NORTHEAST CT — Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club continued its commitment to local graduating high school seniors through the awarding of five $1,000 scholarships and hand-delivery of a special dinner for each of the families to share June 24.
The recipients of QVR Rotaract Club’s 2020 Scholarships are Alyssa Arends and Nathan Craig of the Woodstock Academy; Keeley Cerbo  and Soudalath Souvanhnaphan of Killingly High School; and Justin St. Martin of Putnam High School.
“We are always amazed to see how successful the young people in our communities are and all that they’ve accomplished,” said outgoing President Emily Barnes.
“I am truly honored to receive this award from an organization as dedicated to helping the community as the QVR Rotaract Club,” wrote recipient Nathan Craig. This year’s recipients are on to big things. Nathan plans to study at Brown University in the fall, Arends at Quinnipiac University, Souvanhnaphan at UConn, Cerbo at Nichols College, and St. Martin at Landmark College.
“We felt these students rose above the rest in demonstrating their commitment to their community and the ideal of ‘service above self’,” wrote Scholarship Committee Co-chair, Jessica Fontaine, when describing the competitive pool of applicants this year.
In an effort to provide a special experience during this period of physical distancing, QVR Rotaract Club partnered with local Thompson restaurant, ANYA, to provide a full course meal for the families, delivered to their doorsteps by members of the club. The club also enlisted the help of recipients’ references to make a virtual ceremony video hosted on their F a c e b o o k p a g e.
“One of our favorite aspects of the scholarship process is meeting recipients at our annual Awards Night where their accomplishments can be celebrated amongst their families, our community partners, and local leaders,” said Scholarship Committee Co-chair and incoming President Kevin Davis.
“We know this delivery option was a bit unconventional – and we would have much preferred to offer the full Award Night experience – however we hope this might still capture the spirit of celebrating their great achievements,” added Scholarship Committee Co-chair, Jessica Fontaine.

..