineering.
Rotary Continuing Education Scholarship $2,000 — Thomas E. Soto. This scholarship is awarded based on merit and need. Thomas was an Eagle Scout and is a church leader, teaching the 5th grade kids in their children’s ministry. He participated in the local VPA and in high school drama (Shrek, Tempest, The Bully Plays, etc.) helping with setup, writing, and delivery of musical scores. As member of the All State Marching Band, and winner of the Rose Parade, he was part of the only marching band from Alaska! Achieving superior ratings at the Solo & Ensemble Festival, Thomas was invited to join the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corp for 2015. Thomas will attend the San Francisco Conservatory for Music, where he will obtain a degree in Technology and Applied Composition. Upon graduating, he plans to share his knowledge and experience by raising high school musicians to a higher level of composition in Alaska.
Rotary Continuing Education Scholarship $2,000 — Sarah Bonn. This scholarship is awarded based on merit and need. Sarah was a member of the National Honor Society, Student Government, and Vice President of the Spanish National Honor Society. Sarah volunteered at the Recycling Center, Alaska State Fair, the local Senior Center, and the Animal Shelter. She is one of twelve girls in a school of 1,100 students to play on both the Varsity Basketball Team, and the Volleyball team. Sarah plans to attend the Matsu College here at home, where she will obtain a degree in the health field as a Dental Hygienist, allowing her to continue to serve the community where she grew up.
Youth Exchange Winter Orientation is just around the corner... Maddie, our new Outbound Exchange Student will receive her Country Assignment here... all are encouraged to mark your calendars.
KATIE IS IN BOLIVIA AND DOING GREAT! WHERE WILL MADDIE GO? COME FIND OUT!
On January 14th thru 17th, Youth Exchange Students from around the state will gather in Anchorage at the Millennium Alaska Hotel for training and preparation of their coming year abroad. The Banquet will be filled with almost unfathomable excitement as each Outbound Student (22 in all) await the announcement of the country they would go to in 2016-17. As each country is announced, the OB (Outbound Student) will be joined on stage by their country's Inbound (IB), Rebound (RB), Rotec (RT) and flag! A Rotec is a Rebound who has been back for more than a year.
After the excitement, students will relax with a dance to celebrate! Pictures all around...this is too much fun to miss.
We have designated $20,000 in scholarships to students who excel in Leadership and Service.
The Scholarship Committee will be meeting shortly after the April 15th to review the applications of local high school graduates. Please notify Sondra Kaplan, mfjak@mtaonline.net if you are in need of a scholarship application, or see your counselor at your high school or technical school.
The Rotary Uncorked event is our fundraiser for the scholarships. This event is held every year in October at the Menard Center in Wasilla.
As Rotarians, we should all get involved in these worthwhile activities for our club.
A reminder that if you Register for District Conference by December 31 the discounted registration fee applies AND you are automatically entered to win a flight-seeing trip for 2 provided by K-2 Aviation & Rust's Flying Service.
Don't delay- you may be the lucky winner! To register, please visit: rotarydistrict5010.org
We have secured a special conference rate at Talkeetna Lodge, our conference location. Just $135 per night, first come first serve on the room type. This should incentivize everyone to book early to get Mountain Side and Main Lodge rooms! Once these rooms are filled, reservations will flow to the exterior lodge rooms. Please request the room type preferred when makingreservations.
You may begin to reserve rooms starting today, October 1st. Please call 866-845-6338 toll free, or 907- 777-2806 local. You may also email: groupsales@ciri.com. Either by phone or email, simply say that you are with the Rotary Conference, and the discounted rate applies.
An exciting, fun and informative conference is being planned! District conference provides an ideal opportunity for new members & friends to learn more about Rotary International, our District 5010, leadership and service opportunities- plus creating new friendships. Watch your email for other details to follow.
Checklist
Early Bird registration by December 30. rotarydistrict5010.org
Look forward to winning a flight-seeing trip for two!
Call or email Talkeetna Lodge to secure a great room!
Invite new members of your club, family or friends to conference
We look forward to seeing you in Talkeetna May 12-15, 2016.
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