As the school year comes to an end, the Scarborough Rotary year closes too. June has been a busy month for Scarborough Rotary and the youth that we serve. Though we are many months removed from Christmas, it is impossible for Scarborough Rotary not to have Christmas trees top of mind – our Christmas tree sales at Oak Hill Mobil is our largest fundraiser. Without the support of Oak Hill Mobil, we would not be able to provide the great youth programs our club is vested in.

On June 27, 10 sophomore students will head off to Camp Hinds in Raymond to attend RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award). These students: Victoria Armishaw, Carolyn Bennett, Abigail Chick, Hannah Freeman, Bridget Hicks, Courtney Hughes, Dennis Lu, Ryan Mancini, Emilia Scheemaker, and Leveena Sehgal will participate in an intense outdoor leadership experience that will be life-changing. This program helps students understand ethics, increase self confidence, gain exposure to a variety of issues and people – they will form new and lasting friendships, that will benefit their personal growth, and better serve their community, as a result. We wish these teens a great conference.

Three high school graduates will head off to college next year with $1,000 scholarships from Scarborough Rotary. These students have exhibited great community service that reflects the Rotary motto: “Service above self.” These students are: Victoria Barton, Matthew Couilliard, and Felicia Mazzone. 

On behalf of Scarborough Rotary club, we would like to extend our congratulations to the RYLA scholarship recipients and the college scholarship recipients. We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to Oak Hill Mobil for providing us this great location to sell our Christmas trees – we couldn’t serve our youth without their generosity. And we would also thank the many Scarborough residents who support Rotary throughout the year buying Christmas trees and fruit – and more. Stop by the concession stand at the summer concert series – Scarborough Rotary will cook you an affordably delicious meal.

Karen Vachon

President-elect, 2009-2010