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.
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Presentation
The 2020 Wood Scholar presentation to Rebecca Hague at Patrick Wood’s memorial tree, Clark Chapel, Pomfret School. From left: Pat’s sister-in-law Jennifer Wood, brother Colin Wood, mother Lisette Rimer, father Bob Wood with Pat’s niece Addison, Rebecca, and her parents Hank and Jen Hague. Courtesy photo.
POMFRET — Rebecca Hague of Pomfret is the 2020 winner of the Patrick David Wood ’01 Memorial Prize. The award is given to a high-achieving local student entering Pomfret School in the fall. Rebecca distinguished herself at Pomfret Community School with outstanding scholarship, citizenship, and leadership. She was the eighth-grade class president and president of the National Junior Honor Society. She received the Connecticut Association of Schools Scholar Leader Award and the Excellence in Art Award.
Rebecca was presented with a silver bowl by Patrick’s family at Pat’s memorial tree near the chapel at Pomfret School.
His mother, Lisette Rimer, said. “He was disciplined, and he had insatiable curiosity. When he got home from school in the eighth grade, he would type his notes from his English class so that he could remember grammar lessons. Most importantly,” Rimer said, “his true gift was character. He was humble and gracious, and I can see that Rebecca has those same qualities. She works hard, and she is a caring, compassionate young lady.”
Rimer said that the award evolved from the “multitude of donations, which poured in after his death and which we decided should support like-minded students.” The award is given on the basis of merit, similar to the full-tuition Peck Scholarship Pat received when he attended Pomfret School in 1997. Rebecca is the sixteenth winner since the award was established in memory of Patrick, who died in 2006 at age 23.
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Inducted
WILLIMANTIC — One local student was inducted in the Eastern Connecticut State University chapter of Sigma Delta Pi national honor society for Spanish this spring 2020 semester: Senior Analia Correa of Danielson, who majors in Spanish.
On dean’s list
BOSTON — Renee Suchy of Dayville was named to the dean’s list at Boston University for the fall semester.
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QVCC funding
deadline July 15
DANIELSON — Quinebaug Valley Community College officials said PACT (Pledge to Advance Connecticut) – Connecticut’s solution to debt-free college – has been funded. Eligible Connecticut residents can earn a degree or certificate from a community college without incurring debt, but they must apply, complete the FASFA, and register full-time for classes by July 15 for the fall semester.
PACT provides free tuition and fees for first-time, full-time college students who are residents of Connecticut and have graduated from a Connecticut high school program including GRE or home schooling. The program covers tuition and fees for 3 years or a maximum of 72 credits earned within those 3 years. By using PACT at QVCC, students can earn an associate’s degree and begin their careers or seamlessly move on to a bachelor’s degree program, all without incurring debt.
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