L to R: Claire “Birdie” Sherwood, University of South Florida; Cayden Pierson, UNC Chapel Hill; Coby Bloedow, NC State; Hunter Conner, UNC Chapel Hill; Jaylin Raby, UNC Chapel Hill; Claire Worley, UNC Chapel Hill; Isaiah Vilardo, North Georgia Tech.
You may know the popular Rotary quote, “It costs $0 to be a decent human being.”
For this year’s Highlands High School Rotary scholarship recipients, that spirit of decency – and dedication – may give their freshman year an added career kick‑off.
Forty‑three years ago, the Rotary Club of Highlands began awarding scholarships to outstanding college‑bound students. Rotarian Stacey Russell, the club’s first president (1945–46), set aside funds for this purpose, establishing a tradition that has since provided nearly $300,000 in support.
Applicants are evaluated using a clear formula: 50 percent service, 25 percent merit, and 25 percent seriousness of career purpose. This year, seven exceptional students received a combined $20,000 in scholarship awards.
Recipients remain eligible for funding each college year by maintaining the required GPA and staying in touch with the committee.
These five women and two men exemplify the values that keep the Rotary wheel turning – service, integrity, and a commitment to community.
Scholarship Committee Chair Cynthia Dendy noted two meaningful milestones: “Isaiah Vilardo is the first to receive a scholarship to attend a technical school. Claire Worley is the first to receive the Dr. W. Slocum Howland, Jr. UNC Chapel Hill Scholarship, named in honor of Dr. Howland’s dedication to Rotary and UNC.”
In closing, Dendy offered a bit of wisdom from philosopher Curious George: “Remember that every ending is a bright new beginning.”
Congratulations to the Highlands scholars and their proud parents.
And thanks to the Rotary Club of Highlands for their continued support of Highlands students and their commitment to Service Above Self.
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