Rotaract 

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PUTNAM — The Quinebaug Valley Regional Rotaract Club held its First Annual Celebration Dinner June 10 and Rotaract scholarship recipients and community partners were honored, donations presented and incoming officers were inducted.

“I am overjoyed with how successful this year has been for the Rotaract Club,” said Rotaract President Crystal DiZazzo. “The community has been extremely supportive of our goals and events, which we truly appreciate, and I believe we will continue to grow and create a positive difference in the years to come.”

The Rotaract Club is a community service and professional networking organization for young professionals (ages 18 to 35) co-sponsored by the Putnam and Danielson Rotary Clubs and committed to the Rotary model of “Service Above Self.”

The Rotaract Club raised more than $3,700 for its scholarship fund at its First Annual Rotaract Trivia Night last fall.  After an application process, the club selected four local students in recognition of their community involvement, academic achievements and extracurricular activities. Each student will receive a $500 college scholarship.

Scholarship recipients are: Woodstock Academy student Emily Becher, who will attend Eastern Connecticut State University this fall; and Killingly High School students Zane Cook, who will attend University of Connecticut this fall; Mikayla Pasco, who will attend Roger Williams University this fall; and Kelsey Rioux, who will attend Rhode Island College this fall.

Donations were presented to Daily Bread and Day Kimball Hospital’s Deary Memorial Cancer Fund. The donations stemmed from the Rotaract club’s 2nd Annual Celebrity Bartender Night, held April 17. The event raised $3,600. The club donated $1,800 each to organization. 

The club recognized Citizens National Bank President David Conrad and WINY Radio 1350 AM owners Gary and Karen Osbrey with Community Partnership Awards. Conrad served as “Trivia Master” at the club’s Trivia Night event. The Osbreys have been enthusiastic supporters of the Rotaract Club and have participated in every club event. The club also recognized Jeffrey Rawson and Ronald Coderre with Special Appreciation Awards. As Rotary Club advisers to the group, both have made significant contributions to the club.

New officers include: President Emily Groves, Vice President Sarah Mortensen, Treasurer Jade Flynn, Secretary Rachel Locke, and Past President Crystal DiZazzo. Members are Alexandra Chase, Joseph DiCollela, Jacob Dykeman, Andy Morrison, Mallory Murray, Jessica Rawson and Bryan Smith.

New members interested in community service and professional networking are encouraged to join. The club’s next meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 15 at J.D. Cooper’s Restaurant. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/putnamrotaractclub. The club’s next focus will be on donating time to community service projects this summer. The club also plans to hold its 2nd Annual Trivia Night this fall.