Honoring Rotary Scholars

March 31, 2009: Today Jeremy Cook had the privilege of introducing our four Rotary Scholars. These recipients were selected, not only for their academic talent and goals for higher education, but on the basis of the fulfillment of the Rotary Motto -“Service Above Self.” These individuals epitomize the passion to serve others.

Adair Kerrison from Ashley Hall is a senior and has worked and supported individuals with Downs Syndrome. She developed an extreme awareness for the needs of individuals with Downs Syndrome and those that love them because her sister was diagnosed with Downs Syndrome. She feels that service to others gives her life purpose and she is president of a club that supports Downs Syndrome at Ashley Hall.

Avonna McHoney from Burke High School, is a scholar, with a 3.93 GPA average for her 4 years in high school and is a drum major. She has been accepted to Howard University, University of SC, and SC State and hopes to become a music teacher or a music producer. She works very diligently with Pink House to help tutor underprivileged students with need to develop their reading skills. She feels that helping students academically will not only help them improve in the classroom but will help them to overcome their shyness.

Blair Cadden is at the top of her class at First Baptist High School, is Vice President of the Senior Class, Active in the National Honors Society, and Church Youth Theater Production. She has been accepted by New York University in Drama and works consistently with many different organizations. Her service to others has taught her that extending a hand out but not down is good for both the receiver and the giver.

Jesse Grady is a student leader at Porter-Gaud High School and plans on attending Clemson University to obtain a degree in Psychology. Her service project is working with disadvantaged children to help them see their lives more positively. She was deeply affected by her project and understands the value of service to others.

Please join me in congratulating these four winners of the Rotary Scholarship and send them to college with your hopes and prayers.

Submitted by Wayne Outlaw, Keyway Committee