Five students who attend St. Isaac Jogues School, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, and Hinsdale Central High School received the Rotary Club of Hinsdale’s Youth Merit Award Friday, December 3, 2010. This recognition acknowledges exceptional high school and middle school students for their scholarship, leadership and service.
The Rotary Club of Hinsdale honors students from area public and private schools at award ceremonies several times each school year. Rotarian and Hinsdale resident Carolyn Snyder coordinates the program. Staff members at Hinsdale Central High School, Hinsdale Middle School, Clarendon Hills Middle School, Hinsdale Adventist Academy and St. Isaac Jogues School nominate students. The award winners attend a Rotary meeting, address the club members about their activities and interests, and receive a certificate to commemorate the occasion. Middle school students attend with their parents and also invite an influential teacher.
The second Youth Merit Award presentation of the 2010-11 school year was held Friday, Dec. 3. Merit awards went to the following students:
Matthew Agard, Grade 8, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, Hinsdale resident
Kealan Burke, Grade 8, St. Isaac Jogues School, Hinsdale resident
Mary Kate Kemp, Grade 8, St. Isaac Jogues School, Hinsdale resident
Mark Thomas Malkoski, senior, Hinsdale Central High School, Burr Ridge resident
Claudia Velasquez, Grade 8, Hinsdale Adventist Academy, Downers Grove resident
“The Rotary Club of Hinsdale developed the Merit Award Program to recognize the leadership and contributions of young people in middle and high school. This is just one way Rotarians “give back” to the community and support others who do likewise,” said Rotary Club of Hinsdale President Mike Sedlak. “Merit Award winners are among the outstanding contributors of society. Maybe some will become Rotarians themselves one day!”
The Rotary Club of Hinsdale meets weekly at 12:15 p.m. at the Community House in Hinsdale. The club, founded in 1959, consists of men and women of diverse backgrounds whose personal commitment to service ranges from support of local youth programs to assistance for the poor and sick across the globe. For more information, visit www.hinsdalerotary.org.
