Rotary awards $15,000 to high school seniors

WEDNESDAY - Bonners Ferry Rotary presented $15,000 in scholarships to the 2016 BFHS Seniors Wednesday night at an ice cream social, compliments of the Kootenai River Inn. Rotary started this tradition 14 years ago with two $250 scholarships.

President, Ron Sukenik, emphasized the importance of each scholarship, “ The scholarships that you are receiving today are not a hand out. They are not a gift, they are not something you are owed by society. You have earned them,” Sukenik stated to the packed room.

He continued, “we are investing in you because you are our future. Take it seriously.”

This year’s recipients are Abby Davis-General Feed and Grain Rotary Scholarship; Alaina Rushing; Ashley Garner-Mel Branch Memorial Scholarship; Brianna Reasoner-Don Bartling Founding Presidents Scholarship; Christopher English-Mark McInnes Service above self, Scholarship; Evan Ellis-Accurate Collision Rotary Scholarship; Jack Wade, Jackie Molan, Kerstin Oxford, Maggie McCoy, McKaela Spradlin-Oxford, Inc. Rotary Scholarship; Tanya Currie, Veronica MacDonald and Vincent Bennett-Ray Olson Memorial Scholarship.

The Rotary’s mission is “Service above Self.” The organization is run by dedicated members who are volunteers. Rotary recognizes that it takes a village to raise a child, and they are proud to be apart of that village.

The Rotary meets every Tuesday at noon at Mugsy’s.