The Rotary Club of Welland is pleased to congratulate the 2024 Rotary Gold Medallion recipients from the graduating classes of 5 Welland and 2 Port Colborne High Schools.

The Rotary Club of Welland has offered some form of Rotary Bursary since 1950, with more regular recipients beginning in 1963 – 61  years ago! Two students from each of the 7 secondary schools graduating classes in Welland and Port Colborne are selected by their peers and guidance office.

These students have been chosen by their peers and Guidance staff because they personify the motto of Rotary “Service Above Self” as well as following the Four Way Test: “Of all the things we think say or do: Is it the truth? Is it Fair to all concerned?  Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? They have made worthy contributions to the life of the school and the community at large and possess the qualities, abilities and interests that make them worthy representatives of their schools. At the same time, achieving academic success.

This year’s recipients are Zoe Ventnor and Isaac Khan (Welland Centennial Secondary School); Kaitlyn Heimpel and Samuel Keddy (Eastdale Secondary School); Julia Daniels and Elijah Noel (École secondaire catholique Saint-Jean-de-Brébeuf); Brigitte Lessard and Cédric Theleys (École secondaire Franco-Niagara); Carolyn Buri and Ryan Mullin (Lakeshore Catholic High School); Mia Colangelo and Aiden Gallagher (Notre Dame College); and Rianne Robitaille and Alex McNay (Port Colborne High School).

The Rotary Club of Welland, in recognition of their integrity, selflessness and worthy contribution to the life of your school with the unwavering commitment to the needs of others, provides a certificate, along with a Gold Medallion and small bursary, which were presented to the recipients as part of their graduating program. Each school also has a permanent plaque indicating the recipients over the years.

At the Rotary Meeting on June 11^th, we had the pleasure of meeting these remarkable young people in person. They were asked to present a summary of the accomplishments, participation, and contribution; however not of themselves, but of their fellow classmate.  Repeatedly. they talked about dedication and involvement in not only school life, but community volunteerism. All recipients were driven to participate in many scholastic and athletic activities, mentoring younger students, and participating in the school’s leadership.